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

clairibel

I have thought about this also as a small company but i only have a car as i couldn't afford a van immediatley, so you can do it with a car then :cool:

Might look into this further.

kats53

Thanks Nicky that was a great help, my dh says he can do that for me. Do you cover your clothes before delivery? I have bought my iron and designed some business cards, just going to do some flyers this week. I have 2 customers waiting so am getting excited now!!

Jen xx

Christie_L

Hi Jen,

Yes, I use the polythene covers to protect the clothes when I deliver them back to customers. I think it looks more professional and can be a lifesaver if I accidently brush the clothes up against the not-so-clean car! They protect the clothes if it's windy/raining too. I try to group 3-5 items into the covers, and offer to collect them back off the customer the next time I pickup from them.

Nicky xx

kats53

Thanks again Nicky, I am going to look into getting some covers, I was thinking that if it rained I would need some.
Have been trying my steam generator iron out today and I love it!
Jen xx

hellokitty08

I take my ironing to the shop, it takes me 1 hour to iron 2 tops and 1 pair of trousers, i take 7-9 things to the shop and it costs me £7ish! Bargain, although I have no idea how the shop makes any money off me! It would take me a good couple of hours to iron all that! Maybe they are better at it then me! lol

kats53

Hi
I've just thought of something else I wanted to ask. What kind of insurance do I need? would it be product liability or public liability?
thanks Jen

MinniMe_2

Hi all - can someone PM me if they work in Bristol area as I'm looking for someone to do my ironing

Stephb1986_2

hellokitty08 wrote: »

I take my ironing to the shop, it takes me 1 hour to iron 2 tops and 1 pair of trousers, i take 7-9 things to the shop and it costs me £7ish! Bargain, although I have no idea how the shop makes any money off me! It would take me a good couple of hours to iron all that! Maybe they are better at it then me! lol

It seriously takes you that long to iron 3 items? I take on average 3 minutes per item, I have been doing for 7 years solid so you do get speed up after a while It's not just the speed it's also why type of iron you are using, If you was using a normal hand-held iron then you won't get as good finish as an ironing service would do as the majority use the steam generator irons, which I'm pretty sure get 1000 times hotter than a normal iron and produce alot more steam.

I have never really asked customers if their clothes feel different from when we've ironed their stuff to them ironing their own stuff. What do you think?

Steph xx

mrsljsouth

Hello Ladies,
I have read and re-read this thread and thank you all for your time and patience.

I have a couple of queries that have come up for me and my only customer! Lol!

1) Do you count the items with them together or do you take the basket/bag and count them later? In which case where do you record this? Do you have a slip that you put with the ironing when you return it?

2) When you have been paid, do you give receipts?

3) Do you keep a book for enquiries or new customers?

4) How do you organise your paperwork?

Any help gratefully received!

Best Wishes
Leigh-Anne

giggles_alot

mrsljsouth wrote: »

Hello Ladies,
I have read and re-read this thread and thank you all for your time and patience.

I have a couple of queries that have come up for me and my only customer! Lol!

1) Do you count the items with them together or do you take the basket/bag and count them later? In which case where do you record this? Do you have a slip that you put with the ironing when you return it?

2) When you have been paid, do you give receipts?

3) Do you keep a book for enquiries or new customers?

4) How do you organise your paperwork?

Any help gratefully received!

Best Wishes
Leigh-Anne

Hi there

I have business cards with my details on. If the person wants items collecting I write address details and telephone number on the back of card to take with me - saves taking giant diary everywhere.
I count items when I get home or when the customer has left, easier that way. I then jot the number of items on the card for later.
I have a big diary and use the blank pages at the back for details from people.
I give receipts to all customers, creating a carbon copy for myself ready for following years tax return. I also staple the business card that has all details on so that they have details if want to contact again.
I have an envelope in diary to keep all receipts for expenses, I have reciept book that shows all incoming. I also keep a daily tally of income on each page of diary.

Hope that helps, Let me know if you have any other questions