Diaper Business Plan- 4 Steps for Starting a Successful Diaper Business in Kenya

In his Fatherhood 2021 movie, Kevin Hart comically complains that his baby poops a lot. While many parents may empathize with him, as an entrepreneur you will see it as a business opportunity. Below we will discuss a diaper business plan– 4 steps for starting a successful diaper business in Kenya. Its an easy and cheap business idea that you can start without much sweat.

If you are a parent or have ever had the opportunity to raise a child, you are probably aware with the hassle of buying diapers. You go to the grocery to buy one of those well-known brands, only to discover that it is costly and of poor quality. You ponder purchasing from a nearby kiosk only to discover that the price is double what you expected but the quality remains substandard.

It’s a frustrating way of life that most parents (especially those with office jobs and enterprises) would prefer to avoid. And therein lays your opportunity to launch a diaper delivery service. You will just need Ksh 5,000 as a minimal starting capital, marketing skills, a notion of where to acquire the best quality diapers at wholesale pricing, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Diaper business plan- 4 steps for starting a successful diaper business in Kenya

Step 1: Determine Who Will Be Your Customer

Your ideal consumer might not be your average mama mboga or mzee mambo from your town. So, in order to maximize your chances of survival, you must find the appropriate people. For example, you may target busy working mothers or stay-at-home parents, particularly those from young middle-class families. You might also consider supplying retail businesses in rural areas for bulk sales.

To entice customers, give them somewhat lower costs along with door-to-door delivery services for the same (or even higher) quality of diapers. You get the picture?

Step 2: Locate a Trustworthy Supplier

Essentially, you want to get the lowest wholesale pricing so that you can still make a profit even after you’ve raised the price and provided a discount to your loyal clients. This is where you should perform your research.

A trip to the OTC area near the Murang’a bus stop, where wholesalers such as Moska Enterprises and Parit Enterprises are located, would be well worth it for people in the Nairobi area.

There, you may purchase high-quality diapers for as little as Ksh.10 each piece (Ksh.1550 per carton). The same product can be sold for Sh30 per piece or Sh3,000 each carton!

Kimfay, located on Masai Road near Sameer Business Park, and Sojpar Enterprises, located on Kisumu’s Bypass Highway, are two more wholesalers with a stellar reputation.

Step 3: Go for the the fast moving brands

Not all diaper brands will appeal to your target market’s wants. So choose your brands wisely, paying special attention to quality, pricing, and value.

Some people will purchase any brand as long as it is reasonably priced. Some people will only buy brands they are familiar with or have seen advertised on television. Again, know your market and provide them with the appropriate products.

Remember, you can also choose to import your own stock of diapers from countries such  as Egypt, China, Turkey etc. through the port of Mombasa.

Step 4: Launch the business

You’re set to go now that you’ve stocked up on diapers. Use the first several months to create your networks and be active in your marketing efforts. With time, orders will begin to trickle in, and you will no longer need to walk door-to-door to sell. You can even go on to start a full-fledged baby shop, selling items such as nappy wipes, nappy rash creams, powders, and bottle warmers.

Some Quick Marketing Suggestions

Invest in some professional-looking business cards, preferably made of art-board or ivory paper. A good-looking business card will set you back roughly Sh.5 per piece.

Make a Facebook page and invite potential customers to like it.

If you still have some money left over, consider constructing a modest website – it can go a long way toward increasing your credibility.

Finally, use word of mouth to connect with prospective clients in your estate, church, or town.

How Much Should You Invest?

Begin with as little as Ksh 5,000. Spend Sh 3,000 on two cartons of diapers and the remainder on transportation and marketing. Alternatively, if you have the cash, you can begin purchasing in bulk and supplying retailers in remote areas.

 How Much Can You Expect?

The more merchandise you sell, the more money you make. Even if you only sell two cartons every day as a novice, you’ll be generating significant money – nearly Ksh 130,000 in sales revenue per month. Typically, net profit is around 40% of total sales.

Last Word

There are no valid reasons for not beginning a business. Starting a diaper delivery service in Kenya is still a viable option if you are willing to put in a bit more work than everyone else. Keep in mind that nothing nice comes on a silver platter.

Don’t just sit around and moan. Begin small and aim high.