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

Stephb1986_2

missspeedy23 wrote: »

Yes I use a duplicate book that's got a summary at the front. I transfer it onto a spreadsheet then that I calculate the mileage and other costs etc automatically.

You just reminded me of something I meant to ask the group - can you offset electricity etc from your income? I work from home but don't have a specific room (though tend to use the conservatory when it's warm!).

I'd obviously like to offset as much as I can from my profits so the tax man doesn't take more than he should!!

If you have a electricity bill from before you started the ironing and a new one from when you have started the ironing see how much it has gone up by and use that as your estimation for your electricity for the tax man.

hth

Steph xx

Stephb1986_2

We don't use wraps at all because of that problem and it saves the environment not using them

Steph xx

missspeedy23

rosie_red wrote: »

Thank-you all for your helpful advice this week.

Just a quick question, do you all use wraps for certain garments as read items can go mouldy, any suggestion please.

I wrap all my hanging items - normally put around 4 or 5 hangers per cover. I leave them til the last minute though to avoid creases and that way they will have dried from any steam too.

Jo

giggles_alot

I seem to be getting more and more bedding and linen, can anyone suggest a really good steam press? Doesn't have to be the cheapest but of good quality and likely to last that bit longer. Any help appreciated.

sunshine_girl_2

I'm looking for an ironing service in Suffolk - if anyone's in my area i'd be grateful if you could pm me.

Thanks!

kettricken

Hi
I use invoice books which are self carbonated, don't forget to get receipts for any supplies used for the business, I recently had to get some more ink for my printer and ordered it in the company name. I am having to suspend my service for a couple of weeks due to a new heating system being fitted, my regulars were very understanding, but I did have to turn away a new customer which was very upsetting. I guess when I am up and running again I will be inundated (?spelling), but all good business. I am enrolling on an online business course for new starters so will also pass on any thing I learn, if I pass this 3 month short course I may be eligble for a 12 month certified one. Just need to get that heating fixed. I cant type with cold hands.

janca

Hi everybody,

I've been really inspired by all your advice. It's great to see so many positive and nice people together. I nearly started to think that you might be extinct

I'm starting a little ironing service in Chafford Hundred in Essex. Just took out about 300 flyers, but no reply. I've re-done them and will start again on the other side put up two ads online as well. Hopefully somebody will call.

The way I look at it, I have nothing to loose, as I've just finished my maternity leave and can't go back to work as it would earn me about £100 a month after putting two children to nursery.

Hopefully something will turn up. I love ironing, somehow find it therapeutic I'm one of the clean freaks so hopefully so it would be ideal. I'll read your posts again and than probably come up with some questions if that's ok.

Thank you again.

Jana x

rhoobarbcrumble

deleted (posted in error)

kettricken

Janca

I have got all of my business from my website, mainly because if people search on the interenet, it pops up as the only one in my area, through the search engines. This has not cost me any money to set up and I have never done a website before, so if I can .......

I set it up via google and BT, I have posted the link below (hope I am allowed), they have an offer on at the moment, have a look and see if it helps. It is available until end of 2010.

http://www.gbbo.co.uk/

I havent done any leaflet drops or other advertising any where, mainly because I didn't want to incur any expenses just in case it didn't work. I felt the sort of people wanting an ironing service are more likely to search the web, and when I searched for ironing services in my area, no one else advertised on the web. I am sure there must be other people doing it in my area but I am quids in with the web site. Its free for 2 years.

Good luck

kats53

Kettricken
Thanks for the link, I will have a better look at this tomorrow when I've got more time. It looks like a good idea. So far I've got most of my business from putting some cards out and from word of mouth but could do with some more custom to make it viable. I've also just put an ad on Yell.com.
Good luck to everyone who is trying to make this work. Its not easy, its quite hard work but something you can do on your own terms.

Jen