How to Become a Water Filter Distributor
- 1). Go to websites of organizations such as the Clean Water Action, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Quality Association to learn about the water filtration business. Become familiar with water contaminants--such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--and other issues which you may want to present to customers to whom you end up selling water filters.
- 2). Select a water filtration products manufacturing company. Look for one in the website directories published by professional non-profit organizations such as the Water Quality Association and NSF International. NSF International sets standards, tests and certifies water filter drinking units to ensure safety and validate the claims of particular water filter products. Examples of manufacturers and producers of water filters include Rain Soft, Multi-Pure and Paragon Water Systems. Review the claims and stated features as well as the dealer compensation structure of several water filter companies before deciding on a specific one.
- 3). Register as a dealer or distributor with the water filter manufacturer. Purchase the starting distributor package and any company marketing materials, and obtain your dealer identification number.
- 4). Register your water filter business as a legal business with your state. Pay any fees and submit all paperwork associated with registering as a sole proprietorship or Limited Liability Company (LLC). Acquire sales tax permits as needed to charge customers sales tax in your state.
- 5). Put together marketing materials for your water filter business. Create sales brochures and pamphlets that outline the importance of clean water. Design business cards that list your contact information so interested prospects can call or email you. Develop a website that's designed to inform potential customers about the positive effects which a water filter can bring.
- 6). Decide on an advertising and marketing plan. Most water filter manufacturers give you freedom as to how you want to market the filters and purifiers. Decide what niche or population on which you want to focus your efforts, such as the average homeowner or business customer.
