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Water Dispenser Buyers Guide 2024
Deciding on the right type of water cooler to buy can be a messy and confusing task. For someone that isn’t well versed in the topic, it can be hard to understand the technical specifications of certain coolers and how they fit a business's needs.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of water coolers available, how to find one to fit your business’s needs, and what to expect from a water cooler supplier.
Considerations Before Purchase
Business Needs
A water cooler must meet the needs of a business. The type of water cooler best for a business depends on a few key factors:
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What is the cost? — Businesses must consider the price of a machine and how many they might need as their budget might affect their negotiations with vendors.
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How big is the machine? — Workplaces with limited space may need to consider the size of the machine and whether it can fit in enclosed spaces or busy corridors.
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Does the water cooler meet health and safety standards? — Businesses must think about safety features when leasing, renting or purchasing a cooler. This includes contamination protection, filtration standards and how easy the machine is to clean.
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Is it practical? — A water cooler needs to provide ample hydration to get through the day — this means being able to carry a large enough volume of water for the entire office.
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How convenient are these water coolers to use for potential clients or other guests? — They need to be easy to understand and use for everyone.
Employee needs
Employees, like the business, also have individual requirements that need to be fulfilled. The most prominent factors when considering employee needs are:
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Are there enough water coolers? — It’s important to understand how many employees there are and how much water is required to avoid queues and shortages.
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How accessible are these machines? — Some employees may have disabilities that prevent them from accessing water coolers in certain areas. These employees must be taken into consideration too.
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How hygienic are the machines? — Water from general drinking taps holds traces of lead, chlorine, giardia and other toxins, which is why a dedicated water cooler is the best way to keep employees healthy with toxin-free water!
Site Needs
Understanding the needs of the site is another important aspect of the water machine selection process. Key factors include:
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Where the machine going to be positioned? — Businesses must consider if the machine is easy to regularly refill, and whether employees access it properly.
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Is the site in need of any renovations soon? — If so, it’s best to put the water cooler as close to the exit as possible to ensure ease of removal before renovations begin.
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How much does it cost to run? — As well as the installation and unit costs, energy costs are important to consider, to ensure precious capital isn’t being wasted on water coolers nobody will use.
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How easy is it to repair and manage these water machines? — Maintenance costs are another crucial factor, and water machines with a higher maintenance requirement are going to be inoperable for longer periods if they stop working.
At Selecta, we offer a range of water machines to suit any business, employee or site needs, all for an affordable price!
What to Look for in a Water Cooler Supplier
Trusted Provider
Vendors with a well-established and traceable record and a large base of happy customers are the ideal supplier to provide the best service.
Regular Maintenance
It’s essential that a supplier also provides regional maintenance and repair services to ensure that a company isn’t left with a broken machine and thirsty employees.
Most reputable suppliers offer regular maintenance or a support helpdesk for broken machines at a minimum.
Green Credentials
Vendors that offer A+ rated, energy-saving machines that waste minimal water and power should be prioritised when purchasing machines — not only for the environmental benefits but the reduced cost too.
Variety
Selecta offers the best of all four of these key areas, making us the perfect provider for all water cooler needs. For more information about what other services we provide, visit our site!