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Louise
Member
Joined: 25 Sep 2005
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2005 14:33
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Hi, I am considering starting my own ironing business from home, if anyone has already done, this any start up tips you could give me would be great, how much to charge, do you deliver, etc.
Thanks
Lou x
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Mommasluv
Member
Joined: 10 Nov 2005
Posts: 8
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# Posted: 10 Nov 2005 10:09
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Ive never tried this but I know of people who have cleaned clothes, mostly word of mouth. People are busy and a service like this helps those who dont like launder mats or cant get there fore they close.
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Dragon
Member
Joined: 11 Nov 2005
Posts: 11
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# Posted: 11 Nov 2005 18:27
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I think that there is a reasonable large demand for this type of service especially by young professionals.
As the above post states most people who use these services are referred by friends and family.
Printing off some leaflets and handed them out in your area or posting them through peoples doors would be a good way of letting people know about your services.
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twnuck
Member
Joined: 13 Nov 2005
Posts: 89
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# Posted: 19 Nov 2005 02:06
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I think this could be a BIG hit. I read a book years ago and unfortunately the name escapes me. However, it was talking about starting a business - any business - and what separated the successful from the unsuccessful. Long story short it said that all successful businesses were meeting a need. And, typically the most profitable businesses were meeting a need that the majority of the world had, and hated to do. For example - hiring an accountant to do your taxes , lawyers to argue your case or defend you in court, etc.
The point being is start with a need and then also find a need that a large group of people despises and you can charge anything you want within reason. I think ironing is a need that everyone has but most people would rather NOT do. Good luck!
Todd
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hypercybertyper
Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Posts: 9
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2006 22:10
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Please do my ironing for me! I would send it to Australia if I had to. I think a simple advert in your local newspaper's classified section would be all you would require... or maybe a few business cards and flyers. I HATE IRONING... if your business does not take off... come and live at my house and I will find you some more customers from my local area. 
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hypercybertyper
Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Posts: 9
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# Posted: 22 Feb 2006 22:13
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Try contacting some ironing firms and asking them for a quote. The ironing companies I have seen have all picked up and delivered. Imagine paying someone to iron for you and then putting the pressed clothes in your car, only to find that they're creased when you get home. I would much prefer my 'ironer' to deliver my stuff to me, that way if it's creased, I can tell them to either refund me or do the iron again free of charge. You could double your earnings by charging for delivery too. One company I know of is Iron Out (Luton, Bedfordshire, England). Good Luck in your venture!
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jobinfoway
Anonymous
Joined:
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# Posted: 29 Apr 2006 02:11
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I never try about it. It better that there are lots of Ironing Company is there. Try to contact them. They will give u right suggestion.
Best of luck!!!
With best regards
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moggiesrus
Member
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 20 May 2006 09:44
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Hi louise,
I am thinking of starting up an ironing service from home over the next few days, as soon as I can get the flyers out basically. The concern I have is that there is no other company here doing this, is that a good sign or not?. I just wondered if you could let me know how you got on with your company and how you charged people. I have been onto another sight which charges 3.50 p kilo from a mixed bag and �1.00 per shirt, other people charge per item, which do you think would be the best way to charge. Also have you come across any problems that maybe I should be wary of, people not paying or complaining for no reason. Just one last thing, do you think I should put the price on the flyers or leave it to the customer to call.
Hope you get this message
Thanks very much
Susan
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Looking
Member
Joined: 5 May 2006
Posts: 28
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# Posted: 22 May 2006 10:11
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I had a friend that started her own ironing company from home and she used flyers and posted at supermarkets. Now she's making enough money that her husband quit his join and helps her. She also opened a ironing store. So it can be done. With the right marketing, you can do it. Good Luck.
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made2prosper
Member
Joined: 27 Apr 2006
Posts: 81
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# Posted: 31 May 2006 14:52
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This sounds like a good idea! Would you ever consider to travel to homes and do the ironing? I think this would add to the conveniance out yoru business.
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mr ironing
Member
Joined: 15 Nov 2006
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2006 07:29
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I have just started up an ironing business, and is going quit well but could some one tell me any start up tips like how to advertise, the best way, were and any thing legal or not that I should know about,
PLEASE can any one help.
I am from Bristol
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Ironmaiden
Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 18 Nov 2006 12:07
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I started an ironing business at home in Aug. '05 and am doing quite well and ready to take it up a step after the holidays. I am so happy to hear there are others out there with the same Idea. In Washington state I don't believe anyone else has thought of it. Let me know how it is going. I am new to this forum site and don't quite know how it works so if I am wrong to reply please correct me, I'm learning...
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Ironmaiden
Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2006
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 20 Nov 2006 13:17
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I had the idea and started within the week. I started to advertise by hanging those "rip off" flyers @ community centers, Gyms, corner markets and pharmacys. and got quite a few calls. Just find any community announcement boards. I am about to enter Craig's list in the local service area to see what that will do. I don't think there is any crime it that. I haven't gotten a business licence yet because not sure if I will keep it up, but with such a successful year, I am getting one in the new year to be legal.
