How to Start a Cloth Diaper Service Business

One of the biggest expenses of having a baby is the diapering costs. Disposable diapers and wipes can cost a new parent as much as $900 per year. Many savvy parents looking to keep costs low or minimize waste often turn to cloth diapering. Of these, many parents don't have the time or energy to maintain their cloth diapers. Service this large community by starting a cloth diaper service.

How to Start a Cloth Diaper Service Business

Research the Market

While you may have a strong interest in cloth diapers, your community may not. Ensure that the local market is large enough to support your business venture. Find out how many families live in your region, the ages of their children and whether or not they use cloth diapers. The Census can provide you with some statistics, such as income levels, family sizes and annual births. You'll also want to visit baby diapering stores, baby clothing stores and maternity stores to gain feedback. Find local mom's groups online, where you can connect with new moms and find out how best to service them.

Research Your Competitors

If you have competitors, study them. If you don't, then find diapering services online from which to model your business. Take note of rates, types of diapers rented, diaper sizes, additional services offered, the pick-up/drop-off process and the service radius.

Price Your Supplies and Equipment

For ease of use and to nab the best bulk rates, you'll likely want to purchase the same color and style of diapers. White diapers will be cheaper and easier to wash, as you won't have to worry about colors leaking onto other diapers. Determine the sizes and amounts you'll need based on the size of your expected clientele, then find vendors online. You'll also need to determine how many washing machines and dryers you will need to purchase, and your detergent, business insurance, utilities, shelving and advertising needs.

Price Commercial Space

Peruse commercial locations around town to compare rent. According to Entreprenuer.com, your rent should be less than 10 percent of your projected gross revenue. A business plan can help you determine those numbers. If you will offer a pickup and delivery service, you'll want a location that is situated in the heart of your service radius, in order to keep gas and car maintenance expenses down. Your locale will also need to have enough space for your delivery vehicles to get in and out.

Create a Business Plan

Create a plan that details what you will charge, the amount of diapers you will need, equipment requirements and size requirements. Then detail your target audience, how many clients you hope to reel in and how you intend to expand your clientele. Develop a service and price list that will reel in the most clients. In addition to renting your own diapers, you may elect to pickup and wash your client's personal cloth diapers. Just be sure to wash color diapers separately.

Purchase a Website

A website is a must for a cloth diaper service business. On your site, include information about your diapers, detergent and methods for cleaning diapers, as many eco-friendly moms will take great interest in these details. Include useful tips for breastfeeding, diaper cleaning tips, nutrition, making your own baby food, choosing the right diapers and other natural parenting advice, which are topics that many cloth diapering parents are interested in.

Team up with similar, healthy living or kid-friendly businesses around town, in exchange for publicity.