Getting Started
Q: What does it mean to be a CWS "licensee"?
Acquiring a CWS license allows your company to deliver the patented CWS technology to builders and contractors in your specific geographic area. It allows you to satisfy the growing need for convenient, clean, and affordable concrete washout services that comply with environmental regulations. Q: How does CWS compare with other concrete washout solutions? Historically, many construction sites have used solutions prone to leak, like hay bales or sacks, for concrete washout or, in some cases, simply washed the concrete waste out onto the ground. But with today's increasingly strict environmental regulations, builders, contractors, and concrete pumpers can risk fines in excess of $40,000 per day if they don't use a washout method that keeps caustic concrete waste water out of the environment. A patented and EPA Best Management Practice, the CWS system solves this critical, costly management problem with confidence. What's more, it's an all-in-one solution that's hassle-free for the end customer and, depending on market conditions, you are likely to be able to offer CWS services at lower cost than potentially non-compliant alternatives like hay bales. Q: What is the profit potential of a CWS license? With concrete construction activity still strong throughout the US, and environmental concerns gaining increasing attention, we believe the profit opportunity from a CWS license can be significant in virtually any part of the country. As an example, in the current market, Elk Grove Waste Management in Sacramento, CA, generates revenues of $900/month per bin on average. Of course, individual results will vary, and we encourage potential licensees to contact existing CWS operators to gain a better understanding of the range of potential revenues to be achieved. The revenue and profit potential of a CWS license in any market depends on several factors, including the number and type of bins you deploy, the price you charge the end user, local competition from substitutes, local construction activity, and seasonality. Before pursuing a CWS license, we encourage all prospective licensees to do a thorough analysis of their local market to estimate the opportunity. Q: What is involved in implementing the CWS solution? There are three steps to providing CWS services on a construction site: provision of one or more CWS bins at the construction site, vacuuming and appropriate disposal of wastewater, and disposal of remaining concrete solids. To offer the CWS solution, you must have (or acquire) the equipment and yard space needed to perform these services. If your company offers a related service such as construction waste removal or sewage pumping, you may already have many of the assets needed to offer CWS services. All new licensees will, at a minimum, need to acquire CWS bins through one of our approved manufacturers. To determine what equipment you'd need to acquire, please check equipment needs section of this website. Q: What costs are incurred to start up and operate a CWS business? Costs to start a new CWS operation include cost of bins and any other equipment needed (see "Equipment Needs Guidelines" in this packet), plus the cost of outfitting your yard with a wash pad and water treatment system (as needed). Ongoing costs may include disposal of waste water; recycling solid waste material (in many markets, this is free, since concrete crushing operations gladly accept - and in some cases even pay for - the concrete solids; local marketing, sales, and advertising costs; operating personnel; and customary overhead costs. Additionally, CWS offers expert onsite consulting services to help optimize your washout operation. Q: What fees does CWS charge its licensees? A license to use CWS products is included in the purchase price of each new and used container purchased through CWS. Q: Does CWS offer financing for equipment purchases? CWS does not offer financing. Many licensees have secured financing through Snider Leasing. Please see their website at www.sniderleasing.com. Q: Does CWS offer marketing support? As independent operators, all CWS licensees are responsible for developing their businesses in their own local markets, using whatever marketing programs and pricing they deem appropriate. CWS has supported its licensees by building awareness of CWS technology through tradeshows, national advertising, and the CWS website. Q: Who is responsible for environmental compliance when using the CWS technology? CWS licensees are solely responsible for ensuring that their treatment and disposal of concrete, paint, wastewater, and all other waste materials - including those in connection with the use of CWS's technology - comply with all applicable federal and state laws. Please consult with your local municipality, state, and federal regulators to understand the requirements and obligations applicable to your area. Q: Does CWS offer any other systems besides concrete washout? Yes! CWS also offers a unique system for paint washout - a great complement to concrete washout services in many markets. Q: Do you provide any training to get me and my employees up and running? Yes! With a $500 deposit, fully applicable to your first order, we will provide a link to a detailed question and answer operations video featuring CWS founder Mark Jenkins. |