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

ash28

missspeedy23 wrote: »

I only iron the front of collars on shirts too, though one of my customers is fussy and only wants the back of his collars ironing! Not sure how he'd notice the difference though...!

I get quite a few customers sending things screwed up in bin liners and I'm seriously considering charging extra as they're a complete pig to iron! I hate ironing expensive clothes too as they are more fitted/pleated - give me a bag of George any day

Isn't it funny - I only iron the back of the collar (from the outside edge to the middle) and the front only if necessary - if done properly the collar looks better for longer and doesn't look "flattened". It's way I was taught to iron. If the front was ironed and not the back, over time you would notice the difference.

Same with cuffs - inside and the outside only if necessary.

I found that way that the collars and cuffs can still look virtually new after several years of use - and I never iron a fold in a collar.

kats53

Hi
thanks for your reply Loubylou2, can I just ask you....is the board you use quite steady? I'm going to have a look at the Minky boards now. I've also seen one in Costco but haven't heard of anyone using them.
I use a generator iron but don't really know how much it costs to run. I'll put my electriciyty monitor on next time I use it (haven't thought of doing this before) and check it out.
xxx

lill1

Hi
I don't know whether you are still looking for someone to do your ironing in the kent area. I have just started up my own ironing business and live in the Dover area. I have good prices and I live in a non-smoking house and with no pets. Let me know if you are still interested.
I have loved reading everyones messages and I now have a great feeling that my business is going to take off:-)

Loubylou2

kats53 wrote: »

Hi
thanks for your reply Loubylou2, can I just ask you....is the board you use quite steady? I'm going to have a look at the Minky boards now. I've also seen one in Costco but haven't heard of anyone using them.
I use a generator iron but don't really know how much it costs to run. I'll put my electriciyty monitor on next time I use it (haven't thought of doing this before) and check it out.
xxx

It is very steady although the one I have doesn't have a stand suitable for a heavy generator. I stand mine on the actual board but if ironing in the Kitchen i'd stand it on the worktop next to the iron. I have only just seen Minky ironing boards for £20 in Tesco - half price. Didn't check if it was exactly what i've got but looks a good bargain.:)

kats53

Thanks again Loubylou2 I usually stand my generator tank on one of my little tables at the side of my board and put the iron on the board when I'm using it. This works fine for me.
jen xxx

Biscuit86

Hiya

Sorry if this has been posted before, looked through most pages b m eyes are turning square!

I'm thinking of offering an ironing service in my area (blackpool) but wondering if anybody has any fussey customers who like items ironed a certain way? Do you put creases in trousers, do you hang shirts etc. If they send their stuff in a bin bag do you just fold it neatly and return it the same way or take it back in a basket and empty it when you deliver?

Any help much appreciated and give us a shout if you want your ironing doing!

X*Jodie*X

Can someone tell me the average price for hiring a cleaning serve for one hour please?!!

X*Jodie*X

i meant service =] x

Loubylou2

Biscuit86 wrote: »

Hiya

Sorry if this has been posted before, looked through most pages b m eyes are turning square!

I'm thinking of offering an ironing service in my area (blackpool) but wondering if anybody has any fussey customers who like items ironed a certain way? Do you put creases in trousers, do you hang shirts etc. If they send their stuff in a bin bag do you just fold it neatly and return it the same way or take it back in a basket and empty it when you deliver?

Any help much appreciated and give us a shout if you want your ironing doing!

Hi
I do the ironing in addition to my normal job and have been very lucky as most of my customers are lovely. I do have one fussy customer who practically interviewed me when he first rang. However he seems happy now after a few teething probs.

Anyway I hang all shirts, blouses and collared T shirts etc. Mainly because its easier for me as well as better for the customer. I fold plain T shirts and most childrens items.
I did buy some hangers but then took advice on here and got a load from some local shops. People do generally return hangers although not always enough so its better to have some.

I put creases in trousers if I can see they were put in before. Not in Jeans etc.
OH put a rail in the backof our car inbetween the two handles and covered it in pipe insulator to stop the hangers slipping.
I do use plastic covers - maybe one per 3 items. But I don't put them on till the last minute to make sure everything is aired and also to minimise creasing. Some of my customers return the plastic covers for re-use which saves money.
Some people send in baskets some in bags. One lovely customer does tend to overdry her clothes which is a pain but Steph on the forum gives great advice so I now have a water spray to hand with a tiny amount of fabric conditioner in it.

I say to customers that if there is something they don't like just tell me. However most seem happy. I worry as OH does most of the deliveries and I'm forever worrying about things creasing up o hangers. But he says that some of the customers get the hangers and just lay it on the stairs or over the back of the chairs so may be over fussing I think!!:)

an1179

Here is a competition for you ironers!!!!!!
http://www.homeofthehouseproud.com/world-ironing-championships