1. The
Idea
I
manufacture risk free menstrual pads for women – Nkem Obianwu
Risk?
From Sanitary pads? Yeah, women are at risk of contracting genital diseases
resulting from the use of some chemicals and toxins in the production of
women’s sanitary pads. The pads are not to be used for more than plus or minus
8 hours and should be changed. Failure to do this heightens the risk as the
blood and the chemicals used in the production can mix and give off something
probably unsafe.
Currently
in Nigeria, the price of Sanitary pads have more than double in the past two
years making it more unaffordable for lower income girls. This could be traced
to the difficulty the manufacturers encountered in accessing dollars for the
importation of essential materials, which resulted in the increase in
operational cost and consequently the rise in price.
Where
the demand remains constant and even increases and the supply is not steadily
available or even declining, the price is bound to stay high. This leads to the
14th Idea in our Series of 52 startup Ideas for Nigeria being Home
made Sanitary Pads. If one is able to produce Sanitary pads at home using
everyday materials, and package it accordingly, this would create employment
and generate revenue.
Before
the 20th Century, most women used cloth pads or “rags” during their
menstruation. Disposable pads didn’t become common in America until after WW
II. Among rural and low-income women they didn’t catch on until the 1960’s. As
with diapers, there have always been people who prefer cloth to disposable.
Idea
Summary
- Get your materials (cloth materials, sewing machine etc.)
- Follow the steps in these articles
http://abundanceonadime.blogspot.com.ng/2011/01/how-to-make-your-own-menstrual-pads-in.html
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm
- Package your product
- Sell to ready market
This
is very doable. If you successfully make yours, try it, and get the experience
of how well it works first hand, then work on persuading or convincing others
to give your product a trial. It would not be so hard to sell if yours is
cheaper and less risky. No chemicals during production and also the reusability
after a very good wash would make for good selling points.
2.
The Business
- Value Proposition: Provide quality, hygienic Sanitary pads which are Pocket-friendly.
- Customer Segment: Girls, ladies, orphanages and schools that take care of girls, Government agencies, etc.
- Distribution Channels: Schools, churches and mosques, wherever ladies frequent, dedicated phone lines, sales force, customer care locations.
- Customer Relationship: Direct and Mass
- Key Activities: Selling (Sales and Marketing), production and Manufacturing, Logistics and distribution,etc.
- Key Resources: Sales team, Production/manufacturing facilities, management team, supply chain manager, quality control officer, Financial accountant, etc.
- Key Partners: Charity organizations and other NGOs, Government and related government agencies, Schools, Religious centers, etc.
- Cost Structure: Production facility and equipment (materials), Maintenance and other utility bills, Staff wages and Salary Bill, Food, registration and licensing (necessary documentation).
- Revenue Stream: Sales of Produced Sanitary Pads.
3.
Competition
There
do exist sanitary pad brands out there in the Nigerian market, which have a
strong brand name and a grown reputation. One would need to major on the
competitive advantage and sell such effectively to prospective new customers.
One could have promotions and give new users trials, so they can be convinced
of the quality and suitability of the product before they become loyal users.
4.
Risks
Competing
with big brands can be very daunting and would need good quality product and
committed resolve to remain competitive as any failures or perceived failures
can spell doom for the new brand.
Summary
Making
an alternative cloth based sanitary pad devoid of chemicals as used in
manufacturing the existing ones would create more employment opportunities for
many and generate revenue.
If
there is any thing I missed out feel free to comment, share your information or
contact me, so we all can learn solve our problems together.
Thanks
for following this series.
Till
next week, stay inspired.
ARTICLE BY MR EBIS
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Mr. Ebis on twitter @mrebis
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