Top100 H2o
GET TO KNOW H2O & BWT
H2O International SA has a proven track record of over 25 years of excellence in the water purification market. At the forefront of the purification industry, we are committed to providing South Africans with the very best water technology available in the world.
In its quest to be SA’s No.1 water purification retailer in SA, H2O International partnered with Europe’s Number 1 in water technology in May 2019.
BWT, Europe’s leading water purification company, is represented by the South African, Johannesburg based, CWC, who is a BWT company and has operated in the South African water industry since 1995. CWC are experts in specialised, project type water treatment solutions. They build most of their water treatment solutions into containers that get shipped throughout Africa.
With over 30 years experience in the global water purification market and a physical presence around the world, BWT is working with H2O International SA to build on its global focus – “for you and planet blue”. BWT have seven R & D (Research and Development) centres, ensuring their products are technologically advanced and aimed at servicing all possible customer needs. Furthermore, their products are DVGW certified, which is the highest, recognised stamp of approval one can get in Europe.
As an H2O International SA franchisee, you’ll be part of an established company and enjoy the support of a leading brand with an experienced team to help you ride the wave of success to great financial rewards. Since the first H2O International franchise opened its doors in 1995, 45 H2O International outlets have been established in Southern Africa, with a footprint that stretches across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia and Ethiopia.
MEET THE TEAM
TONY MARCHESINI
H2O INTERNATIONAL SA’s MANAGING DIRECTOR & FRANCHISOR
Tony has always been a believer in empowering his co-workers and offering them opportunities to advance, innovate and reach their full potential.
Prior to starting the H2O International SA operation, he worked for Italtile Ltd and developed the Ceramic Tile Market (CTM) retail concept and set up the first few franchise outlets. He became the Executive Director of Italtile Pretoria in 1984 and was responsible for marketing the company’s products in, what was known as the Northern Transvaal.
He was later appointed as the Group Marketing Executive of Italtile before resigning in 1992 to focus on his real passion - providing all South Africans with the most advanced technology in water purification. Tony was inspired to start H2O International SA 25 years ago, after becoming aware of the huge difference a water purifier could make to the taste and colour of the water. The added bonus of his family’s health and well-being was equally alluring. His dedication to providing South Africans with only the finest water is what the company’s positioning statement: It’s what’s inside that counts, encompasses.
Tony completed his B.Bus.Sci (Hons) MBA (Cum Laude) degree in 1994. The phenomenal growth of H2O International SA from just one store in Rondebosch to over 45 franchisees across South Africa, Botswana , Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia and Ethiopia is testimony to Tony’s business acumen, integrity, Christian values and stewardship. From humble beginnings, he has ensured that H2O International SA is a company, which places its staff and customers first, and is the leading force in water purification on the African continent too.
IAN MORRIS
H2O INTERNATIONAL SA’s OPERATIONS & NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Ian has over 27 years’ experience in the retail industry in South Africa, with the majority of his years spent either managing and/or owning very successful footwear chain stores, such as Sportshoe World and Footgear.
Time and again, Ian’s combination of strategic approach and detailed operational implementation has led to increased net return on turnover. He is well-known for operational expansion strategies, implementing effective marketing strategies and exceeding sales budgets.
As a life-long active sportsman, Ian can be found most weekends on the hiking trails of the Cape Peninsula and in 2011, he completed a hike to Everest Base Camp with his oldest daughter. Ian has been an active committee member of the False Bay RFC since 1985 and received the Club’s Chairman’s Award in 2013.
MONNIEN GROENEWALD
H2O INTERNATIONAL SA’s FINANCIAL MANAGER
Monnien began her professional career early 1998 in Port Elizabeth as a bookkeeper and accountant in the manufacturing, laboratory, security and environmental consulting industries.
During 2011 she joined a group of companies in the water industry in Johannesburg and her post and responsibilities included all functions of accounting, overseeing fellow accountants and auditing of company accounts.
2018 she started her own part time financial consulting business with a portfolio of clients ranging from estate agents, manufacturing and industrial industries, as well as selected professional and private individuals.
With 9 years of experience in the water industry, she relocated to Cape Town during 2019 to join the H2O BWT Team.
When Monnien is not relentlessly pursuing 'the numbers', she finds solace and harmony in nature and traveling.
