Changing Diapers: the Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering

Friday, September 7, 2012

The True Cost of a Daily Deal.

As the leader of the DFW Cloth Diaper Group, I have learned a lot about the cloth diaper community.  I love being part of a community that is so close!  It really is like a family.  I have had the honor of meeting two founders of major cloth diaper brands, who were both extremely gracious.  I love how the community comes together at the same moment for the Great Cloth Diaper Change to promote the use of real diapers.  I love how helpful everyone is for those new to cloth, even though they've answered the same questions (what seems like) a thousand times. 

I have had the opportunity to learn about both the consumer and the retailer "side" of this wonderful community.  I even worked in a local shop for a few months.  I have become friends with many of our local retailers, which has allowed me a glimpse of what it is really like for them. 

Before I started the DFWCDG, I thought the same thing as many other cloth diaper enthusiasts:

I could open my own cloth diaper store!  It can't be that hard.  It is something I love to do, talk about, and it would be a great way to help others.  Why not make some money at the same time?  Our family sure could use the extra income.  

When I realized there were 2 cloth diaper stores fairly close to me, I decided not to even try to compete.  I did the next best thing.  I started this Group!  I am so happy I did.  It has become something far beyond what I could have ever imagined.  I have made so many wonderful friends.  It has helped many realize that using cloth diapers is a real choice.  I also LOVE seeing the connections made within the Group. 

I contacted the local shops that I knew of, to see if they would help promote this new little group.  I also wanted to help promote them.  I soon learned of more local shops, and contacted them, too.  One thing I have always done, and will always do with this Group, is promote our local retailers.  For free.  We have them listed on our website, at no cost to them.  Many blogs and websites charge advertising fees.  I will never do that.  The support they have shown this group goes far beyond making a few bucks for the Group.  Sure, that money could come in handy to improve the Group, but it is more important to me to support them.

They work hard, with little return.  They invest a lot of their time and money towards their shops.  I quickly learned that they don't do it for the money.  They do it because they are passionate about cloth diapers and helping others. 

When I started out with cloth diapers, I soon learned about the "daily deal" sites.  These sites feature one product per day (including, but not limited to, cloth diapers) at a fantastic price!  Often 40-50% off.  I was very excited to be able to try new things at such a discount!  When cloth diapering on a budget, it helped to be able to buy a new product at half the cost.


I used to promote these sites with the Group whenever I saw cloth diapers were being featured.  I wanted to pass along the amazing deals!  Then I started talking with some of our local retailers about these daily deal sites, and what they are doing to retailers. I had never thought of it from their perspective before. 

In short, it hurts them.  Greatly.  Often, the products are offered to the daily deal sites for less than they are offered to retailers.  There is no way a retailer can compete with that price.  As a consumer, you want the best deal possible.  But at what cost?

I no longer shop with or promote the daily deal sites.  I would prefer to support a local retailer (or any retailer) than get the best deal possible.  I know that for many on a very tight budget, the daily deal sites are the best way to try and use the "nicer" products.  They may not be able to do so otherwise.  I understand that.  However, there are so many affordable options that it is not necessary to buy from the daily deal sites.  A cloth diaper retailer can help you find the best option for your lifestyle and budget.  You can't get that customer service anywhere else!
 
Many retailers won't stock certain products because they frequently sell their items on the daily deal sites.  They also won't stock products that allow co-ops.

Co-ops and daily deal sites almost go hand-in-hand to me.  The Cloth Diaper Geek said it best in her post Co-Op's, the GOOD, The BAD, and The UGLY TRUTH!  I couldn't have said it better myself.  She explains how co-op's hurt small businesses, which is also the very same reason the daily deal sites hurt them:

"Small business owners typically have to buy into a brand/company with a minimum order amount, which ties up a lot of their funds, and then they are required to sell the products only at MSRP pricing.  This means they are very limited as to the sales they can have, often even a discount of 10% is against policy and selling at less than the MSRP can result in that business owner losing their account with that company."

