Why is excessive sweating such a sweet industry for big-thinking entrepreneurs? Because humans sometimes stink.
Imagine... your big day is finally here. Last night, you stayed up well past your bedtime, perfecting every slide of your PowerPoint presentation. All you must do is defend your stance in front of potential investors, and you’ll be on your way to unbelievable success.
Butterflies fill your stomach, and you being to feel your heart rate increase. Oh no, it’s happening. You start sweating, and we’re not talking about a little bit of glistening. A familiar salty liquid begins pouring out of every gland in your body. Your shirt looks like it just came out of the washer, and moisture destroys your once perfected hairdo. What will the investors think? Will they take you seriously, or is everyone laughing at you behind your back?
What’s with the Excessive Sweating?
Everyone sweats, but according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, at least 5% of the population suffers from a form of excessive sweating known as hyperhidrosis. For a clearer picture, 365 million people struggle with uncontrolled sweating—more than the entire population of the U.S.
Excessive sweating can strike anywhere and without warning. While some stressful events, such as public speaking, may trigger an attack, some patients report sweating for no reason at all. Sufferers often have sweaty palms, which makes something as simple as a handshake a terrifying encounter. Others sweat through their clothes, undergarments, socks, and bedsheets.
Although the average person may not understand the emotional effects of hyperhidrosis, those who deal with this condition often become depressed, anxious, or even suicidal. Many feel embarrassed in public and avoid social situations altogether. It’s not uncommon for a sufferer to tell you how excessive sweating completely ruined their life.
That's Some Serious Sweat
Hyperhidrosis humiliates those who suffer from it, and patients go to extreme lengths to find a cure—from gland removal surgery to botulism injections in their palms. Treatments for this disorder are in high demand. An analysis by Reports and Data, a boutique market consulting firm, forecasts the value of the global hyperhidrosis treatment market will reach 1.87 billion by 2026.
Now, not everyone who deals with this condition wants medical intervention. Many would prefer something less invasive yet still effective. By 2024, the global antiperspirant industry will be worth a whopping $92.6 million, according to a report by Zion Market Research. And antiperspirant represents just a small piece of the excessive sweating solution pie.
Think you have what it takes to dry off sufferers for good? This often-embarrassing niche has millions of desperate consumers willing to pay whatever it takes to reduce their constant sweating. All they need is an entrepreneur ready to step up to the plate with the right solution.
Proven Over-the-Counter Remedies for Sweat Reduction
While doctors often recommend surgery, Botox injections, or prescription nerve blockers to reduce the symptoms of hHyperhidrosis, these solutions come with a long list of unwanted side effects. Sufferers may be too ashamed to talk to their doctor about the problem, and others don’t want to jump through hoops for insurance approval.
What they really want is an accessible over-the-counter solution.
Sure, consumers can pick up a stick of deodorant at the local drugstore, but what about those unwanted sweat stains? Treating hyperhidrosis isn’t just putting on antiperspirant in the morning. It’s about offering a range of products shown to provide relief from the countess symptoms a sufferer may experience daily.
Entrepreneurs can easily (and cheaply) source products to combat every sweating woe imaginable.
Here is a brief list to get the brainstorming process started:
- Antiperspirant: Buy as low as $0.20 per unit and sell for $8 each.
- Tea tree oil: Source for $0.94 per unit and sell for $15-18 each.
- Tannic acid astringent: Purchase in bulk for $15 per kilogram and sell 10oz units for $20.
- Underarm pads: Buy for $0.04 per unit and sell in packages of 50 units for $8-14.
- Sweat-proof undershirts: Source for $3.50 and sell for $28-33.
- Breathable bamboo socks: Purchase for $0.62 a pair and sell for $15-30 for a 6-pack.
- Oxygen-activated stain remover: Buy for $0.42 and sell for $12-14.
Private Label Your Sweat-Stopping Business
People living with hyperhidrosis are on the hunt for effective products from a brand they can trust. Unfortunately, most of the brands at local drugstores or on Amazon sell a minimal range of sweat-blocking solutions. If you need to add something else to your arsenal, you have to look elsewhere. And as perspiration stains appear, consumers become more and more frustrated at the lack of offerings in local stores.
You already have a long list of possible products to diminish the dire symptoms of excessive sweating, but how will your customers know where to look for them? You need to build a cohesive brand to showcase all the different options you plan on selling. A recognizable name and a memorable logo will ensure you stay relevant, not only in your customer’s eyes but also in the Amazon algorithms (if you choose that route).
