How to Start a Medical Scrub Business with 9 Latest Roadmaps

The medical scrubs industry is thriving, driven by the relentless expansion of the healthcare sector. For those wondering how to start a scrubs business, this is a golden opportunity to dive into a promising market. In this article, NextSky explores detailed strategies to build a standout online store, attract customers, and fully meet the growing demands of healthcare professionals.

Why is the perfect time to start a scrubs business

The scrubs market is booming, offering rare opportunities for those eager to enter this dynamic industry:

• Healthcare sector growth: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry will add 2.6 million new jobs by 2031. Each new role increases the demand for uniforms.
• Recurring demand, steady cash flow: Healthcare professionals need 4–6 scrub sets annually. This creates a consistently strong and sustainable market.
• Surge in sustainable materials: Customers increasingly prefer organic cotton, bamboo fibers, or recycled polyester, giving eco-conscious brands a competitive edge.
• Post-COVID hygiene focus: The pandemic shifted consumer habits. Antibacterial, easy-to-clean, quick-drying fabrics became top priorities, fueling a 36.1% market growth spike in 2020 alone.

Read more: How to Start a Business in 14 Simple Steps to Success

Step-by-step guide to launching a scrubs business

1. Research the market and identify a niche

Understanding your target customer is the compass guiding your business strategy. Here are key customer groups to focus on:

• Individual professionals: Nurses, doctors, surgeons, medical students, or lab technicians need comfortable, professional uniforms for their work environment.
• Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, clinics, dental offices, veterinary centers, or home care services demand steady, bulk orders.
• Specialized markets: Nursing schools, emergency response centers, or niche clinics offer less competitive, untapped opportunities.

Actionable steps:

• Analyze major competitors like FIGS, Scrubs Unlimited, or Uniform Advantage to identify market gaps they haven’t addressed.
• Choose a unique niche, such as antibacterial odor-resistant scrubs, plus-size options, or eco-friendly designs using recycled materials.
• Use data from Google Trends or reports like Fortune Business Insights to assess local and global demand.

Read more: How to Start a 3D Printing Business with 10 Effective Tips

2. Create a detailed business plan

A clear business plan shapes your path to success and minimizes risks. Focus on these key components:

• Executive summary: Define your mission, vision, and long-term goals to build a strong foundation for all strategies.
• Market analysis: Study competitors, customer behavior, and industry trends to make informed decisions.
• Product line: Offer diverse scrubs, from poly-cotton blends to stretchy or eco-friendly fabrics, paired with personalization services for differentiation.
• Marketing strategy: SEO plan, social media ads, and B2B outreach to reach diverse customer groups.
• Financial projections: Estimate startup costs ($7,500–$67,000), set clear revenue goals, and track profit margins for stable cash flow.

Read more: How to Create a Successful Business Plan Template in 9 Steps

3. Build a standout brand identity

To shine in the healthcare industry, create a professional yet creative brand that resonates with medical professionals:

• Define a clear mission: Set a guiding principle, like “Empowering healthcare heroes with comfortable, sustainable, stylish scrubs.”
• Choose a memorable name: A short, professional, and readable name sticks in customers’ minds. Check domain availability for a seamless online presence.
• Design a unique logo: Your logo is your brand’s face. Use Shopify’s Free Logo Maker or hire a designer to create a distinctive, recognizable symbol.
• Select a brand color palette: Colors convey emotion. Navy blue, light blue, or soft gray evoke trust and professionalism in healthcare.

Read more: How to Start a Consulting Business for Beginners in 12 Steps

4. Secure funding

Calculate startup costs to ensure a smooth launch:

• Legal and permits: $1,000–$5,000, depending on business scale and structure.
• Inventory/dropshipping: Critical for operations, costing $5,000–$50,000.
• Website development: Platforms like Shopify keep costs low, ranging from $500–$5,000.
• Marketing budget: Allocate $1,000–$10,000 for customer acquisition strategies.

Funding options:

• Use personal savings for flexibility and control.
• Apply for bank loans or SBA programs, typically requiring 15–25% matching funds for credibility.
• Crowdfund or partner with investors for faster scaling.
• Seek support from friends and family for a simple, low-hassle option, provided trust is mutual.

5. Choose a business structure and location

Your business structure shapes operations and growth:

• Sole proprietorship: Simple and easy to manage, ideal for small startups with low legal risks.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Protects personal assets and offers flexibility for expansion.
• Corporation: Best for rapid scaling and attracting investors.

Choose a smart location:

• Online business: Use platforms like Shopify to save costs and reach global markets.
• Physical store: Place near hospitals, clinics, or medical centers to directly target customers.
• Hybrid model: Combine online sales with B2B contracts to maximize reach and revenue.

Immediate steps:

• Register for an EIN (tax ID).
• Complete local business licensing.
• Apply for a sales tax permit.
• Consult your local chamber of commerce for specific regulations.

