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

Vivp_2

Thanks posted on there

LarryWood

I like your intention to start an ironing service.Go with your decision...All the best...

Brookel77

I'm am in the process of setting up an ironing service, I have been looking at insurance but all excesses are between £100-£200, if an item gets damaged what compensation do you offer and do you pay it out of your own pocket of the value of the item is below the excess or can you get insurance with very low excess?

Brookel77

You can buy a hanging rail that fits in your car from Morplan, it's not expensive.

darrannah

sorry to relight an old thread, but I also have been thinking of setting up an ironing business for months, (bit scared to take the plunge!) there isn't one in our town with the nearest approx. 8 miles away. I am looking to do it in a small premises away from the home, my question is, do people actually make enough money to live off and support the family, or do you do it to subsidise another income? also do you suggest that drop off/collection is a must or could the business survive without it?
thanks

SueP19

I did this back in 1996 for 18 months when my DD was 4. I made a reasonable amount each week from it, ironing for City Barristers amongst others

Tips

1. Get the very best iron you can, a cheapie from Arg*s will not cut it
2. Have a set working timetable, helps on planning as working from home can mean that others see you as available.
3. Charge by the weight (you can buy hand held scales that have hooks on) This means both you and your customer know the agreed price before leaving
4. Have a set turnaround time, that way your customer know when to expect their precious linen back
5. Approach restaurants, you will be cheaper than professional laundries, so they will want you.
6 Return the ironed items in large plastic boxes, great for stacking in the car and keeps the wee darlings shirts neat (reduces risk of creasing after ironing) Best way to stack is neck on outside, next shirt facing the other way
7 Learn to fold a proper shirt, there is nothing better than returning a lovely pile that looks as though they have just been newly bought (also makes stacking easier)
8 Always always give a receipt
9 Advertise, local paper shops, mums groups
10 Be professional, this is not a friend doing favours

Finally and most importantly take care of your neck, there is one thing to do ironing at home for 2 hours but it's a whole new ball game ironing for 8 hours for a client

Good Luck

Sputnikkl

I live in Polperro in cornwall and was wondering how much to charge for domestic ironing. Any help????! I'm new to this!

pinki261

Prices are different in Fully Cleaning Service : Homes & Offices Professional Ironing - £ 1.00 per adult iteam / £ 0.50 per baby iteam / £ 5.00 Suits - ladies / mens ( 2piece ) / Free collection and delivery in order over £ 15.00
However, the prices are different in the region , this company is located in Bicester , Oxfordshire . Elsewhere, prices may be different.

But im not sure what is better charged per iteam or charged per wejght / kilo ?

Tanarif

I used to do the ironing for my parents!
Nice little £5 a week pocket money.

It's nice to see people can do this on a huge scale though and make big money.

spob

Do get a facebook page for your business - and post about it on local spotted pages - has always worked very well for me.