To start an ironing business?

[HappyGoGoLucky]

I know someone who does ironing alongside her job for a bit of cash, and now I am really considering it.

We are really, really skint. We have no disposable income at the end of the month, despite checking out benefit entitlements and limiting what we spend.. we are on a seriously tight budget!

Anyway enough of that! I am already a laundress and housekeeper, so I am thinking about setting up an iron business from home?

Just a few questions I'd like to ask:

• How much would you charge? Would you do it per bin bag, per item, etc?
  *
  How much would you add if I offered a collection and delivery service?
  
  
• If I offered to wash clothes as well, how much would you charge per clothes washed, dried and ironed (I do not have a dryer so I would have to air dry them but my home is quite warm so it dries quickly)
  
  Any tips and tricks would be great! I really need to make a profit but obviously take expenses in consideration like electricity, water, detergent, fuel etc.
  
  Thanks

[lboogy]

look at your competition . Laundrapp is one I can think off the top of my head . My local dry cleaners does 10 shirts for £10. I'm in London btw.

Good luck!

[delilahbucket]

Most charge per item. See what other businesses charge locally. Don't forget you will need insurance (contact a business broker for this as I'm not sure what type, but it will cover you if you damage someone's clothing or you have a house fire), if you are delivering/collecting you will need business use insurance on your car. You will also need to inform your house insurance company and mortgage provider/landlord. You will probably not be covered for people coming to your house so will need to collect and deliver.
Don't forget to register with HMRC too.

[Flyingarcher]

My ironing lady charges per hour. Atm £8 per hour. A full basket usually costs about 16 to 20 quid.

[FrontRowSeat]

When I did this I charged per item so £1.20 a shirt, 80p tee shirt, £1.50 dress (I’m in the north). I did collection and delivery too which was how I got my customers. Made a cheap website on Wix with my price list and contact details. Bought clear polythene garment covers on eBay.

It was really profitable. Good luck

[HappyGoGoLucky]

Thank you everyone for your advice so far! I really appreciate it.

I've only advertised on Gumtree so far. I've explained thoroughly, stating I am from a smoke and pet free home, my experience, I've also said I will deliver and collect for an additional £1 each way, and have gone lower than what I've seen local people charge (I've done £15 per bin bag). Ad has had over 1000 views yet not a single response

[StrongTea]

Good luck, daughter’s ironing lady has to turn folk away. She does the ironing, her oh does the dropping off/picking up. He seems to do this 7-8 evenings so folk are in.

[Hollowvictory]

My iron lady charges £10 per hour. So even if she just does 2 hours per day, 5 days a week she's making £400 before tax etxc.
She is very good at ironing especially bedding.

[BlackPrism]

I would see how much you can iron in 1 hour and then charge £10-15 for that amount

[HappyGoGoLucky]

I feel if I charge by the hour, they might think I'm milking them by saying I ironed for 3 hours when In fact I could do it in 2 hours, if you see what I mean?

[Hollowvictory]

Op put an ad on your local Facebook sites.

[BlackPrism]

I would also advertise on supermarket poster areas and in the local shop. I trust these more than gumtree. Also try airtask! And drop fliers in peoples letter boxes!!

[BlackPrism]

I see what you mean, try the bin bags for a bit and you can always adjust

[BlackPrism]

Where are you based?

[Myextensionisgivingmeaheadache]

I think per item is the way to go. If you charge per bin bag you could get people taking the piss and might end up with 30 shirts to do for £15

If you charge per item it could be set for each type of garment - this is more complicated I know but has to be the most accurate way to price.

Make a business page on fb and spam local groups.

[PaintBySticker]

Are you on any local parents Facebook pages? That’s where I might notice a business like yours.

Good luck.