Read more: Discover 7 Types of Businesses to Start a Successful Business

6. Source high-quality suppliers

Partner with reputable U.S. or international manufacturers to ensure consistent, high-quality scrubs. Key criteria to consider:

• Quality certifications: Prioritize suppliers meeting OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ISO 9001, WRAP, and AAMI PB70 standards for safety and healthcare compliance.
  • Fabric options: Poly-cotton blend (65/35): Durable, breathable, $3–$6 per unit wholesale.
  • 100% polyester: Moisture-wicking, $4–$7 per unit.
  • Eco-friendly fabrics: Organic cotton, bamboo, or Tencel, safe and sustainable, $5–$10 per unit.
• Additional features: Choose antibacterial, four-way stretch, or water-resistant fabrics for comfort and protection.
• Quality checks: Request fabric test reports and conduct wash tests at 160°F to verify colorfastness and durability.

7. Build an online store with Shopify

A professional online store is key to reaching global customers. Follow these steps for a solid foundation:

• Please choose the right platform: Shopify stands out for its intuitive interface, robust features, and ease of management.
• Select a theme: NextSky’s Glozin or Agile themes offer fast loading, modern designs, and SEO optimization to enhance customer experience and search rankings.
• Add personalization tools: Integrate AI-driven design tools, allowing customers to customize scrubs with logos or names for a unique touch.
• Set up secure payments: Connect with Stripe, PayPal, or Shop Pay for safe, convenient transactions.
• Optimize SEO: Incorporate high-potential keywords like “how to start a scrubs business,” “buy scrubs online,” or “medical scrubs dropshipping” into product descriptions, blogs, and marketing content to boost visibility.

This approach delivers a visually appealing, trustworthy store that attracts and retains customers.

8. Develop an effective marketing strategy

Combine B2B and direct-to-consumer marketing to maximize reach and establish a strong market presence:

B2B marketing:

• Target the right audience: Focus on private clinics, dental offices, and urgent care centers with consistent, uniform needs.
• Use professional platforms: Leverage LinkedIn Sales Navigator to connect directly with purchasing managers.
• Offer trials: Provide 20% discounts on test orders and free logo digitization to make a strong first impression.
• Craft compelling pitches: Highlight cost savings (25% lower than competitors), reliable two-week delivery, and dedicated account management for large clients.

Digital marketing:

• Smart SEO: Create content around long-tail keywords like “antibacterial scrubs for nurses” or “eco-friendly medical uniforms” to rank higher on search engines.
• Authentic social media: Partner with nurse influencers on Instagram or TikTok for relatable, trustworthy product showcases.
• Effective email marketing: Offer 20% discounts for .edu email users (e.g., students) and run cart abandonment campaigns to boost conversions.
• Paid ads: Invest in Google Ads for keywords like “medical scrubs near me” (CPC $2–$4) and run lookalike audience ads on Facebook to expand reach.

Traditional marketing:

• Trade shows: Attend medical expos to showcase products and build relationships with potential buyers.
• Print ads: Advertise in reputable industry publications like the American Journal of Nursing to boost brand recognition and credibility.

9. Launch and scale your business

• Soft launch: Start by introducing your store to a small customer group to test the shopping experience, gather feedback, and quickly adjust products and services.
• Official launch: Announce your store broadly across social media, email lists, and reputable medical forums to generate buzz, attract new customers, and build trust.
  • Scaling strategies: Diversify with lab coats, medical shoes, or accessories.
  • Strengthen partnerships with healthcare facilities for bulk orders.
  • Explore high-demand international markets like Europe or Asia.

Advantages and challenges of starting a scrubs business

Before diving in, weigh the benefits against potential hurdles:

Advantages:

• Loyal customers: High-quality scrubs encourage repeat purchases, especially from hospitals and clinics with bulk orders.
• Flexible scaling: Choose retail, wholesale, dropshipping, or custom design services based on resources and goals.
• Global reach: An online store lets you connect with customers worldwide without physical location limits.
• Personalization potential: Unique designs, like embroidered names or logos, set you apart.

Challenges:

• Fierce competition: The fragmented scrubs market includes many small and medium businesses, requiring a standout strategy.
• Strict regulations: Scrubs must meet standards like AAMI PB70 for barrier performance, increasing initial production costs.
• Long sales cycles: B2B clients, like hospitals, often require product testing before placing large orders.

Inspiring medical scrub business model success stories

• FIGS: Founded in 2013, FIGS revolutionized medical uniforms with antibacterial, modern, functional scrubs. Their direct-to-consumer model drove $250 million in revenue by 2020, proving the power of innovation and innovative business strategies.
• Scrubs Unlimited: Launched in 2000 in California, Scrubs Unlimited excels in bulk orders and has built a YouTube channel sharing valuable insights for the community. Their open, creative approach inspires new entrepreneurs.

How to start a scrubs business is a promising journey with sustainable profits in a booming market. By following NextSky’s roadmap, you can build a standout scrubs brand that meets the needs of healthcare professionals.