Hoping to start a ironing business but can it work!?

[Purplemummy1]

Hi everyone,
I would really like some feedback please on a idea I have. I would really like to start up a ironing service in my local area. Is there still a need for such a service? I would look to use eco friendly products, offer collection and delivery either a 24 or 48 hour turnaround, I have insurance and a current DBS (from my previous job). Is it best to charge a set amount per kg or per item? Is there anything I can do to stand out? My mum years ago used a ironing service who made the beds too.
Any advice would be gratefully received! Thank you.

Do you have a lot of holiday homes in your area? They would be a big customer base (probably only if you're prepared to do the washing part as well)!

Hi, yeah we do, I live by the norfolk broads so it's mad during the holidays but I can't do the washing at the moment as I only have a domestic washing machine otherwise I would do it! 🙂

I use an ironing service so there is definitely a demand. They pick it up from my house and deliver it back the next day. I send a bin liner full each week and it usually costs about £20-£25. I think the pricing structure is based on time, not per item.

Our cleaning lady does ironing too. We give her shirts (well used to; now wfh), and bed sheets. A lot of people use these services and as a pp said, if you're in an area with holiday homes, even better!

Our neighbours outsource their ironing.

We just don't bother doing it at all so I guess it depends on how many people are like them compared to us.

As long as you get your pricing right can’t see why it wouldn’t. Need to obviously factor in products, electric, your hourly rate and how long it takes to iron each garment.

The problem with charging by the hour is that a customer can always say, "It would have taken me less time."

Do some research and charge by item. You're going to get through a hell of a lot of box sets!

When I outsourced my ironing I was charged for each washing basket load. I was charged extra if the ironing company thought I'd stuffed the basket too full, or if I had anything to 'flouncy' in for ironing. I dropped it off and then picked it up the following day.

I havn't had an iron or ironing board in about 15 years. People still Iron? Why? I just put my tumble dryer on its relax creases setting.

I hate ironing and I would definitely take up the service if there was one local and at the right price