New ironing service

[Fickleflock]

I’m thinking of starting up a new ironing service and would really appreciate thoughts on pricing system - would you rather pay per item (where cost would vary depending on what item is) or pay per 1/2 hour? Thanks!

[AjasLipstick]

I've seen people charge "per bag" which seems vague to me. Then you need to consider the fact that men's shirts take longer than children's t shirts.

So...it wouldn't be sensible to charge per bag if one client gave you a bag stuffed to the brim with a big man's shirt collection and another, a bag of kid's tops.

I would say a price per ten items with shirts (men's or women's) costing an extra 50p each.

So if ten items is ten pounds and a pile of ten included 3 shirts, then that client would actually pay 11.50.

Does that make sense?

Also, invest in a load of plastic clothing covers from Ebay...and hangers. Return the goods on hangers if they're things like work suits, shirts or dresses.

T shirts and jeans etc can be folded and returned in bags.

[flowers123]

I have used an ironing service on several occasions. I would much rather pay per hour or per half an hour rather than by item x

[Fickleflock]

Thanks so much for your responses x
AjasLipstick this is what I thought, didn’t like how vague a ‘bag’ was and wanted to keep pricing as transparent as possible.
Flowers123 - can definitely see how this is a simpler system.
Just troubleshooting but concerned that clients might dispute how long it takes but hopefully common sense will tell them that some items like duvet covers etc would take more time!

[AjasLipstick]

Yes...you can time yourself and say "One hour is approx ten t shirts and a skirt...." or whatever it actually is. Make sure you also say "This can vary with certain fabrics or finishes"

[DaftCat]

We pay £1.50 each for shirts and t shirts to be ironed. I think that’s ok tbh. I hate ironing. I know the dry cleaners that does our ironing also does a bag price but ok not sure what it is. They include washing in that though. I think it’s about a tenner a bag - carrier not bin.