CLARE JOHNSON
PURCHASING
Born and raised in the Mother City, Clare originally ventured into the environmental field, doing two years in Nature Conservation studies. Changing fields, she then joined the administration team of a CBD based non-profit organisation working with disadvantaged youths for four years.
Clare has been part of the H2O Support Team since 2016. She’s the face at the front desk and the voice behind the phone. Always up for a challenge, Clare is taking over the reins in the Purchasing Department.
With her flare for organisation and eagerness to serve, Clare’s aims to ensure that our franchisees and clients receive the best in quality and service.
EMILE BERRIES
NATIONAL TECHNICAL & SUPPORT MANAGER
Emile is an integral part of the H2O International Franchisee Support team. He provides hands-on onsite training and technical support for franchisees. Emile, who has performed thousands of installations himself, is the person everyone calls when they need technical advice.
Arriving at H2O in 2004, he started out as an Order Clerk. He was soon promoted to Repairs Department Manager. Emile’s hunger for knowledge, initiative spirit and great work ethic has seen him grow rapidly within the company. He now advises on all technical aspects: from products, to installations and new technologies. His field supports capabilities and the training he provides, enables franchisees to grow their businesses and complete installations with confidence.
His attention to detail and capacity for hard work ensures that the H2O International organisation is at the forefront of the water treatment industry.
OUR CULTURE & VALUES
Our mission is to establish H2O International SA & BWT as a household name that is associated with quality, health and prompt services. A brand that is able to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Coca-Cola and Nestle.
Direct selling is at the heart of H2O International SA’s mode of operation. While each franchise has its own outlet where the public can view the products, purchase and obtain technical support; stores have their own team of sales consultants, marketing and selling of the H2O International products at exhibitions and in-house presentations to businesses and homes too.
Because we truly believe that, “It’s what’s inside that counts”, we are committed to raising awareness among all South Africans about the importance of purified water in daily life. Our ultimate aim is to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for all H2O International customers.
OUR FRANCHISE OFFERING
Candidate franchisees have a choice of different business models defined as H2O Water Station, H2O Mini Water Station and H2O Water Bar/Kiosk. All models offer a great scope for growth and the freedom to determine how you want to progress. Outlets operate on a Direct Selling model and each franchisee is responsible for appointing their own sales team to sell and market H2O International’s range of products through in-home presentations and exhibitions.
A typical day involves motivating and managing your sales team and internal staff. Manning your state-of-the-art water bar or water station, servicing existing customers, ordering stock and matching water problems to our diverse range of solutions.
The majority of sales are made directly with sales consultants calling on prospective customers in their area. Sales also come from website-generated leads, consumers responding directly to advertising or contacting the 0800 number.
Store turnovers range up to R12 million per annum. The support office will provide an account to approved franchisees on a 30-day credit term.
The water business is booming! Now is the time to jump in with the leader – H2O International SA.
We invite you to join our winning team and become part of our success story. As an H2O International franchisee, you will receive the full support of the dedicated H2O International head office team.
THE H2O INTERNATIONAL SA VALUE PROPOSITION
H2O International’s recipe for success includes top-class customer service, excellent quality workmanship, competent management and personnel, and fair and ethical business practices.
Franchisees have access to the H2O International & BWT brand names, which are recognised as market leaders. Both are known for their tried, tested and trusted products, giving franchisees easy acess to potential customers.
Franchisees enjoy step-by-step support, backed by the expertise and know-how of H2O International SA, as well as the CWC / BWT management team. Under the H2O International business system, franchisees benefit from co-operative national advertising campaigns, marketing and sales support and established administrative procedures that help to ensure maximum sales results. Via the H2O International online portal, franchisees have access to price lists, visual materials of the complete H2O International SA range of products, and the operations manual.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
H2O International’s range of over 450 internationally renowned purification systems for the home, office, hospitality and agricultural industries. Our extensive range includes water purifiers, dispensers, coolers and boilers, shower filters, ice makers, food waste disposers, cartridges, spares and services too. Whether it’s purified drinking water, a chlorine-free shower, or excellent tasting coffee or ice — we have the product to satisify the need.
We guarantee that every drop you drink is 100% purified.
