I own a wide variety of cloth diaper brands.
I have several totes and diaper bags from different businesses.
I’ve tried several cloth diaper safe creams and detergents.
I use many types of wet bags.
I am a customer at several online natural parenting shops.
I have a Keeper Cup, but I’d like to try the Diva.
I’ll be using the Spray Pal for the first time when my 4th baby arrives in October and I’d like to install a Spray Collar (Definitely in Mutt!) in my second bathroom as well.
What do these products have in common? They all allow me to support small businesses and entrepreneurs and show my support for innovative entrepreneurs.
I, of course, have product and business preferences. Some come from appreciating a stellar idea or concept, others from a positive customer service experience, and yet others from getting to know business owners. Business practices are important to me and I believe that purchasing a product is more than simply making a one-time transaction – it supports a business. This matters to me and I try to support businesses I believe in as much as I can.
While I love being a loyal customer, I also believe any thriving business community needs innovation and competition. We read product reviews as consumers and engage with “You Might Also Like” features on retail sites because we like comparing products and deals. I personally like options and feel like healthy competition inspires entrepreneurs to keep innovating and refine the benefits of their products. I can purchase competing products from the same category or choose one that fits my needs and this his healthy for the small business community.
Yesterday some internet drama erupted over the introduction of the Spray Collar. Many loyal Spray Pal fans took issue with the use of the hashtag #makeclothmainstream and the introduction of a new product by comparing it to predecessors. I’ve read the Spray Collar introduction and watched the video, at first wondering why they mention competitors at all. When I went back and read the text again, however, it made sense. The page introduces me to the existing market (The Potty Pail being unfamiliar to me) and then explains how the Spray Collar can add value by contributing a third option. And I like options.
In fact, I would say that Diaper Dawgs was generous to the competition by implying that the market has room to meet different preferences and
needs with the statement that proceeded their video (I would just say him/her if it was me):
“So when your friend asks, “What do you do with the poop?”
Mention the “Pail,” definitely suggest the “Pal,” then get pumped by showing her this video by Diaper Dawgs – Your Best Friend in Cloth Diapering that continues to provide an innovative line of poop protection products for phenomenal parents!”
I haven’t had the opportunity to associate with Aisha at Diaper Dawgs, but I like what I see on her blog and this is my impression of her so far: Innovation, creativity, following your dreams, contributing to a community with useful consumer products, remaining positive and in good humor in the midst of criticism = A business I can get behind!
I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Jennifer at Spray Pal and speaking with her via phone. She is kind, funny, gracious, and creative – just as you imagine her from her social media presence. If I met her in person, I would give her a great big hug. Jennifer has an awesome product that meets many consumer’s needs and adds real value to the cloth diaper accessories market.
The cloth diaper community is thriving and a diverse group of customers are entering the market, looking to explore their options. I don’t see the addition of the Spray Collar as a “VS” situation where consumers have to pick a side or make this personal. In fact, you can respect both entrepreneurs and ultimately prefer one product over the other. Other consumers will research the market with their own needs and preferences, perhaps selecting a different product than you. Either way, this is a “win” for small businesses and the splatter control niche, in my opinion, drawing further attention to all products in these categories and providing consumers with quality choices.
Have you tried a splatter control product? What are you looking for? If you could create a fourth option, what would it look like?
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