You really should go read her post, it explains it all so well.   It is the reason I'm writing this!  I shared the Co-Op post on our Facebook page, with this comment:

"Beware of "un-authorized" and "secret" co-ops. They greatly damage small business, as do the deal-a-day bargain websites (which is why I no longer promote them). Cloth Diaper Geek shares her perspective on co-ops, one I strongly agree with. (ps... I think "authorized" co-ops are great, as long as they are run openly and honestly.)"

I also explained why I think some "authorized co-op's" are okay:

"I do think a co-op run by a wahm (who makes and sells her own product, but not to retailers) is a great idea. It's a good way to get their product out there, especially if first starting out. I know the wahm set the co-op price and is comfortable with it, and that it's not hurting any retailers. But so many don't understand the "other" side to co-ops and deal-a-day sites. I'm glad this post was written, and I hope it sheds light on the subject. "

I was asked why I included the daily deals sites, too.  I explained my reasons, but wanted to share them in a better setting than just a Facebook comment.  Yes, the daily deal sites are legitimate, unlike many co-op's.  But they hurt the retailers.  The very retailers that give so much of their time (and even money) to help you cloth diaper your child(ren). 

I also shared a post about the impact of independent businesses vs. chain stores (read the article HERE).  Their first line sums it up well:

"Choosing a locally owned store generates almost four times as much economic benefit for the surrounding region as shopping at a chain..."

When shopping for cloth diapers, I encourage you to become informed about where you purchase.  Spend wisely.  Think about the true cost of the daily deal sites and co-op's.


disclaimer:  I fully understand there are many on a very tight budget.  We are happy to help you find the best resources!  Everything in this post is the opinion of Brenda, founder of the DFW Cloth Diaper Group. 

20 comments:

  1. Another thing you didn't mention is that frequently the diapers on the deal sites have a Msrp listed that is far higher than the actual value of the diaper. I have seen rebranded $5 diapers selling for $15 on deal sites with an "MSRP" of $30 listed! Another time they sent out a completely delaminated diaper brand new. I would not have believed it but the mama swore that was how it came - she thought it was supposed to be that way.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Even for regular price diapers, shopping local does not have to cost more. Most of my customers are surprised to find out that my prices in store are the same as the prices online. The only difference is sales tax, and that goes into our local community.

    Sometimes things are a better price in small stores as well. For instance, while a national chain carries one brand of diaper that I sell - they do not offer a quantity discount. Customers would actually pay less at most small diaper stores, and get better service.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Also your local stores often offer a reward program, great deals on discontinued products, and regular events where you can receive coupons or door prizes. We love to reward our regular local customers. And we provide exception customer service to help brainstorm through a laundry or leak issue, or helping to handle a warranty issue on the products we sell to our customers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. As an owner of a cloth diaper brick and mortar store, I couldn't agree more. I am a mom on a tight income and can appreciate a deal, but the daily deal sites really hurt my business. I am devoted to cloth diapers, I am constantly checking Facebook, answering emails, planning the next cloth diaper or charity event for the store, updating the website, placing order, shipping orders, ECt. In short, I am working all the time, in between naps and baseball games and am truly proud and honored when I see repeat customers. I am here for them from day one of cloth diapering until potty training. I am here to help and love my customers and the relationships that have formed. They trust me to give them the best honest advise I can. And yes, it's true, there is very little profit. Paying a little more for the customer service, knowing your purchase from me helps put a meal on my table, buy a pair of shoes for my child, pay a bill as opposed to a large corporation making more money and putting small retail business out of business has to mean something. It does to me! So thank you to all those of you who do not promote the daily deal sites!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I also work for a local brick and mortar cloth diaper store. I have helped more than a few customers who bought daily deal diapers, including some very good ones that were totally wrong for their families. Without customer service they did not know how they fit, how to deal with rashes or fussy wash and several sold at a loss to buy new diapers

    ReplyDelete
  6. Saνed as a fаvorite, I like your site!

    My weblog :: http://www.locateabuckettruck.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. What's up Dear, are you genuinely visiting this web page on a regular basis, if so after that you will absolutely take pleasant know-how.

