I have lived in Belize for the last ten years. I am still trying to get use to dumb business.
For the last six years, I have rented a water cooler from Coca Cola. Due to the fact that I have a private school and a lot of guests, I average around $1000 per month with them. This is cooler rental, water, and coke products. I have receipts to prove it.

A representative showed up at my place and informed me that I had to purchase the 5 gallon bottle waters from them and I could not be using any other products in their machine. I have to purchase the minimum of two $4.90 jug per cooler a week. I take the man and show him my office refrigerator full of their products. I then show him our shop that was stacked full of crates of coke products...coca cola, fantas, and $1.00 waters.

The man who was only doing his job... loaded the two coolers and left. He was only doing his job and I understand that, but this is so dumb.

I long for competition in Belize.

You got just what you deserved!
The Crystal Water business expects you to use their water in their coolers.
What is so strange about that?
If you need coolers for the Coke products then arrange for Coke to supply coolers.

Deserve? Because I have been faithfully doing business with them for years...

You need to remove your rose colored glasses!

It is not so strange. But when you live in a village and have to worry about getting their water every time...it is a real hassle.

Did I mention that I "Rent" the cooler?

Did also fail to mention that I do purchase their products?

We have a man who comes through the village and he sells purified water for $2.00 a jug. They have never made an issue with this until this man started selling. It is a strong-arm approach to this man's business.

Doesn't he supply coolers with his water?

No! He does not!

Some businesses here in San Pedro have purchased coolers for their water

You can also get a really nice hand-painted ceramic stand for the water bottles - cools the water naturally with no need for electricity. Lovely selection - at Casa Hernandez in Chetumal.

I have done likewise.....

You have a high volume... paying on time... customer...Do you try to force more out of him or do you allow a little customer discretion on his purchasing?

I will look into that...Thanks!