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

emsybaby

Just started a cleaning company and wondered about this. Is it actually profitable just doing it for individuals rather than business?

mitch3473

For anybody seriously thinking of doing a bit of ironing, think outside the box. Businesses in the accommodation / tourist trade have loads of linen and it's good, solid, relatively easy repeat work as opposed to the small fiddling jobs from private individuals. Most however require the whole shooting match, wash, dry, iron, fold and deliver. With the right equipment, marketing and effort excellent profits can be made. The market sits inbetween the Mrs Mop operations and the bigger commercial outfits.

beckieeeee89

How did everyone go about registering their business? i am wanting to set one up but im a bit unsure on whether to register as a sole trader with IR or as a Ltd??? ltd looks better but do i need a solicitor/accountant or can i manage it all on my own? can i write my own t & c's or do i have to get it professionally written up? thanks in advance:)

emilycrossley

hi, i know you're post was from a while back, but im wondering how you have got on with your ironing company since your post?

I'm looking to set up my own ironing company, as i have money to invest, but i dont know whether it will be profitable.

There is so much tough competion in the area, but nevertheless every ironing shop is always so busy.

Do you have any other advise? How did you begin to get large customer base going?

erica5_2

I have just printed posters off to start my own ironing company up from home to earn some more money so far I haven't had anyone contact about it . I am in living in the Doncaster area any advice

sonata26

Hi there. I've started doing ironing in my house quite while ago now and it's great. I get quite busy at times but I have to advertise more I think and to take things a bit further. I don't have any website yet or anything. Do you think is it worth to get this? What about the leaflets to people's door?

lincroft1710

erica5 wrote: »

I have just printed posters off to start my own ironing company up from home to earn some more money so far I haven't had anyone contact about it . I am in living in the Doncaster area any advice

Do you quote prices? Are you competitive? Are the posters displayed in the right areas/places to attract potential custom?

helzbelz_57

For those who do a collection and delivery service, do you have a set schedule for collecting/delivering? E.g. Between 8 and 10am you do collections and deliveries then work during the day then another collection/delivery run in the evening? Do most customers want a set schedule like Thisbe or do you find people want you to be able to pick up/drop off throughout the day?

sarahsays

Hi, I used an ironing service for several years, especially when my children were small and I was busy with work - this was quite a few years ago now but the first lady charged 30p for each piece of toddler clothes and 50p for a piece of adult clothing - once the children were about 8 - 10 years old, she would have charged adult prices for their clothes. I left the clothes off at her house and then went back for them, as she didn't drive. She then moved on to working outside the home and the second lady also did it at her house but she collected and dropped it back off again - I think the price was around 60 - 70p per item by then. I found it was best for me for the ironing to be collected and dropped off again in the evenings, as I was out at work all day. I would make sure we hadn't run out of all ironed clothes or keep some back to do myself, as it wasn't always convenient for the ironer to collect straight away, although she usually would come by the next one or two evenings and was very quick to finish it - within a day. I would always get about £25 - £30 worth done at the one time, so it would be worth her while to call. I would supply hangers for most of the clothes and they would be returned on these with a black plastic bin bag hung over about a dozen items with the hangers poking out of the top. Surplus items would be folded. I found this service to be brilliant, especially for husband's shirts.

I found the ironing service I used through an advert in the local paper but maybe flyers on car windscreens or through letterboxes might help?

mitch3473

Dont put a time down but give them a window of time. Once you have a run built up your clients will know roughly when you are arriving. You only need a new customer 15 minutes out of your way and your whole schedule will go out of the window.
Get their phone numbers just in case and give them a business card, a quick call just to tell them you might be late works wonders and a quick call to tell them you're on your way saves a wasted journey if they are out. A lot of customers will text you anyway.