Start an ironing service... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

bbaby_2

Have had a university contact me asking if I can take on all their laundry ect,
This would include work wear (Chefs Whites) and leisure clothing, linen, towelling ect,

I havnt got a clue of what I would charge for this??

Is there any one here that offers a similar service ?

Does anyone know what sort of price would be charged for takeing this on ??

Any help / Advise please is verrrrrrryyy appreciated.

robsonru

I've had my first ironing customer. The lady said she'd just got back off holiday and got one of my leaflets through door. she seemed very happy when i returned her ironing so it's spurred me on a little

bbaby_2

robsonru wrote: »

I've had my first ironing customer. The lady said she'd just got back off holiday and got one of my leaflets through door. she seemed very happy when i returned her ironing so it's spurred me on a little

:j Thats great!! u never know, you may well get many more calls as people return from their hols and find your leaflets:beer:

Good luck

Rainbowdrops_3

Hi there,

Please be patient with me! I am seriously considering starting up my own ironing business from home in Huddersfield. However like all newbies I have a few questions and thought this would be the best place to ask. Sorry if I go over old ground, but it has taken me all weekend to look through these threads so I don't fancy going through them all again!

Firstly, how do you work out the electric being used for business and the electric used for personal use when you are working from home. Also, the same with petrol and water. This is something that is worrying me as I want to work out my overheads so I know my pricing is right and I am not working for a pittance IYSWIM.

Secondly, Is it worthwhile drawing up a contract with the customers or easier to keep it casual. I was just thinking regarding payment etc.

Finally, (if you got that far:rotfl: ) How do you stand with tax credits whilst self employed? At present we get the child tax element only although we pay for childcare. We don't get the childcare element as I work under 16 hours. Would I have to prove I was working over 16 hours self employed or would I not qualify at all? Also how do you work out your earnings in advance, just give them an estimation of what you expect to earn?

I am sorry for all the questions, but as you can see I am a bit baffled. Any help would be gratefully received.

I would just like to say to all ironers who have taken the plunge well done and keep up the good work :T.

Racheal. x

jen2708

Hi I'm new in australia i have a baby of 1 year old and i still breastfeed her which mean it quite dificult for me to find a job.So i start an iroining buissiness and i need more people.I do it at home and charges $20 per regular basket.If you need someone please let me know i live in thornlie.Thanks

Maz

After a really bad start i.e. two enquiries that led to......nowt, I've now been approached by the lady who runs our local launderette to do the ironing for her regulars, as her usual lady has let her down.

Fantastic! :j Just taken delivery of the first large batch and have promised her a 48 hour turnaround.

Am OK with pricing generally but going through the pile, there's a bag with about 6 curtains in there. They're not huge, around 48" wide by 54" drop but I've no idea what to charge for these.

Can anyone give me some ideas? Don't want to over charge but don't want to under price either! Any ideas and suggestions, most welcome.

kathysIroning

Leicester Ironing Network

Hi, I often get ironing enquiries outside my area and so have started to build an Ironing Network of local ironing services across Leicestershire to pass these enquiries onto suitable network partners (and vice versa hopefully :T ). I am offering this as a free service and might suit smaller services looking for referals from other network partners. Customers can also access the network from an interactive map on my website. Any interested small ironing services interested then please contact me.

www.hot-coco.co.uk

Happy to take ironing enquiries across Leicestershire as we build the network up.

Kathy

raggydoll_2

What an inspirational thread! I have a lot of debt to clear and have decided having read this thread to give an ironing service a go with all the money i make going to pay of my debt. I am going to plan things out today and ring the 4 other services in the nearest town to see how they charge etc. I'm very excited about this now. Just looking at prices of decent ironing boards, irons, nicely scented ironing water, coat hangers and garment sleeves. Really need to set up initially with minimum outlay so will have a think about what i actually need. Yay!!

kathysIroning

Hi raggy

I have a full price list on web site if it helps ( www.hot-coco.co.uk ) - then go to Kathys Ironing Service. Remember to factor in extra services like 24hr turn-around, pickup/del etc (see my site). Strongly recommend getting a decent website so that you can then upsell other services and maybe small products (maybe ?).

And by the way - its hard work - really hard work, and you will need perserverence to build up your customer base. It will take a good 6mths minimum to get reasonably established. You may have to initially be very price competitive to get your foot in - but then once established can adjust prices. A quality steam gen is essential - Don't go cheap - it will pay for itself.

Good luck
Kathy

raggydoll_2

Having done lots of reading in the last couple of days and chatting to friends im thinking of charging;

£12 per standard washing basket full of clothing items including collection and delivery within a 5 mile radius. Baskets can be provided if required.

Bedding curtains and specialist items prices avaliable on request.

Standard 48 hr turnover
24 hr turnover sometimes avaliable, please call for details.

Items will be hung or folded as requested and garment sleeves used.

What do you think???