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

olive_oil_2

I have found this thread very informative as i myself am in the process of setting up my own washing and ironing business from home. I have decided to offer a wash dry & fold service, and ironing only service or a complete service and have based my prices on weight.

I have shown my prices to family & friends, who all agree they are quite reasonable but would be grateful for some feedback from those already in the business.

wash/dry & fold 5kg £2.00 per kg 5kg+ £1.75 per kg
5kg £10.00
6kg £10.50
7kg £12.25
8kg £14.00
9kg £15.75

ironing 3-9kg £3.00 per kg
9kg+ £2.80 per kg

wash/dry/iron 5kg £5.00 per kg 5kg+ £4.00 per kg
5kg £25.00
6kg £24.00
7kg £28.00
8kg £32.00
9kg £36.00

I have also decided on set times for people to bring things to me and times when i will collect or drop off free of charge.

I have decided on designs for flyers to put up in various place, and am now thinking about a website. If anyone can suggest some ideas as to how best to go about this i would be really grateful. I dont want anything too fancy just a site where people can see what i offer and the prices i charge.

Thanks in advance

woodyperez

olive_oil wrote: »

I have found this thread very informative as i myself am in the process of setting up my own washing and ironing business from home. I have decided to offer a wash dry & fold service, and ironing only service or a complete service and have based my prices on weight.

I have shown my prices to family & friends, who all agree they are quite reasonable but would be grateful for some feedback from those already in the business.

wash/dry & fold 5kg £2.00 per kg 5kg+ £1.75 per kg
5kg £10.00
6kg £10.50
7kg £12.25
8kg £14.00
9kg £15.75

ironing 3-9kg £3.00 per kg
9kg+ £2.80 per kg

wash/dry/iron 5kg £5.00 per kg 5kg+ £4.00 per kg
5kg £25.00
6kg £24.00
7kg £28.00
8kg £32.00
9kg £36.00

I have also decided on set times for people to bring things to me and times when i will collect or drop off free of charge.

I have decided on designs for flyers to put up in various place, and am now thinking about a website. If anyone can suggest some ideas as to how best to go about this i would be really grateful. I dont want anything too fancy just a site where people can see what i offer and the prices i charge.

Thanks in advance

Looks good let us know how you get on

PrincessLou

Just a quick question - when do people pay you? Is it when you deliver the items back to them?

giggles_alot

PrincessLou wrote: »

Just a quick question - when do people pay you? Is it when you deliver the items back to them?

People pay me when deliver back or when they collect. Some like to have a text to say how much so they can get cash ready.

Good luck

woodyperez

PrincessLou wrote: »

Just a quick question - when do people pay you? Is it when you deliver the items back to them?

We accept cash or cheque on delivery. We text the customer before delivery confirming a convenient delivery time and so they know how much the ironing costs

Good luck any further questions just ask away

jthd75

Hi there

My fiance has decided she wants to start her own ironing business in our local area. We are based just outside Glasgow in a small town,

Is there any advice that anybody can give us to get this going.
Do you think there is a market for this?

We have placed a Gumtree advert, put it on Facebook and shared it with our friends.
We have created flyers as well that we are thinking of distributing to the local area.
We have also been allowed to place a poster in my local hairdressers.
thanks

geordie_joe

jthd75 wrote: »

Do you think there is a market for this?

If you have advertised you will find that out for yourself.

What I would have done first is approach it from the other side. Try looking for someone to do your ironing. If you find any then give them a ring and find out how much they charge. If they can do your ironing ask if they are flexible on the days/times, if they say something like "I can fit you in any day/time you choose" it probably means they don't have any other customers. Which could mean

a) there is no market
b) they charge too much
c) their advertising isn't working

PlutoinCapricorn

Who might have money and not enough time for ironing? Are there any local investment banks for example?

How about advertising in launderettes?

What about logistics - how will the clothes get to you and back?

jthd75

We are doing a free collect and drop off service.
As it is the local area then it will not be too much travel involved.

Unfortunately there is no laundrettes in my town anymore.
The population is 20k so even if we could get a few customers then it could be a bit of extra money coming in.

mumlady1

Good luck with your ironing business but please be aref with the free pick up/drop off. My neighbour did this but the added expense (yes even on short local journeys) killed her business. Try to factor in the cost or just charge a flat fee for it