Think about this—would you purchase a generic, mysterious, unbranded product to treat a medical condition? Would you trust a seller who doesn’t create a uniform brand image? Probably not. Consumers routinely purchase from companies they recognize, even if the product ends up not working as well. It’s all about making a name for yourself.
So, what can you do? Private label is the way to go. Find a catchy brand name—an effective name should roll off the tongue and reflect the purpose of the products you sell. Work with a graphic designer to create a color scheme and an eye-catching logo. Have a mission statement, and always stand behind what you sell. These steps are simple and following them will boost sales and increase brand visibility in the marketplace.
Amazon Is the Prime Shop for All Your Sweat Needs
Once you start sourcing your products and have a vision for your brand, you need to find a place to sell. Sure, you could always open a brick-and-mortar shop, but let’s face it, most people shop online these days. A staggering 2.05 billion people completed an online purchase in 2020, according to Statista. Looking at those numbers, why wouldn’t you want a powerful online presence?
Here’s some more food for thought: Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world. Yes, the world. The company sells everything under the sun. Consumers can check off every item from their shopping list in a single visit, from household toiletries to last-minute gifts.
Another allure of Amazon is its Prime subscription. Members enjoy free two-day shipping and a variety of other perks with their $119 membership. Even better, sellers can sign up for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). As an FBA seller, your products become Prime-eligible. Not only will your customers enjoy two-day shipping, but Amazon will handle any packing, delivery, customer service issues, and returns on your behalf. You will even store your inventory in one of their large warehouses.
But aren’t there already a lot of other sweat-fighting products listed on Amazon? Yes, there are, but competition isn’t a bad thing. Inferior branding is what will cause you to fail. By creating a trustworthy brand and offering a range of products, you’ll quickly take the front row seat.
Market without Breaking a Sweat
Of course, if no one finds your products, you won’t close many sales. What you want to do is build a relationship with potential buyers in an organic, relatable way. Social media is one of the best ways to reach a broad audience without much work. Create an account on all the major platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are three of the most popular. Post compelling photos and videos to engage your target audience. Remember to interact with potential buyers—if they feel a connection with your brand, they will likely become loyal, repeat customers.
Here are some other ways to build a buzz around your sweat-eliminating business:
- Connect with popular bloggers. If you browse through the listings on Blogger.com, you’ll find people who write in every niche imaginable. Some even have large audiences. Consider sending samples of your products to bloggers in the workout, performing arts, anxiety, or parenthood niches in exchange for a positive post.
- Offer giveaways. Who doesn’t like to get free stuff? You can find various online sweepstakes across the internet. Hosting a giveaway is a surefire way to introduce your products to a mixed bag of consumers. You can list a giveaway for free on a sweepstakes directory, such as sweepsadvantage.com or onlinesweepstakes.com. While some people will only stop by to enter the sweepstakes, others will stick around and browse your site. Either way, they will remember your brand if they ever need a sweat solution.
- Purchase ads. Online advertising is an affordable way to drive sales. You can test the waters with the pay-per-click model of AdWords. If you sell on Amazon, you should also look into taking out ad space for sponsored products.
- Give customers an incentive to buy. Saving money is a favorite pastime for consumers. You can capitalize on this mindset with limited time offers and promotional discounts. Remember, a BOGO sale creates FOMO.
The Takeaway
Sweating is the body’s natural way to release toxins and cool down, but for 365 million people, excessive sweating rules their life. While medical science has made breakthroughs in how to treat hyperhidrosis, there is no cure. Many of the current treatments are invasive and do not work for everyone.
Hyperhidrosis treatment is a $1.87 billion industry. A proactive entrepreneur can bring home a sizable income with the right over-the-counter solutions. Offering sufferers a wide range of products will ensure every customer can find the best treatment for their symptoms.
Selling private label products on Amazon is the best way to reach a vast audience, and marketing will help drive sales even more. With a bit of research into hyperhidrosis and a lot of determination, there’s no reason why you can’t help others while making an impressive living in this growing niche.
Plus, building a successful brand in a billion-dollar industry sure wouldn't stink. Don't "think it would work" for you? Check out Moiz Ali's story and see if it doesn't inspire you just a little.
And if that little voice in your head changes its tune, and you'd like access to all the ideas, coaching, contacts, and funding you'll need to build your own million-dollar brand, we'd love to help you. That's what we do inside the Capitalism Incubator. Your next step is fill out an application right here.
