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

davidjwest

kettricken wrote: »

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

I recommend you put the website in your profile on MSE as it may get you a few more customers - same for anyone with a similar site.

Stephb1986_2

Miss speedy it sounds like he wants a bespoke service we get this alot and if they want that they can go else where like johnsons.

We get alot of people sending it screwed up in the bag we've sent a letter out a few months ago asking people to fold it if they want a decent job doing. Some people have took it on board others haven't so they get the job that they deserve.

Steph xx

missspeedy23

Hi all, what are you planning to do around Xmas? Not sure when to do my last collections/restart so just interested to know what everyone else is doing. Thinking might do a list to give to my regulars of when I'm open/closed.

Also, a bit of advice too please - I live in an area where it snows bad and struggled to get my car on and off the estate last year and I do my ironing from home. Obviously if I can't get my car near my house, I can't get ironing in or out! I had to park it on the main road a good 5 minute walk from my house. Can't think of best way to inform my customers that if it snows, I'll not be able to deliver/collect. Any ideas??

Thanks
Jo
x

Loubylou2

I don't have that many customers but I have their mobile nos as I inform them of delivery times via text (and they mostly text me asking for a collection) So i'd just send a group text about snow arrangements and i'd include xmas dates on that. I will work up to 23rd then again from 29th I think. But then i'm not doing it full time as have another job.:)

missspeedy23

Loubylou2 wrote: »

I don't have that many customers but I have their mobile nos as I inform them of delivery times via text (and they mostly text me asking for a collection) So i'd just send a group text about snow arrangements and i'd include xmas dates on that. I will work up to 23rd then again from 29th I think. But then i'm not doing it full time as have another job.:)

Thanks, was thinking up to 23rd and from 27th or 28th - need to have a look and see how they fall.

Glad it's not just me mad enough to work as well

lizzielawson

Thank you kettricken, I have just set up my website! Hope this works, there has been rather a deafening silence so far to my advertising. If anyone has any suggestions about how to attract customers, do let me know.

Many thanks

Bebs

Hi, I am desperately looking for some help with my ironing, if any of you are in the Manchester/Cheshire area please PM me - thanks

Loubylou2

lizzielawson wrote: »

Thank you kettricken, I have just set up my website! Hope this works, there has been rather a deafening silence so far to my advertising. If anyone has any suggestions about how to attract customers, do let me know.

Many thanks

I have had a few customers from the free Yell advert.I also did a leaflet drop which got me a few as well. I left cards in some shops too.
Good luck

davidjwest

I'd have thought word of mouth is a good way to gain custom, once you've got a few "regulars" - maybe you could do a "special offer" leaflet where any new customers get a discount on their first load of ironing done and the customer who recommends them also gets a discount on their next load as a thank you.

Don't make the discount too much in case they never come back but enough to make it worth having, maybe 10% or so.

lizzielawson

Thanks for your suggestions. I have now registered with Yell, and will be advertising in a local magazine in the next issue. Keep your fingers crossed that I get to plug in the iron soon!