How To Open A Scrub Boutique Business?

by Small Business 31 August 2021

Boutique Business

Are you wondering if now is the right time to open up a scrub boutique?

Yes, it is. Especially if you start the business sooner rather than later. You might not be aware that medical scrubs are a $10 billion industry.

Moreover, about 52% of scrub retailers have said that they gross over $300,000 a year, with half of those grossing more than $800,000 a year, so, medical scrubs business opportunity is really high.

A couple of things have happened to make the medical scrubs business so successful to date. Firstly, its demand has increased because of the increased age and obesity of the population that require more surgeries.

The second thing is that infections in hospitals have increased. Some have cited bacteria on scrubs as the main culprit. This requires medical staff to have multiple sets of scrubs to wear to work.

If you want to know how to start a boutique business of a scrub today, keep reading till the end.

1. Set Up Your Business Structure :

What’s your business structure? That’s one of the first questions to ask an attorney. There are several ways to set up your business, each one has its advantages and disadvantages. You also can sell scrubs from home.

#1 Sole Proprietorship :

This is the easiest business to set up of scrub retail. Here, there’s only one owner of the business, and you operate the business, too. You’re also personally responsible for any business debts or lawsuits. If you’re not careful, you could lose your personal assets like your car or home.

#2 Partnership :

If you’re going into business with another person, this can be an alternative. There’s one partner who has unlimited liability (the general partner), while the other partners have limited liability and control over the business, especially in this uniform business.

#3 LLC:

This gives you a personal liability that you wouldn’t have a sole proprietorship and profits are noted on your personal income.

With an LLC and sole proprietorship, you’re responsible for paying self-employment tax, which is about 15% of your earnings.

#4 Corporation :

This is the most expensive route to form a business, but it gives you the most protection. It also costs more because there are strict reporting and record-keeping that goes with it.

An attorney will help you decide what the right path is for you, depending you’re your situation and your vision for your business.

Once you decide what business structure you’ll go with, then you’ll register your business with your secretary of state’s office.

2. Write Your Online Boutique Business Plan :

Your online boutique business plan is the blueprint for your business. You analyze every aspect of your business – competition, financial, sales, marketing, and the external environment.

The reason why this is important to do now is that you can identify potential risks and opportunities in your business.

You could find that your business would have to depend on one organization in your area to be successful. They may already have a supplier, which could be a big barrier. You would have to explain how you would get around that situation. A

Business plans are a blueprint, but they’re not set in stone. They’re meant to be flexible documents that are revisited often. You can make changes if you need to, like if the economy dips, affecting your business.

3. Choose a Location 

There are a number of ways to sell medical scrubs. You can have a physical retail location, sell online, sell directly to clinics and hospitals, or a combination of the three.

The most important thing in a retail store is location, location, location.

Ideally, you’ll want your boutique to be located close to a medical center or hospital to make it easy for people to go to you.

Make sure that the location is easily accessible and has plenty of parking.

What Do People Want in Scrubs?

Medical scrubs have evolved from the plain white or green scrubs of the 1950s. You’ll see them with different colors, patterns, and styles.

Some people might want their initials embroidered in their scrubs, others may want a pocket stitched in.

A lot of these options available will depend on the hospital or medical offices that will be your customers.

In some hospitals, there are rules as to what is acceptable, and what’s not. Some departments are color-coded, while others have the freedom and flexibility to choose what they can wear.

4. Choose a Wholesaler to Purchase From :

Once you find out what people are looking for in scrubs, you can pick your supplier. Your supplier must offer a quality product that can withstand many washes and offers many styles and options.

The brands you decide to work with must also be comfortable. Scrubs are worn all the time, and some people will wear them outside of the medical setting.

Marketing Your Medical Scrub Boutique :

Marketing your scrub business will be one of the most important things you do. In your business plan, you already figured out what marketing tactics are going to be most appropriate for your business.

The primary thing you’re going to need to market your business is a website. It’s no secret that medical staff works odd hours, and they’re going to need to place orders outside of normal business hours.

Your website should be set up to accept those orders. Take a look at Blue Sky Scrubs. They have a clean, stylish website that’s appealing. They also make it easy for people to place orders online. Learn more about how they operate.

When you do set up your website, you’re going to find creative ways to drive traffic. You can blog, use social media and use search engine marketing.

As a retail location, you’ll want to engage in grassroots marketing efforts, too. You’ll have to get out in public, get involved in the community, and network.

You can start with your local chamber of commerce and local medical organizations. Networking is a great way to get your business out in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How Much Does It Cost To Start A Scrub Boutique Business?

The minimum startup costs for a medical scrub boutique business are $7,479 whereas the maximum startup costs for a medical scrub business are $66,832. This cost of starting a scrub boutique includes lawyer fees, trademarking, small business insurance,  business setups. Licenses and permits. 

Q2. Is a Scrub Boutique Business Profitable?

Scrubs’  main importance lies at the hospitals and clinics. Hence, it always stays in demand, especially in the health sector. Hence, those who sell scrubs or runs scrub boutiques, make fantastic profits. If you are still wondering whether you can earn desirable profits from the scrub business, attend the business boutique conferences to get clear reflection of prospects. 

Q3. How To Start An Online Scrub Boutique Business?

To start an online scrub boutique business follow the step below:

  1. Select a specifically targeted niche 
  2. Create A structured business plan
  3. Derive your licenses required to start an online scrub boutique business
  4. Look for the locations to store your materials
  5. Develop a website for reaching people online 
  6. Get a marketing plan for your business and execute that. The best option to bring your scrub retail business under the limelight is social media marketing, Search engine optimization, and content marketing.  
  7. And there you go, you best scrub brand in on the way

Q4. What Is The Most Expensive Scrub Brand In The World?

Actually, there are many expensive scrub brands in the world. Some of the most popular ones are Jaanuu scrubs, Figs Scrubs, Uniform Advantage Scrubs, and WonderWink Scrubs. 

Starting a Business can Be Challenging and Rewarding: The Verdict

Starting a medical scrub boutique can be one of the most exciting endeavours you can have. It has its ups and downs, but if you plan ahead, you can have a successful business.

If you’re looking for more great tips about business, check out these great articles on building your brand and generating leads online.

Did you find the article intriguing enough? Let us know in the comment area below and we will be solving your queries in no time. Are you interested in getting more insights on things to take into account before opening a small business? Follow our article to deep dive: what to consider before you open your small business.

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Ariana Smith is a blogger who loves to write about anything that is related to business and marketing, She also has interest in entrepreneurship & Digital marketing world including social media & advertising.

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