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

keri.s

I have been interested in setting up an ironing service and have read all the posts with interest.

I wondered if you could give me your opinion about my situation. I live in a large village that is mainly council estates although there are a couple of large new builds which are private and I would probably say a 70/30 split of council/private. The village has a small high street with 2 dry cleaning companies which offer an ironing service. They both charge 85p per garment with sheets and duvet covers extra. I haven't found any other people advertising this service.

My children go to school out of the village and was going to target the private area's of my village and the kids school area which is bigger and also have dry cleaners (not sure if they offer ironing).

There is also another village local that do not have any services advertised that I can find.

I was going to have different prices for different items but am now confused about my pricing structure and whether I should bother because of the dry cleaners and the type of area I live in.

Please could I have your opinions.

Thanks

Ninjawombat

Well, the difference is that they offer a washing service as well as an ironing one. Perhaps they can afford to not charge as much because they'll likely be ironing what they've just washed.

I've priced items such as t-shirts, skirts, shorts, trousers, jeans, jumpers and kids clothing at 80p per item. Shirts, blouses, cargo trousers and any ruched/frilly items at 1.00.

Single bed sets (duvet, sheet and two pillow cases) £2.00, Double duvet sets £3.00 and King Size sets £3.50.

Do you offer a collection and delivery service? Do the high street shops? If not, you might be able to get one up on them there.

Also, if you advertise yourself as a self employed local person, you might find that more people would be willing to give you a chance.

kats53

missspeedy23 wrote: »

I hate combats!! I tend to do the back of the legs first, then turn over and do the front as I find once you do the backs, the front ends up looking a mess! If it's one where there's like a bit when it kind of overlaps the material (can't really explain it!) I tend to hold that bit flat and iron the top part of it and then the bit underneath. If it's a pocket that wraps round both sides, I do it a side at a time. And use spray if it's that awful material

I tend to use a sleeve board, it helps a bit.

kats53

I'm in the process of looking for a new generator iron, I got mine second hand when I first started out and although its been great I want to get a better one now.
I have seen people on here recommending the Tefal Pro. However there are a lot of different ones. If you own Tefal Pro will you please tell me what you think and which model you use.
Thanks

Stephb1986_2

We've just bought two more tefal pro express not the turbo ones just the express ones they are on offer in makro mail for £99.99 so about £119 with the vat.

Steph

kats53

That sounds like a good price ut I don't get to makro. I'll have a look around though before I buy, they might be on offer somewhere.
Thanks Steph

janibrown

Hi I am going to get a new ironing board at the weekend and was wondering if anyone can tell me the best to get as I am just setting up a new business, I have a steam generator iron if that makes any difference as to which board I get Please any tips
XxXxXxXxXx

theironman

Hello

My friend and I are starting our own Ironing company in September - just working on the background things like name, branding and buying ironing equipment at the moment. I work full time and she works on a freelance basis, both in totally un-related industries but we see ironing as a honest days work, a simple business model and something that we could hopefully expand by employing more people once we are a little better established etc. Hope we are doing the right thing - you all seem to be building good businesses - is the earning potential good and profitable?

Looking forward to posting as it develops

Rich

lisa191

Hi, I have been wanting to set up an ironing business for ages and am now about to start. The only thing I'm worried about is that I do not have a van. I do have a car though, but it seems that customers will probably want their items on hangers but where will I hang them? Can anyone give me any advice on how I can then deliver them in my car without them getting creased? Don't want to buy a van straight away in case things do not take off! Hope you can help.

Lisa

PS. Can someone recommend a good iron and ironing board? Im thinking of getting a steam generator one and they are so expensive I would love some advice.

impressive_ironing

I have been doing ironing for work now 2 years and still use my car.
I hang it all round the car on the handles and it holds still and doesnt crease. I do use plastic covers..a number of items in each one is fine...

I haven't got a generator yet but have a good iron..mines a phillips azure. I have tried Bosch and another brand I forget now but they broke again n again.
Also a big board is a must in my eyes. I got a Brabantia one which was about £80 but worth it! I think you can get minky ones quite cheap but are large too.

Jo x