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

Stephb1986_2

I'm not sure to be honest, but make sure you go on moneysupermarket and do a comparison we've just saved £750 by changing to scottish power from Npower.

HTH

Steph xx

kettricken

This is how I work it out somebody is bound to correct me if I am wrong

wattage of iron divide by 1000 = kilowatts (kw)
kilowatts x hours used = kilowats per hour (kwh)
kwh x electric price in pence = price in pence
divide price in pence by 100 =£ used per hour

regards
Rosemary

missspeedy23

Loubylou2 wrote: »

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!!:)

I could have written the exact same as Loubylou!!!

I do exactly the same, apart from I've started to get those big blue bags from Ikea near the checkout, they're only 40p each and I write my company name in marker pen on the side. They're ideal for folding clothes in and customers reuse them to send their items back again.

I've also got a home-made rail between the two handles and it's great, no messing about trying to put the hangers on the handles themselves.

Jo
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Shivlouise

Hi all,
I have been reading a lot of your current posts, I currently iron for two people and charge per hour, after reading a lot of posts I see most people charge per item, vie been searching in my area and see that all my local companies charge by the kilo, is this a better way to charge???? Am looking to expand and am questioning what way to charge so would appreciate any advice tha anyone may have,

Many thanks

missspeedy23

Shivlouise wrote: »

Hi all,
I have been reading a lot of your current posts, I currently iron for two people and charge per hour, after reading a lot of posts I see most people charge per item, vie been searching in my area and see that all my local companies charge by the kilo, is this a better way to charge???? Am looking to expand and am questioning what way to charge so would appreciate any advice tha anyone may have,

Many thanks

Hi, I charge by the kilo as I find that the easiest way to charge - just stick it on the scales, or use those luggage weights if they're in bags with handles (like the Ikea ones I use). Some people around here do charge by item but I prefer to charge how I do. I charge £3/kg for 48hr and £4/kg for 24hr, though one of my customers has told me I'm too cheap!! I'm considering putting it up to £3.50 from April with fuel prices/heating etc going up. I also have a minimum charge of 5kg as some people do occasionally send around 3-4kg but I've never had the minimum charge disputed.

Good luck!

Jo
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christiansmummy

hi i want to start a ironing business . i have just bought a swan steam iron, i have just passed my driving test too. i do enjoy ironing i just need some advice to get started can nayone help?

Tracy_J_1981

Hi everyone

Im Tracy , i live on the Wirral, Merseyside

Ive just started up my own ironing, dry cleaning and alterations business and we start trading on the 1st march!

I have been working in the industry for 7 years and have recently completed my business studies degree and finally decided to take the plunge!

So if anyone on the Wirral needs their ironing doing feel free to contact me

missspeedy23

christiansmummy wrote: »

hi i want to start a ironing business . i have just bought a swan steam iron, i have just passed my driving test too. i do enjoy ironing i just need some advice to get started can nayone help?

Hi and welcome!

I just started off by getting some free business cards and postcards from Visataprint (you just pay postage) and only put free ads on yell.com and thomson local. Also, if there's any local websites that are free/cheap then try them. I posted my cards on new housing estates and put them in kids soft play areas etc. I did get a bit of business from a local guide that went to every household in our postcode but it wasn't cheap at £50 p/m so I just trialled it for a couple of months.

Have you researched other local companies to see how/what they charge? I charge by the kg as I find it easier but some prefer to charge by the item/weight so it's whatever you prefer really.

I got some cheap hangers from Tesco but a lot of people on here tend to get hangers free from shops, though I've not dared as yet! I've just had some more postcards printed and I've put an offer on the back where if new customers use their own hangers, they get 10% discount so will see how that goes.

Other than that there's not much more I can say except good luck!


Jo
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missspeedy23

FAO those who say they get hangers from shops - which type do you normally get them from, i.e. large chain ones or independent small ones? Also, what exactly do you say? I'm scared of going and asking and them laughing and telling me to !!!!!! off

Jo
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kettricken

Hi Jo
Re: Coathangers
When I am passing I pop into Matalan and buy a low priced item, unless I see something I really want, and if its a quiet day and you get a nice assistant, they will always oblige and give you what ever you need (coathangers) foc. I haven't dared go in without buying anything though. But most of my customers supply their own, I just keep a few in case I need the odd one or I have forgotten to tell new customers to supply their own. I have got so used to customers supplying their own that sometimes I forget to tell the new ones.
I charge £2 per kg although I am thinking I am too cheap, sometimes I have the odd customer who drops off and collects and doesn't make the minimum 5kg but as I dont have to go out to collect or deliver I dont worry too much about charging them the minimum and just charge per the kg they have brough round.