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

ironed_out

Guess what I do :rotfl:

Woodyrocks

ironed_out wrote: »

Guess what I do :rotfl:

No way :rotfl:If it wasn't for your registration date, I would think that it was a wind up

I couldn't even get round to ironing DD's school uniform this evening so not really cut out for this I don't think :rolleyes:

Woodyrocks

Surprised that has still not been edited by the mods! Can I advertise my wares too

KittyKate

I have been reading this thread with interest and would love to start up an ironing service to my apartment block. I live in Leeds city centre, and most of the people (about 4,000) in my very large apartment complex work in the city.

I can walk to each apartment, so no petrol needed, and have the ironing back within 48hrs. But I am stuck on what to charge in the city with the likelihood of there being more suits etc in there. Should I offer a washing service too or not? (for shirts and suits only)?

I can make my own flyers and use the colour laser printer at work (I get an allowance for personal use). I can knock up a quick website myself, is it worth offering paypal payment (as there is no cashpoint near here)?

I think there is a good opportunity here but I want to trial it first at minimum cost to myself. I have a brand new iron and board, advertising is free and a website will cost me under a fiver. I'd need some sort of suit hangers & coat hangers (I can probably get these free from city shops actually - they throw them away?)

picklepick

KittyKate wrote: »

I have been reading this thread with interest and would love to start up an ironing service to my apartment block. I live in Leeds city centre, and most of the people (about 4,000) in my very large apartment complex work in the city.

I can walk to each apartment, so no petrol needed, and have the ironing back within 48hrs. But I am stuck on what to charge in the city with the likelihood of there being more suits etc in there. Should I offer a washing service too or not? (for shirts and suits only)?

I can make my own flyers and use the colour laser printer at work (I get an allowance for personal use). I can knock up a quick website myself, is it worth offering paypal payment (as there is no cashpoint near here)?

I think there is a good opportunity here but I want to trial it first at minimum cost to myself. I have a brand new iron and board, advertising is free and a website will cost me under a fiver. I'd need some sort of suit hangers & coat hangers (I can probably get these free from city shops actually - they throw them away?)

Hi Kitty

I dont want to put a dampener on your great plans but its soo hard to set up an ironing service. I live in a city centre complex in manchester and advertised my business thinking loads of people would take up my offer. i didnt get a single customer! from over 2000 apartments.Most people that live in City Centres are young professionals and dont actually have that much extra income to spend on services like ours. Also, people tend to take their suits to dry cleaners. Have you had a look to see what other ironing services there are in your area?

Personally I wouldnt provide paypal as a method of payment. I've had a few problems with customers saying they've paid and then a month later im still waiting for the money. I find the best option is cash on delivery. At least then theres no mix ups or misunderstanding.

I provide garment covers for my ironing but I ask customers to provide their own hangers, I doubt you'll be able to gt hangers off any shops. I worked in retail for years and most stores reuse their hangers.

Ive set up a website for my business and its really easy to do. I get most if my custom from online advertising and word of mouth. All from wealthy suburbs of the city i might add.

Competition is tough. Do some research and be competitive. I hope it goes well for you but its really hard to get going! People are reluctant to hand over their things to someone with no experience or references. Also if you're going to use your car for collection and delivering you'll need to infom your insurance provider. Let me know if i can help you any more.

irchy_mum

Just an update really, I put flyers in train stations, post offices and co-ops. This was back in June and I was just doing a friends ironing, then a phone call came from a lady who lived too far away(wouldn't have been worth the drive-gutted) and then a call from someone who had seen my flyer at the station, this was about 2 months after I put it in there. Then a lady in my village heard through a friend and now she is a regular.
Sorry for the long post -but be patient something may come alon.Last weekend I earned £45 from ironing-not a great deal of money, but everything helps.

alisong4567

Mmmmmmmmmm wished I would have thought of this earlier but Wigan seems already full of ironers! I've got a super dooper Phhilips GC7220 steam generator if anyone would like to throw ironing work my way! (no harm in trying)

Stephb1986_2

I think with the credit crunch at the moment everyone is struggling people are coming and going all the time. Luckily it hasn't affected us yet and still quite busy. Hopefully we'll get busier soon if we have any work we cant manage Alisong i'll make sure I give you a shout.

Steph xx

alisong4567

Thanks Steph most appreciated:A

sam79_2

hi there

im in the wisbech area of cambridgeshire and i too offer a cleaning and ironing service.

so if you require someone reliable then pm

regards
samantha