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!

So just babysitting? But that costs a lot more than your usual babysitter? Why does a baby need grooming?

ok ok so the bathing thing isnt going down well - I get that (ad yes I do have children), so scrap that and just go with the hair washing (mine came out with a FULL head), nail clipping, baby massage?

It could even link up with a photo shoot business - could do half day packages for a set fee!

Parent(s) to stay with child at all times though of course.

Wonders if the OP expected this response and name changed as she's never posted before? Very odd first posting otherwise...

@ShatnersWig

Baby-massage is already a thing though? Are you qualified in this? There are also hairdressers who cut children's hair.

This is one of the strangest things I've ever heard! Who on earth would want a stranger washing their child? As other posters have said, this is really creepy.

Yeah I don't want a stranger massaging my baby and taking photos.

You want parents to pay a stranger to wash their babies?

I would not be handing my child over to a stranger so they could strip them off and wash them while I have a G&T.

Why would anyone want a stranger cutting their child's nails and massaging them ?? That's just as weird. And if i wanted a photoshoot I'd go to a professional not a weirdo in a van outside my house with some massage oil and an iphone to take pics.

No I wouldn't be interested.
I loved bath time when mine were younger and wouldn't want to send them outside to a van on the drive for their bath/hair wash/ nails cut or anything else.
Sorry op but I can't see the appeal at all.

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

Am genuinely crying with laughter now.

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

I wouldn't have paid for this, bathing was one of the more fun things to do with my baby as it didn't just involve sitting around with my nipple stuffed in her mouth.

Lots of mums definitely need a break, maybe there is potentially for a sort of mobile mum's help that you would hire for an hour or two to just keep baby entertained and looked after in the house while mum relaxed or caught up on work. But I wouldn't have been able to afford this (would have been seen as too much of a luxury while I was on reduced maternity pay) and those who can afford it might already have an au pair/nanny, if they don't have family who already provide the help for free.

It could even link up with a photo shoot business - could do half day packages for a set fee!

Yeah, that's weird. OP, if on the off chance this is not a pisstake, you should stop posting now.

oh its not creepy for goodness sake, its clearly a ridiculous idea, thought up in jest as I was filling my own babies nails for the hundredth time. People on here go straight in for the very worst in everything.
Lighten up people, have a wine and crack a smile!

It's getting weirder, someone photographing your baby getting massaged? This is all shades of wrong! You said at one point the Mum's would be putting their feet up having a G&T and now saying they'd be with them at all times.

As the Dragons say, "I'm out."

If you ever go ahead with this bizarre idea please incorporate child grooming into the name, just to make it extra successful!

I would never pay someone good money to do things that take minutes for me to do, and can you seriously imagine a child taking well to a stranger washing their hair or cutting their nails? Most hate having it done by parents never mind a random stranger.

If the parents stay with the child at all times, how do they relax for the 30mins and sneak off to have a G&T.

The difference is that dog groomers provide a service that can take anyone else over an hour, maybe more. They also have specialised equipment like certain brushes and special scissors. They're also trained to groom in particular ways i.e spaniels get cut in a certain way.

Also breeds with thick under coats like huskies can take hours of grooming that a professional can just do better.

Grooming also tends to last longer (in my experience) than home washes, somehow I soak my dog and then she's still got dry fur underneath! Its maddening!

Backtracking are we?

@KittysMyName yeah totally! I had no idea it would be taken so seriously! Goodness me I'm surprised!

Ahhh so you were only joking all along...

We believe you, honestly we do

Why would I pay someone to groom my child whilst I watch? That is more stressful than doing it myself.

YOUR baby had a full head of hair. Mine too as it goes. Very much in the minority though.

This is ludicrous. The coloured towels convinced me you're taking the piss anyway.

It's ok everyone, op was just making a long, intricate, creepy joke

Offering a nit combing business in an unmarked van might be a better business idea.

You could set up your mobile nit salon near schools. How about parking it outside a different school each day of the week. The glamour of life on the nit busting tour bus would easily compensate for the lack of cute babies.

This is the funniest thing I've ever read on MN.