MARKET TRENDS & TARGET MARKET
Continual media coverage on such issues as the industrial pollution of dam water and the harmful chemicals used in municipal water supplies has fed the general public’s growing awareness of the deteriorating water quality in South Africa. H2O International SA has benefited from the public’s increasing awareness of health and environmental issues, given that water purification is fast becoming a necessity in South Africa.
While H2O International's primary target market is health and fitness-conscious individuals, families with young children are equally targeted. Our products are also used widely in the hospitality industry, offices, light commercial businesses and factories. Responding to the increasingly questionable quality of our municipal water supply, and allowing customers to purchase water in their own refillable containers at a minimal cost of R1.50 per litre; H2O International SA has been able to grow their customer base among the middle and lower income groups.
WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU
If you are interested in joining an existing business network, believe in a hands-on approach to business management and are willing to work within the parameters of the franchise system, H2O International SA may have an opportunity for you.
H2O International franchisees are dynamic, ambitious go-getters who value good health, able to work with the public, and are willing to work hard to achieve the success they desire. Good selling skills are essential and experience in direct selling is preferable. Franchisees are charged with establishing their own network of distributors and executive distributors. They must identify and develop key people for future management positions, motivate the sales team and seek new opportunities to grow their network.
THE COST
Set-up Cost
Set-up costs range from R500 000 to R1 000 000 (excluding VAT) depending on the type of franchise, location and the quality of the source of the water to be bottled. The total set-up cost provides you with a complete turnkey operation.
Franchisees must have their own unencumbered cash contribution of approximately 50% of the total setup cost.
Franchise Fee
The franchise fee, between R105 000 and R135 000 (excluding VAT), is a once-off payment per franchise or marketing area. The franchise fee secures the rights to operate a franchise, using the H2O International SA trademarks and business systems. This fee is included in the set-up costs.
Working Capital
We recommend that franchisees should have access to around R300 000 to cover their working capital requirement and support the cash flow during the first four months.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The greater the exposure of the shop and the products, the better. It’s important that the location has adequate facilities like banks, coffee shops and eateries to draw customers. Since the H2O International business model draws customers to the store location, the site must be convenient to the customer. The location must be easily accessible with parking.
H2O Water Station
Location: Strip Mall, preferably close to a SPAR or Pick n Pay.
Building characteristics: Building must be clean and neat.
Position within centre: Always on the ground floor.
Desirable anchor tenants: Woolworths, SPAR, Pick n Pay.
Customer parking: Vital, must be convenient for customers to load. Trolleys are essential.
Other notes: Store size from 50 to 75sqm. Municipal water must be supplied and a waste/drainage point is required.
H2O Mini Water Station
Location: Strip Mall, preferably close to a SPAR or Pick n Pay.
Building characteristics: Building must be clean and neat.
Position within centre:
Always on the ground floor.
Desirable anchor tenants: Woolworths, SPAR, Pick n Pay.
Customer parking: Vital, must be convenient for customers to load. Trolleys are essential.
Other notes: Store size from 25 to 50sqm.
Municipal water must be supplied and a waste/drainage point is required.
H2O Water Bar/Kiosk
Location: Shopping centre.
Building characteristics: Beautifully decorated, upmarket centres like Canal Walk or Cavendish Square.
Position within centre: Close to an entrance that offers high foot count.
Desirable anchor tenants: Woolworths.
Customer parking: Customer parking is vital.
Other notes: Ground floor only as it normally has a higher foot count. Size: 6 to 25sqm. Municipal water must be supplied and a waste/drainage point is required.
STAFFING REQUIRMENTS
Each franchisee must appoint a network of dedicated sales consultants.
TRAINING
H2O International SA offers an intensive week-long in-house training course for new franchisees and managers. The introductory training is followed by on-the-job training on one or more sites, while other training courses, including sales consultant training, are offered on an on-going basis throughout the year.
Training modules:
- Product knowledge
- Technical knowledge
- Equipment use and maintenance
- Water bottling procedure
- How to do professional installations
- Management functions and responsibilities
- Industrial relations
- Staff management and training
- Sales training
- Administration and financial procedures
Introductory Training
Cost
R10 000 (excluding VAT)
Venue
H2O International SA Head Office, Tokai
Duration
5 Days
Post-opening training
Cost
R15 000 (excl. VAT)
Venue
On site
Duration
10 Days
DEDICATED SUPPORT FROM AN EXPERIENCED TEAM
As a member of the H2O International franchise network not only do you benefit from our tried-and-tested systems, it also means you never have to face a challenge alone. Whether its operational support, administrative assistance or technical know-how, the H2O International SA team will be there to lend a hand.
