How To Start a Scrub Business Online

by Eric Lam - Published 7/18/2023

Scrubs have become an essential component of healthcare attire, and with the accelerating shift towards e-commerce, starting an online scrub business is an opportune venture. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the crucial steps to set up your online scrub business, and provide strategic insights to secure a foothold in the market.

Understanding the Scrub Market

The Rising Demand for Scrubs

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global medical clothing market, including scrubs, was valued at USD 7.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2021 to 2028.

This demand is driven by increasing health concerns, growing hospitalization rates, and rising demand for hygienic and comfortable clothing by healthcare professionals.

Online Business Growth Statistics

COVID-19 has been a game-changer for online businesses, accelerating e-commerce growth dramatically. In 2021, e-retail sales accounted for 18% of all retail sales worldwide, and this figure is expected to reach 21.8% by 2024, according to Statista. Thus, tapping into the online market for selling scrubs provides vast potential.

Laying the Foundation of Your Online Scrub Business

Market Research: Identifying Your Target Audience

Successful market segmentation begins with understanding your potential customers. For an online scrub business, your primary customers will be healthcare professionals.

However, identifying specific groups within this category, such as nurses, doctors, veterinarians, or medical students, can help fine-tune your marketing efforts.

Developing a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

In the ever-expanding online scrub market, the importance of standing out cannot be overstated. As numerous businesses offer similar products, the need for a distinguishing factor—also known as a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)—becomes critical.

A well-crafted USP focuses on a feature or benefit that sets your business apart. This USP serves as the bedrock of your brand's identity, influencing marketing campaigns and driving customer decisions. Here are a few areas to consider when developing your USP:

Quality: Quality is a significant deciding factor for many consumers. If your scrubs are more durable, comfortable, or functional than others in the market, emphasizing these quality aspects can attract customers who prioritize longevity and reliability over cost.

Affordability: Another appealing USP can be affordability. If you can offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of the product, you will likely attract a large customer base that's budget-conscious.

Trendy Designs: Scrubs don't have to be dull. Offering trendy, fashionable designs can attract a segment of healthcare professionals looking to express their personality even in their work attire. Collaborations with fashion designers, introducing seasonal collections, or offering customizable designs could be potential strategies here.

Comfort: Given the long hours healthcare professionals work, comfort is a significant factor. Using breathable materials, adding extra pockets for convenience, or ensuring a good fit can be selling points to emphasize in your marketing message.

Excellent Customer Service: Excellent customer service can often turn one-time buyers into loyal customers. Ensuring quick response times, easy return policies, and genuinely addressing customer queries and complaints can help build a reputation for excellent customer service.

Developing a robust USP isn't just about declaring what makes you different—it's about demonstrating it consistently. By building your brand around a powerful USP, you can establish a strong market presence and gain a competitive edge in the online scrub market.

Sourcing High-Quality Scrubs

Choosing Suppliers

Choosing the right supplier is a crucial decision that can significantly affect your online scrub business. The supplier you select is instrumental in shaping your offerings, influencing your operations, determining customer satisfaction, and molding your business reputation.

Firstly, when evaluating potential suppliers, a primary consideration is the quality of their production. The significance of this aspect can't be overstated as it directly affects your brand image. You want to partner with manufacturers known for their high-quality scrubs that stand up to rigorous standards. The scrubs should be made of durable, comfortable materials, feature functional designs, and resist color fading despite repeated washing.

To ensure that a supplier meets these quality benchmarks, it's advisable to obtain and closely examine product samples. If feasible, visit their production facilities to observe their processes and meet their team. You could also reach out to their existing or former clients to gain insights into their experiences with the manufacturer.

Secondly, the supplier's reliability in terms of delivery schedules is another vital factor. Consistent, on-time deliveries are essential to maintain your inventory levels and meet your customers' demands promptly. Delays in product delivery can result in stockouts, which can lead to lost sales and dissatisfied customers.

The supplier you choose is more than just a source for your products; they are an integral part of your business. Therefore, make sure to choose a supplier who is known for their quality production and reliable delivery schedules.

Importance of Quality Control

Ensure your products meet high standards for comfort, durability, and functionality. Remember, these scrubs will be used in rigorous conditions; therefore, quality should not be compromised.

Launching Your Online Store

Selecting an E-commerce Platform

Considerations for Choosing an E-commerce Platform

Several e-commerce platforms exist, with popular options being Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Choose a platform based on your technical expertise, budget, and specific business needs. Ensure the platform supports secure transactions, provides a seamless shopping experience, and allows easy updates.

Designing an Engaging Website

Essential Elements of a High-Performing Website

Your website should not only be visually appealing but also user-friendly. An easy-to-navigate site structure, high-quality product images, clear product descriptions, customer reviews, and a seamless checkout process are all necessary elements for your online store.

Implementing a Marketing Strategy

Role of Social Media in Business Promotion

According to a study by Oberlo, 54% of social browsers use social media to research products. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to showcase your products and engage with your audience.

SEO: A Necessity for Online Visibility

Search engine optimization (SEO) can significantly boost your online visibility. By optimizing your website with relevant keywords, ensuring fast loading times, and maintaining mobile-friendliness, your site is more likely to rank higher in search results, thus attracting more visitors.

Expanding and Growing Your Business

Exploring Potential Growth Opportunities

As your business establishes itself, explore opportunities for expansion. You could consider broadening your product line to include other medical clothing or accessories or look into personalizing scrubs for customers.

Conclusion

Starting an online scrub business can be a lucrative venture, given the rising demand for medical clothing and the surge in e-commerce. However, it requires careful planning, market understanding, and strategic marketing. With the right approach and perseverance, you can build a successful online scrub business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What factors should I consider when choosing a supplier for my online scrub business?

Look for suppliers known for their reliability, quality of products, and adherence to delivery schedules.

2. How important is website design for my online scrub business?

Website design is crucial as it affects user experience, SEO, and your brand image. It should be visually appealing, user-friendly, and mobile-friendly.

3. What role does social media play in promoting my online scrub business?

Social media allows you to reach a broader audience, engage with customers, showcase your products, and drive traffic to your website.

4. How can I use SEO to improve my online scrub business?

SEO helps improve your website's visibility in search engine results, driving more organic traffic to your site. Key tactics include using relevant keywords, ensuring fast loading times, and optimizing for mobile.

5. What growth opportunities should I explore for my online scrub business?

Possible growth opportunities include expanding your product line, offering personalized options, and reaching out to new market segments.

Want to learn more?

We'll share with you the charts, the SEO data, the businesses that are working, and how you can ultimately ride trend waves, and make over 6 figures capitalizing on your own online business.

👉Become an Exploding Ideas Pro Member to unlock our Deep Dives on how to build your own supplement business.