Ironing service?

mikeassured

Hi, I am a stay at home mum at the moment and have been considering starting up an ironing service locally.

Has anyone out there set one up or could give me any advice?

Thanks

Edinburghlass_2

I have a friend who does this and also know several people who use such a service. My neighbours use a very professional service which is picked up and delivered back by van and the clothes are wrapped in polythene as the dry cleaners do.

Why not try putting a card in a shop window and gauge the reaction from that. I wouldn't go printing cards and spending on advertising etc until you see if there is a call for it in your area so start small as I suggest and if you think it will take off you can then take it from there. No point in starting bank accounts, printing stuff etc if no-one wants the service.

Oh and get a good iron

CurryKing_2

how about this?

http://www.yourironingbusiness.co.uk/index.html

I saw them exhibit at the startup exhibition at the NEC last week........its a franchise so obviously there will be an outlay for you.

HTH

Neil

chris73

Part of the factory where I work is leased out to a sole trader who offers this sort of service. Obviously her set up is a little bit bigger than working from home, but for what it's worth, in this area (Cheshire) she seems to be very very busy, so it might turn into a nice little business for you.

Why not pay a visit to your local citizens advice?, they will be able to point you in the direction of a local business advice centre, where you can get lots of Free unbiased advice on starting any small business properly :money:

mikeassured

Thanks for your advice. I have done some research locally as regards prices etc which is quite confusing. Some charge by the kilo, some by set amount of items and others charge per half black bin bag or full bin bag! The only other issue is insurance which is bound to come up in enquiries, is that going to put people off if I dont have it initially?

Thanks

Sue

CODEBREAKER

i have pm'ed you with my rates,

regarding insurance are you planning to do this as a big buisness rent a place or just do a bit in your home while the kids are at school?

i have been ironing for 3 yrs now and not burned anything (omg hope i have not jinxed myself) lol, i do the same people every week.

mikeassured

Hi Codebreaker,

No this is something I am planning to do from home. I think I will put up a card in my local post offices to see what sort of response I get.

CODEBREAKER

i found that some of my customers used to pay by weight, i worked out half price and got more trade. in my area they charge £1.25 per kg. and as much as £7.50 per hr

chanounie

Hi Codebreaker, please help!! I can't seem to get any info on prices. I want to start ironing at home as well and have know idea what to charge. Can you give me some prices please as I am lost !!!! eg, shirts, t-shirts, jeans, ???? etc....Thank you so much. How do you weigh your clothes as well, as you were talking about kilos ?

inmypocketnottheirs

We use an ironing service (for about the last year or so) and it costs £7.50 hour plus £3 delivery. The service is excellent, reliable and TBH although it is an indulgence (and not very MSE) we (particularly Mrs Inmypocket..) would not want to be without it.

lil_me

Clothing
Shirts £1.00 each
Trousers £1.50 per pair
Dresses £2.20 each
Skirts £2.00 each
Non-Collared T Shirts £0.50 each
Bed Linen
Pillow Cases £0.80 each
Sheets - King Size £3.70
Double £3.40
Single £2.50
Duvet Covers - King Size £4.00
Double £3.50
Single £3.00


All childrens are half price (upto 12 year olds size)

All are hung and wrapped.

(Those prices are from a firm local to me and include local delivery, hope it helps could search online for ironing services, most have prices on the sites )