    Also visit my web page - exercises To increase vertical jump

    ReplyDelete
  8. The reason why Seek the services of any Audio Licensing Organization?


    3) A person's Funding
    e High-priced when compared with several other systems
    Provide celebrant the particular pleasures associated with a popular music online video plus snap assortment
    Any Sonicview 8000HD (version2) could be the recent HIGHER recipient merchandise which was brought out by way of the enterprise. It's got
    lots of impressive plus exemplary options making it
    remain other than all of those other FTA receivers sold in the
    market. This kind of HIGHER tuner helps a PVR capabilities along with outward UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS
    and also inside HARD DISK DRIVE.
    Popular music achieving success
    Let me get started
    saving one or two Your child Can easily Understand Evaluations,
    initial to make sure you actually the fact that line did all this time, after which to help you redesign
    anyone on what the success even as we have the sequence.


    My partner and i state this unique coming from past
    experiences. My partner and i personally contain countless previous Compact disks untruthful close to within
    good shape in which I have generated year after year.
    A number of I just dislike but still pull together. It was
    amazing retailing most of these for the purpose of funds in this manner
    as an alternative for utilising free-ad or perhaps sell web sites or maybe inside without having to get going
    your vehicle trunk marketplace. Other than merely having the capacity to Dollars for the purpose
    of Compact discs Digital video disks. Environmentally friendly offers usually are wonderful far too and it is
    a specific thing we need to most take into account alot more for the
    foreseeable future age group.Advertising Plr Solutions Is really a Rapid Way for you to Easy
    Transcoding dvds:

    Nevertheless, in web marketing is often a long-term operate.
    And then the end is certainly suggested bit by bit. You are unable to don't be surprised to view a lift throughout potential customers after anyone introduce those people ways of yield page views. Which means that what you must undertake is almost always to job tough and also persistently.How to Engage in Roulette: The actual To have Receiving From the Match
    Brand-new Bumps:
    20. Much more evidence & skills as part of the discovering study course

    Review my web page ... online video to mp3 converter

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi there are using Wordpress for your site platform?
    I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started and
    set up my own. Do you require any html coding expertise to make
    your own blog? Any help would be greatly
    appreciated!

    My blog post Bench Craft Company advertising on facebook page

    ReplyDelete
  10. Now I am going to do my breakfast, once having my
    breakfast coming over again to read other news.

    my page; viagra online

    ReplyDelete
  11. Honest diaper is reliable in use as it does not provide any rashes to the baby’s sensitive skin. Mothers mostly prefer this to use for their babies.

    ReplyDelete
  12. That was really very helpful. Thanks!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. However, make sure that the tinnitus was not a pre-existing
    condition that just got aggravated because of the presence of sinus infections.
    You only need to follow some homemade practices which can help you in stopping
    your tinnitus. You can download the CD or purchase it easily through the website.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow! This blog looks just like my old one!
    It's on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!


    Take a look at my web-site - how do i treat a hemorrhoids

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed
    reading it, you can be a great author. I will be
    sure to bookmark your blog and will come back at some point.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your
    great writing, have a nice day!

    My web-site - we dating site

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ι am sսre this piece of wrіuting has touсhed all the internet visitoгs, its really really pleasant article onn bսilding
    up new webѕite.

    My blog poѕt improve rotational golf swing mechanics

    ReplyDelete
  17. I was excited to find this web site. I need to to thank you for ones
    time for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every little
    bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff in your website.



    Here is my blog post; Long island Mold Testing company

    ReplyDelete
  18. I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever
    work and exposure! Keep up the amazing works guys I've you guys to blogroll.


    my weblog :: warts best treatment

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good day! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for
    the great information you've got here on this post. I'll be coming back to your
    website for more soon.

    Also visit my webpage best appetite suppressant pills gnc

    ReplyDelete
  20. I truly love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme.
    Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I'm attempting to create my own personal blog and want to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named.
    Appreciate it!

    Have a look at my webpage :: casino en ligne gratuits

    ReplyDelete