The marketing team is headed-up by Tony Marchesini and Brainstorm Marketing. Under their direction, H2O International SA has implemented a multi-media marketing and advertising strategy to drive customers to the franchise stores and company website.
The marketing levy contributed by franchisees pays for appropriate advertorials in selected magazines and Google AdWords campaigns. H2O International SA’s unique integrated marketing system, employing both online and offline-marketing strategies, automatically generates leads, which are passed directly to franchisees. This marketing system, combined with our superior after-sales service, and our expertise in telesales and exhibitions, sets H2O International SA apart from our competitors and underscores our position as an undisputed industry leader.
AVAILABLE LOCATIONS
Eastern Cape
Framesby (PE), Graaf Reinet, Middleburg, Port Elizabeth, Umtata
Gauteng
Akasia, Alberton, Atteridgeville, Bedfordview, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Centurion, Eldoraigne, Edenvale, Forest Hill, Highlands, Kempton Park, Kenilworth, Lenasia, Lynwood, Midrand, Montana, Moreleta Park, Northcliff, Olivedale, Odendaalsrus, Randburg, Riebeeckstad, Silverton, Soweto Main, Vereeniging and Waverley.
KwaZulu-Natal
Amanzimtoti, Bluff, Chatsworth, Glenwood, Harrismith, Highway/Hillcrest, Kokstad, Laysmith, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Queensburgh, Umlazi
Limpopo
Groblersdal, Lephalale, Machado (Louis Trichardt), Musina, Phalaborwa, Thabazimbi, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou
Mpumalanga
Burgersfort, Ermelo, Middelburg, Piet Retief, Trichardt/Secunda, Witbank
North West
Bloemhof, Krugersdorp, Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg
Free State
Bethlehem, Kroonstad, Welkom
Western Cape
Athlone, Brackenfell, Gordons Bay, George, Kuilsriver, Mosselbay, Pinelands, Strand, Vasco/Goodwood, Worcester
Outside SA
Angola, Ghana, Zambia (Lusaka), Zimbabwe, Uganda
TERMS OF AGREEMENT
Management & marketing fee
Management services fee:
6% of turnover, min R 3,600 pm (excl. VAT)
Management services fee on Rental Business: 3% of turnover
Marketing fee: 3% of turnover
Agreement term
Five years with the option to renew for a further five years.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Statutory information
Registered name
H2O International SA (Pty) Ltd
Registration number
2003/002835/07
Registered address
37 Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park Tokai, Cape Town, 7945
Head office address
37 Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park Tokai, Cape Town, 7945
Postal address
Suite 220, Postnet X18, Rondebosch, 7700
INDUSTRY ASSOCATIONS & ACCOLADES
Water Quality Association
— H2O International SA (Pty) Ltd is a member of the Water Quality Association since 1998.
FASA
— H2O International SA (Pty) Ltd is a Full Member of the Franchise Association of South Africa since 1999.
FAQ
What is franchising?
Franchising is defined as an arrangement where one party (the franchiser) grants another party (the franchisee) the right to use its trademark and/or trade name as well as certain business systems and processes, to produce and market goods or service according to certain specifications. The franchisee usually pays a one-time franchise fee as well as a percentage of turnover as royalty or management services fee. For this the franchisee gains immediate name recognition, tried and tested products, standard building design and décor, detailed techniques for running and promoting the business, training of employees, and ongoing assistance in promoting and upgrading of the products.
Am I suited to franchising?
While franchises are growing in popularity, the sad reality is that many people enter into franchise agreements thinking it’s a foolproof plan for success, but the fact is that franchises still fail. The very essence of a franchise is consistency. If you’re not happy to follow someone else’s blueprint, you may be better suited to a different type of venture.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Upon completion of STEP 1 to 3, you will receive a notification from H2O International to proceed with STEP 4
STEP 4
Complete Full Application plus document uploads
STEP 5
Request Credit Check and Application Review R1 725.00 VAT incl
STEP 6
Franchisor Introduction Meeting
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