Oh, I also told all my clients that if they talk to their friends and the friend calls me for service, I will give them $10 off the next bill. Or I cut the delivery fee if they hang a flyer @ their place of employment...Hope that helps. It is exciting to get your first few clients and watch the business grow. Good Luck.
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swill
Member
Joined: 8 Feb 2007
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2007 13:42
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My wife and i are considering setting up an ironing service to cater for our local village . We was wondering if anyone could give us advice on setting up.
Advice we would require are;
what equipment is needed ?
Are there any legalities involved ?
We are involved in a small family shop so day to day running and advertising/leaflets area we are already aware of .
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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torry_chick
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2007
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 11 Mar 2007 22:32
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hi my name is megan ,just wanted to know how much you charge for ironing. do you charge hourly or by the basket?thankyou
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marytoad
Member
Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 12
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# Posted: 29 Mar 2007 23:51
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I had a friend that did this. I think she charged like $1.50 per piece. It was so time consuming, though, to get things just right...BUT, I did see one guy making out pretty good. He was physically challenged & in a wheelchair, but that sure didn't stop him - - he just had a large van, that went all over PICKING UP people's dry cleaning. Then he sent it out to a dry cleaner. He let me in on the secret that he didn't do it at their place, but that it was sent out. Most people didn't know that, they thought it was done at their place. I delivered fliers for him & he said people loved the convenience of having it picked up & dropped off. They also had a 24 hr turnaround, I believe, so it was quick.
Best of luck to you! I also have a website on working at home...some GPT's, but also other stuff, too...lotsa goodies!
Bea
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successnow
Member
Joined: 1 May 2007
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 1 May 2007 03:40
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Talk about a niche market! "see a need fill a need". My only question is I have a couple of cleaners that charge 1.50/item and that includes dry cleaning. Anybody cross this bridge yet.
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stallion
Member
Joined: 9 May 2007
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 12 May 2007 18:39
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I wear only permapress so I cant be of much help
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bustyblogger
Member
Joined: 1 Jun 2007
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 1 Jun 2007 11:25
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Did you get the advice you were looking for, and how is it going.
I started my ironing business a year ago, just for some extra cash while the kids were young. I am now considering quitting my part-time job to throw myself into my business. Are readers finding it a profitable career?
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homewizz
Anonymous
Joined:
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# Posted: 13 Jun 2007 10:04
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I think that this is a great idea (I'm planning on featuring it on my website) but until I do I would suggest this;
Charge per piece as it's an easier option and you know where you are.
You will need packaging items - hangers, polythene covers etc.,
A professional ironing board and iron would be ideal but they do cost quite a bit so if you can just get the best that your budget can provide then that'll be fine. After all, we only use the domestic type and it suits us perfectly.
Make sure you have numbered receipts for your clients
As far as advertising is concerned - the advice given so far is great but you could also look into advertising online on free classifieds. I do have a bit of info on my site under the cleaning section on the everything else link but Gumtree is good for UK based adverts.
You could also consider having your own site as it always adds an extra touch to your leaflets and business cards. You can get some basic free ones or budget site builders.
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ttoadvisor
Member
Joined: 27 Jun 2007
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 27 Jun 2007 14:06
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When I was in college there was a group of people (I think some college students) who would come to your home and pick up your clothes once a week and bring them back all cleaned. It didn't cost very much. I loved it. The company just put a flyer on my door. I only stopped using them when they washed my white shirt with something blue and ruined my shirt. Although they tried to fix it, I was just a little afraid that it would happen again.
My point is that I think this could work. If you can market it to students or busy people I think it could really take off.
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aplina
Member
Joined: 5 Nov 2007
Posts: 252
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# Posted: 5 Nov 2007 15:38
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Hi. think that is very great idea , never cross my mind. l for one hate ironing.
l think you should type any question you have about ironing on google, there sure are people doing it. you may also consider using yahoo keyword tools and see how much demand you have.
l just search this on google advice on setting up ironing
and alot come ups
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 1535
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# Posted: 5 Nov 2007 17:41 · Edited by: Newbie Shield
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It can work well. Just find some corporations downtown. Drop your sales pitch offering picking up and dropping off wash and dry cleaning. You can monetize in two ways: bringing the clothes to another dry cleaning business or doing the washing and dry cleaning yourself.
Either way, you just charge a bit more then the other businesses and you offer pick up and drop off.
One thing to keep in mind, and this is critical, charge per item.
You can find out how to charge and then you just up the charges a little bit. Count on volume and pick up/delivery to justify the charges.
I personally know two people who are living comfortably offering these services.
Once again, charge per item and don't take any less than five dollars per item - socks would be the cheapest serviced item.
I have seen that there is definately a demand for this service. Young men and executives - especially - will be eating out of your hand. You can charge a decent premium, especially if you perform pick up and drop off services.
