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

sophiec1991

Stephb1986 wrote: »

We started a ironing service over 5 years ago its been nothing but hassle with people claiming that we have lost things and burnt them (which we obvioulsy have not) but we luckily took out insurance to cover these situations which isn't cheap. It did start as part time now we work from 5am till 9pm monday to friday and we also collect the ironing on a sunday. The phone never stops ringing even on a sunday morning at 8:30am!
Some people actually send their stuff not washed (gas mask time)
the only other thing i can think of you doing to get more work is advertise in a local newsletter.
But do be careful if you are stepping on other ironing services toes they won't appreciate it and might try to cause trouble.
Good luck
Stephb x

hi steph was just wondering how did you start it? was there anything that needed putting in place? im looking tio start one round my local area and dont even know where to begin

nobrot3473

mitch3473 wrote: »

Ok, so nearly 12 months on and a progress report,of sorts.
Officially started april 6th and after buying a vacuum heated board and steam boiler, and all the parafinalia,posting leaflets and cards in shops and notice boards,Yell.com etc etc not much happened.All the figures added up but still nothing. Then I got talking to the owner of the local golf club and shortly after that,another potential client.They both asked if I could do the whole nine yards.....wash,dry,iron,fold and in some cases itemised in sets. We realised we had missed something and there was only one well established firm in the area.The feedback we got about this firm was not good,I suppose they could afford to be complacent. We quickly changed tack and bought a new washing machine with 30 minute wash and high speed spin,a cheapish tumble dryer and a Blanca press. There was a large gap in the market for servicing B&Bs,hotels,holiday parks etc etc which we had totally overlooked. We now have 2 washing machines,2 tumble dryers and 2 Blanca presses and have just converted the garage into a sort of micro laundry and collect and deliver 2 days a week in general.We have just sold the original iron and board,it was hardly used and are looking at a rotary iron. We did however shoot ourselves in the foot again....we did a mailshot to 400 businesses within a 20 miles radius which produced good results but no real orders.I had inadvertently rushed a pricing structure to a good client and then used that as the basis not realising that my prices were far to high.Too high to even tempt the unsatisfied customers from the other firm.That was quickly addressed and things are doing OK

Slight change of log in details....


Anyway, we bought a second hand Miele rotary press off Gumtree and it was one of the best buys ever. Sold one of the Blanca presses and I've used it for about 2 months and have just up graded to a new Pfaff (ex demonstator)with speed control and on demand steam. Keeping the old one as spare just in case. A great piece of kit if you're doing loads of pillows, sheets and duvet covers. Does over £50 of laundry an hour.
Had to replace a washing machine, wasn't worth repairing it as large pieces of it showered the floor on a fast spin. Bought a newish one for £130, a supplier return, from a dealer locally. These machines have nothing wrong with them (???) and are returned because they may be the wrong colour, damaged in some way or a change of order.
Things starting to slow down a little now as the main holiday season has finished but still busy. Looking at marketing over the quiet season in preparation for next year.

saker75

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but having looked for local ironing services I may had some advice (we'll see!):

• Considering that most people have an iron and an ironing board, there aren't so many people offering the service (I'm in London commuter territory).
• Many use the free websites that get out of date really quickly and show incorrect contact details.
• Some only want existing customers (fine, but why continue to advertise?)
• The target audience for advertising seems very much aimed at the busy Mum rather than the time limited professional.
• Prices per item are much more transparent than by weight.
• About a third of those I contacted were on maternity leave! Must be something in the water.

So, if you have a head for marketing and can put the resource in, there is definitely a gap for more professional outfits.


And there is a demand. If you pursue it, best wishes.

Duckybrown

I have found a great ironing company in the kings lynn/Swaffham/Fakenham area. Visit ironicironingservice.co.uk they are very professional and really friendly.

tori__93

New to all this. My mum is looking to start her own ironing service and where is the best place to get info about paying tax etc as she already works full time.

bikerjoe83

I'd like to reanimate this thread if possible, bringing it to 2015.

I'd like to start an ironing service in my area - it needs one. I'm fine with the business/tax side of things because I'm already self-employed. But what I'm looking for advice on is the logistics and finer details, which I hope someone who's already got an ironing business can help with (not in my town obviously ):

1) What garment covers do you use and where do you get them from? Do you use one large size for everything? Is buying online cheaper?
2) How do customers prefer to receive the returned ironing? What do you return folded items in so they don't move about or come unfolded in the car? Do you just return hung items straight off a rack in the back of the car/van?
3) Do you have a specific type of iron and board you use? Do I need a commercial set up or is a good iron and decent board good enough?

I imagine a lot of customers will have typical wash loads to iron - mixed shirts, tops, trousers, jumpers, towels etc. I imagine folding/hanging would be typical of what I would fold/hang when doing my own ironing.

I'm just trying to gauge what customers would expect when I return their ironing. Obviously it's important to cover garments to protect from weather when returning etc. But would they be shocked to see me carrying their hung items by the hanger hooks, or draped over an arm etc? Would they mind their folded stuff being returned in a suitable clean storage box? Or would they expect me to wheel the rail to their front door and have their folded items carefully wrapped and stacked finished off with a ribbon?

I've done some online research but a lot of smaller business are lacking photos or reviews so I can't even get a basic image of how others do it.

julie1000

Hi, ive just had a baby and am hoping to stay home and work, i love ironing and have done some for people in the past as favors but would love to start getting paid for it now. Would love some help on what i need to do to get it started so that its a success.

Vivp_2

Does anyone iorn from home, I've been working for ironing company but the cut iam getting is not great considering how much I iron, I was looking at starting myself up but can't afford a van but do have a people carrier how can I hang clothes in a car.

Lube

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Vivp_2

Hi I am starting up but I don't have a van any ideas how I can hang clothes up in a large people carrier?