Potential Business Idea

[yellowdux]

Ok, so my AIBU is, AIBU to think that this is a viable business idea that could tap into a massive market?

So the idea is this, you know how you get mobile dog groomers, well why isn't there the same for babies? Don't all jump on me at once - hear me out.

I'm not talking about for every bath / hair wash etc, but for special occasions, or routine maintenance (nails filled / hair cut etc).

Im not quite sure on the pricing, was thinking along the same lines as dog groomers, and similar to the biggest dog washing company, it could be franchised making plenty of pennies.

All staff would be trained / checked to the correct level, suitable products would be used or parents own if preferred.

What do people think? Would you use this service if available in your area?

Thanks!

Would you put them in one of those washer/dryer things like for dogs? Could you have them dyed pink or blue for special occasions?

I wouldn't use it sorry, there's not much you can do to babies anyway. Plus most of them don't like being fussed over, and probably wouldn't enjoy the treatments.

Not something I would use. I'm currently 27 weeks pregnant and the idea confuses me.... I would want to do all that for my baby myself so not quite understanding how this would be a viable business xx

I wouldn't have used it when DD was a baby, sorry. I wouldn't have wanted strangers doing things that might get her upset, she wasn't too fond of hair washing or nail clipping and I think having a stranger instead of a parent doing it would have led to major upset on her part.

@Millieja - I dont think you have taken this seriously. Of course you cant dye children. But they could be wrapped up in coloured towels to give back to parents.
They would be washed in a hydro bath if suitable, and I don't see the harm in blow drying as long as its on a low heat setting.

@toasty - ok, so it could be extended to older children too!

"Routine maintenance". It's a baby, not a car, or a show pony.

I can't imagine any sort of scenario in which this would appeal.

I don't think it would be viable as babies don't really need a lot of grooming as it were. As long as they're clean, dry and fed they're pretty much good to go.

@Millieja - I dont think you have taken this seriously

I can't believe you think this could be a viable business - weirdest thing I've heard in a while.

But they could be wrapped up in coloured towels to give back to parents.

Surely you seriously don't consider that a selling point? Handing a parent back their baby in a coloured towel and expect them to pay for the privilege.

VladmirsPoutine - I dont really consider this a selling point, was just incorporating the idea of adding colour to the package as @Millieja was suggesting dying the baby! Now that is ridiculous!

Grooming for babies? Are you joking? There is literally no way that would work. Babies don't need grooming.

Most don't have any substantial hair, they don't wear makeup, have painted nails etc. It's just ridiculous.

Basically it would amount to bathing babies and maybe cutting their nails.

Sorry but not viable.

Em... do you have children, OP?

I wouldn't pay for this...in fact I'd prob turn it down for free as well. It's a bit weird!

Fingernails and toes are a pain to do, but I'd think each child responds to different bribery/force approaches? You have to seize the moment somewhat. My MIL visibly flinches when she sees us cutting toenails in the lounge, but if the little monkeys agree to have their nails cut I know I have to do it RIGHT THEN...

My babies have no hair until about 18 months too.

What else would be baby grooming stuff? Bits of eczema cream, picking off the cradle cap, treating ringworm...?

I would not want a stranger washing my child and seeing them naked for starters.
Your idea sounds bizarre and creepy tbh
Like others have said children aren't dogs you can glam up for special occasions by visiting your local "child groomers"

@Moanyoldcow - no im not joking at all. Ok so not grooming as much, but babies love a fun bath, a hair wash, need their nails clipping. And mums might love 30 mins to themselves to put their swollen feet up and have a sneaky g&t

The most unviable business idea I've heard in ages. But please go on Dragon's Den with it.

Have you been drinking, OP? Why on earth would anyone want to pay for this? Babies often have no hair and don't need it cut for quite a while. Parents can clip their babies' nails themselves and wash what little hair the baby has.

It reminds me of Friends where Rachel's sister wants to set up a baby-styling business. 'It's really weird but people don't seem to want to hear that their babies are ugly'.

An important part of setting up a business is identifying a need for a service/product.

There is no need for the service you suggest.

Need arises from someone not having the skills/time or inclination to do a particular job themselves i.e dog grooming, oven cleaning or ironing etc.

I don't have swollen feet or drink G&T your making massive sweeping statements about parents as well as been creepy now. No parent would let a stranger wash their child.

Ok so not grooming as much, but babies love a fun bath, a hair wash, need their nails clipping. And mums might love 30 mins to themselves to put their swollen feet up

Not with some random stranger doing the bathing. Nice dig about swollen feet. Also, mums (and dads) are hardly going to be able to relax when the baby is most likely screaming blue murder because some random is hydrobathing him/her and trying wrap him/her in a coloured towel.

Back to the drawing board I think.

So you want me to hand my baby over to a stranger in a van? 🤔
No thanks.

Ridiculous idea made worse by the dog grooming comparison.

There's a stigma associated with child grooming that I think you've overlooked.

This thread actually made me feel ill.