Newbie Shield
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stacy
Member
Joined: 9 Oct 2007
Posts: 82
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# Posted: 5 Nov 2007 17:44
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Convenience is more important to me than price because my life is so hectic. But...instead of picking up at my house, which I am never home, you should set up a "Drop-off" and "Pick-up" center at local Day Cares. I mean, we already have to go to the day care twice a day anyway. You could give the day care a % of your monthly profits or pay a flat space rental fee. I know I would pay double for ironing if I could pick it up at my day care and not have to make another stop. I live way out of town and would not expect someone to deliver to me.
Just a thought.....
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matthemattrix
Member
Joined: 23 Jun 2006
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 10 Nov 2007 05:50
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Re advertising: From experience promoting my own services I have found that flyers are effective. If you live in a high density area then you can get a lot out pretty quickly.
My advice is don't post them too far from where you live/work. And don't worry about making them look flash. They can just be photocopied strips with text only. Main thing is to get as many out as possible -- but of course respect "no junk mail" signs! (If you have a website then it goes without saying to put this on the flyers, too.)
Also, one of the best techniques is to put leaflets up on community noticeboards at shopping centres. If you have your contact details hanging off the bottom people can tear them off. This is really cheap, it definitely does work, and you can track the response by going back a week or so later to see how many strips have been torn off.
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brazilfarmer
Member
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 25
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# Posted: 30 Mar 2008 11:05 · Edited by: brazilfarmer
Reply
I think this is an excellent idea but definitely one that it culture-sensitive. For example, I live in Brazil and the majority of middle-class households have a maid and one of her duties is doing the ironing. So although I believe this to be an excellent business idea I don't think it would work everywhere, but I guess for the States and the UK, where it's not common to have a maid, it probably works very well as a niche market.
One extra idea you might consider is to pay someone to collect and deliver the clothes for you thereby reducing the amount of time you spend not doing your 'core' business of ironing. Presumably there would be more money to be made from actually ironing than the part of collecting and delivering. You want to be in one place with the clothes coming to you in order for you to add 'your' value rather than spending your time going from address to address waiting and collecting. Much better to pay someone a relatively small amount to do that task for you. I don't know if that helps any of you but I think that's how I would approach this business if I got involved.
Good luck to all of you who have this type of business.
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Debbie Woodward
Member
Joined: 12 Aug 2008
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2008 09:40
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Did you start your ironing business & how is it doing?
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ellenSep
Member
Joined: 11 Oct 2008
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 11 Oct 2008 15:15
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I'm considering getting a home based ironing business going as well. I took a trip to a local dry cleaner and was able to negotiate the sale of an steam iron they plan on replacing. Anybody have any experience with professional irons?
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alistinker
Member
Joined: 16 Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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# Posted: 16 Nov 2008 16:25
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I am also going to be starting up a home based ironing service and am so torn whether to charge per hour or per item. I see many people suggest "per item" but how much is too much? I would love some guidance on how much to charge per item. I want people to be interested and not put off by prices but i need to make profit too.
I found a great place to buy wholesale disposable garment covers on a roll. I think they said something like 500 covers on a roll for $40 which I thought was reasonable. Now i need to find wholesale hangers like the ones used in Dry Cleaners.
I have a chevy suburban so i think that is going to be big enough for deliverys.
ANything else anyone would like to share? Would be great if we could all help each other out .....as long as we are not in the same towns....LOL
take care
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kelly1960
Member
Joined: 18 Nov 2008
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 18 Nov 2008 02:19
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Hi there,
I'm here to briefly post my experience. I started my ironing business about 4 years ago. I started with one customer and decided to charge by the hour. I use a Rowenta steam generator iron (I would never do this business with any other iron). Initially, I took my own 18" wide ironing board, but it was a pill to lug into every job, so now I just use the customer's ironing board.
I prefer to iron in the homes of my clients, but do bring some ironing home if they are small jobs (less than 10 pieces). If I did this from home, I would just sit and look at it or find other things to do. If I go to their homes, I get the job done and I am outta there.
Besides ironing, I will fold clothes and throw a load or two in the wash to keep it going. I also put away the clothes if asked to.
I had a hard time deciding whether to charge by the piece or by the hour. I chose by the hour ($10). It was too hard to decide what price to set on each type of clothing (shirts, pants, t-shirts, sheets, etc.). This works for me, especially if I get a good mix of knits and cottons (i.e. polos and dress shirts).
I started this business because I didn't want to go back to a structured office job (9 to 5) after my son was born and I stumbled into this with the help of a friend who wanted me to iron for her. I started with the one customer and ironed for her for about a year before I started taking on more customers. By that time, I felt confident of my late-in-life new talent that I didn't even know I had. It was a blessing to be able to bring money home and be here for my child and not have to put him in daycare.
I now iron every day of the week and I am home before the bus drops off my son. Some days are 5-6 hours, some are 2-3. I would have liked to have raised my rates when gas was 4.00 a gallon, but I didn't. So glad it has come down now. The farthest I travel is 22 miles one way from my house for 2 days every other week. Some of my clients are weekly, some are every other week.
I had some really cute business cards made up on line at Vista Print. They had an ironing board business card. My title is "Iron Maiden". LOL
Good luck to all of you who undertake this endeavor. It is profitable, relaxing (to me), and I have made some wonderful new friends.
Kelly
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