How do work out how to charge for laundry services?

[JoxerGoesToStuttgart]

I already run an ironing business and I’ve been asked to do washing as drying too. I can do this, but I’m not sure how to work out a price. My ironing service is charged per item, so I’m thinking it’s best to charge the same was for laundry? I will be providing the washing powder and fabric softener. (The client has specified which ones)

Would charging the same as the ironing cost sound right? For example a shirt would cost £1.20, kids items 75p, double duvet cover £2.50.

No that’s far too high, washing is a lot cheaper than ironing.

Could you make a charge per load working out how much time, electric, water you use, rather than per item

So for e.g. £5/£10 a wash, £10 for drying (depending how big your drum is)

OK thanks MY, glad I asked!

We don’t pay for water here so It would be time, electric and detergents.

Don't forget to incorporate wear and tear on your machine into the price as well.

I'd agree a charge per load is sensible - either provide a bag that they can fill as a load or specify a maximum weight per load.

I actually have baskets I use for ironing and one of those filled to the brim is one full wash load (I’ve used them for my own stuff) so I can charge by the basket.

Does £8 per load for washing and drying sound reasonable?

Would that cover your costs? Round up to £10?

What about seeing how much a laundrette charges for a small machine and then factor in something for the hour plus it takes to run the cycle and then hang on the line / tumble dry?

Ive gone for £10 and she’s happy with that. We don’t actually have laundrettes round here. We’re a rural town amongst other rural towns. Nearest laundrette would be in the city and I think would be pricier than what you’d expect to pay round here.

@JoxerGoesToStuttgart I already do cleaning, and I've been thinking about starting a ironing service just to earn some extra cash. How did you go about it and is it profitable?

I’ll PM you @Twenty20

@JoxerGoesToStuttgart OK. Thanks

My launderette does a full service was for £7.50.

babysharkah what does a full service wash entail? The staff wash it for you? and do you provide the washing detergent/fab softener? Or do they?