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

SazM030306

an1179 wrote: »

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

PMSL I could make a better introduction video than 'Jenny' in the first video!!

Biscuit86

Thanks Lubylou2, thats a weight of my mind. I'm gonna print up a few flyers and do some rounds in shops etc and see if anything comes of it. I'll giv it my best shot then at least I'll know either way if I can do it or not.
D x x

Loubylou2

Biscuit86 wrote: »

Thanks Lubylou2, thats a weight of my mind. I'm gonna print up a few flyers and do some rounds in shops etc and see if anything comes of it. I'll giv it my best shot then at least I'll know either way if I can do it or not.
D x x

Good luck. I'm usually the sort to talk about doing something but never actually doing it.
I got two custmers from the leaflet drop. Then over the year got more from Yell - just the free ad. Don't pay for any advertising I did and it didn't bring any customers.
Hope it goes well XX

mrsspoon_2

Ok. Big sigh.... It's been long enough now and I'm STILL too slow. Yesterday 26 shirts (tm lewin admittedly) took 2.5 hours. I really need this money and REALLY want it to work but I can't get my speed up. Have followed all your tips but am still slow! What frustrates me immensely is that a black sack of my own stuff I can get done in 1.5 hours.

Did any of you guys hit a block? I feel like ironing is taking over my life right now!

jjudiane_2

Hi All,
My friend & I decided today to start an ironing business together (she has done it before about 3 years ago & I clean & iron for a friend). I've been reading all the posts and have learnt loads! We were going to charge by the hour and wondered why others don't seem to do this?

kettricken

Loubylou2 wrote: »

Steph is so right.
Last week I had a new customer with loads of clothes, plus 4 king duvet sets (incl p/cases and fitted sheets) an additional 3 fitted double sheets plus two valance sheets with box pleats.
It drove me mad! Even when I finally mastered the valance sheets they were a nightmare to fold. I nearly shreded them all and dumped them back on her doorstep:rotfl:

Loubylou I have just got a steam press via ebay as I have an elderly gentleman who cant do his sheets and thats all I get from him, takes ages ...... until now. wow the steam press is brilliant!!!!

kettricken

mrsspoon wrote: »

Ok. Big sigh.... It's been long enough now and I'm STILL too slow. Yesterday 26 shirts (tm lewin admittedly) took 2.5 hours. I really need this money and REALLY want it to work but I can't get my speed up. Have followed all your tips but am still slow! What frustrates me immensely is that a black sack of my own stuff I can get done in 1.5 hours.

Did any of you guys hit a block? I feel like ironing is taking over my life right now!

Mrs Spoon
I take about 5 mins per shirt so you are not that slow, its a pain though if the batch of ironing you get contains all shirts.

Dont lose heart, just after Xmas I was so busy I didnt know which way to turn, my website was picking up loads of new business,not that I am complaining, its just that its peaks and troughs all of the time and I really didget fedup of ironing.
Some of the people wanted a complete laundry service which I refused as I dont want to go down that road.

Good luck and hang onin there.

Stephb1986_2

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I've not been around much if any of you do need advice and I don't seem to be here drop me a PM and I'll try to answer the best I can.

Mrs spoon, If the person who is sending the TMLewin shirts a regular customer ask them to send them slightly damp or failing that when you collect them take them out of the bag/basket and spray them with water with a little fabric conditioner and leave overnight that way the creases will ease out a little. Failing that tell them to use someone else.

I totally agree about not paying for advertising there are plenty of companies that offer free advertising, Yell, thomson local. Most business comes from word of mouth and leaflets, you could offer customers an incentive to tell their friends i.e a small discount if a friend uses you, after that the friend is more inclined to use you for holidays etc. The other way is be everywhere!! Get magnetics for your car/van sign written this makes alot of business! just being seen with your company name and phone number. I got some for my car they cost £30 we have our van sign written that was £120 but the amount of customers that now use us because they have seen the car/van is amazing. Put an advertisment in local newsagents, doctors, dentists, vets even, kiddies playgroups, police stations, small supermarkets even local take aways. BE OUT THERE!! if you don't make yourself out there how are your potential customers supposed to know that you exist!

If there is anything I have missed out let me know PM me if you have any questions.

Happy Ironing!

Steph x

mrssmooth

hi my name is christine i live in ryde in iow ,if anyone wants any ironing done i will be glad to help.:eek:

Loubylou2

Has anyone got any idea how much electriciy they are using when ironing?
Thanks in anticipation x