The real challenge: jars, not water
A supplier with a few hundred customers can easily have a thousand or more jars out in the market. If you do not know how many jars each customer holds, you cannot ask for them back, you cannot charge for lost jars and you keep buying new ones.
Take a security deposit for every jar
Ask each new customer for a refundable deposit per jar. Write down the amount and the number of jars it covers. When the customer stops taking water and returns all jars, refund the deposit. If jars are not returned, the deposit covers your loss.
Record filled given and empties taken back on every delivery
On each delivery, note two numbers: filled jars given and empty jars collected. The difference tells you how many jars are with the customer. Over time, this simple habit is the most valuable record in your business.
Tip: If a customer’s jar count keeps rising, collect the extra empties on the next visit before giving more full jars.
Bill daily customers monthly
Homes and offices that take water every day usually pay monthly. Keep each delivery recorded and make one clear bill at the end of the month showing jars delivered, the rate and any previous dues.
Keep dues in check
- See every customer’s balance before the delivery boy leaves.
- Collect old dues before they grow beyond one month.
- Record every payment, cash or UPI, the day it is received.
Plan delivery routes
Group customers by area and deliver in the same order each day. Fixed routes save fuel and time, and customers know when to expect the delivery.
Stay compliant
Packaged drinking water in India needs a BIS certification mark and an FSSAI licence. If you supply jars from a plant, make sure your plant’s licences are up to date.
Track every jar with VyapaarMatrix
- See filled, empty and with-customer jar counts at any time.
- A deposit per product, and every jar given and taken back recorded for each customer.
- Purchases, returns of empties to your plant and supplier dues.
- Customer dues and payments, bills with or without GST, and daily expenses.
Questions people ask
Many suppliers take a deposit close to the cost of a new jar, so a lost jar does not cost them money. Check what is normal in your area.
Record filled jars given and empty jars collected on every delivery. The difference is the number of jars with the customer.
Yes. Any business that gives filled containers and takes empties back, such as oxygen, nitrogen or LPG cylinders, works the same way.