Why Are Operating Costs the Main Question?
Every potential entrepreneur in the pet aftercare industry in Thailand and Vietnam usually asks:
“How much do I need to budget for running a Pet Aquamation machine each day?”
As both the manufacturer and supplier, we believe transparency is the key. This article presents a realistic cost calculation, complete with ROI simulations, so you can clearly evaluate the business potential.
Daily Cost Components
1. Electricity & Energy
A machine requires an average of 70–120 kWh per cycle. With electricity rates in Thailand and Vietnam at around USD 0.10–0.13/kWh, the electricity cost per process is only USD 8–15.
2. Water & Chemicals
Each cycle uses 200–400 liters of water plus eco-friendly alkali (sodium or potassium hydroxide). The cost is about USD 5–8 per cycle.
3. Labor
Only one operator is needed to run the machine. With average daily wages of USD 10–20, this component remains manageable.
Estimated Cost per Cycle
When combined, the average operating cost per process is USD 25–40.
With a capacity of 2–3 services per day:
- Daily cost: USD 50–120
Monthly cost (30 days): USD 1,500–3,600
Additional Costs
- Service & Maintenance: USD 100–200/month
- Land lease & permits: depending on location, but must be factored into long-term projections.
Comparison with Flame Cremation
Flame cremation requires gas or diesel at USD 50–70 per cycle just for fuel. The results:
- Total operating costs can be 2x higher than aquamation.
Plus, flame cremation produces high carbon emissions, which go against the eco-friendly trend in Southeast Asia.
ROI Simulation in Thailand
Key Assumptions
- Average service price: USD 180 per pet
- Variable cost per cycle: USD 32
- Fixed cost: USD 1,750/month
Results
- 40 services/month → OCF $4,170 → Payback 22.8 months
- 60 services/month → OCF $7,130 → Payback 13.3 months
- 90 services/month → OCF $11,570 → Payback 8.2 months
Break-even point: only 12 services/month.
ROI Simulation in Vietnam
Key Assumptions
- Average service price: USD 150 per pet
- Variable cost per cycle: USD 32
- Fixed cost: USD 1,400/month
Results
- 40 services/month → OCF $3,320 → Payback 28.6 months
- 60 services/month → OCF $5,680 → Payback 16.7 months
- 90 services/month → OCF $9,220 → Payback 10.3 months
Break-even point: around 12 services/month.
Strategies to Increase Profitability
To accelerate payback, here are several ways to raise revenue per service (ARPU):
- Offer tiered packages (basic, premium, farewell room).
- Sell premium urns, paw-print kits, memorial jewelry.
- Build partnerships with veterinary clinics, groomers, and shelters.
- Optimize scheduling to reduce energy consumption.
Highlight the eco-friendly narrative to justify higher pricing.
Executive Summary
- Daily operating costs: USD 50–120
- Break-even point: ~12 services/month
- Payback period: 8–17 months depending on volume & pricing
- Advantage: More cost-efficient than flame cremation, plus environmentally friendly
With these numbers, it’s clear that Pet Aquamation is a fast ROI, eco-friendly business opportunity in Thailand & Vietnam.
Contact us today for a detailed feasibility study tailored to your business scale.