i want to talk about ironing please

[nailpolish]

right

i need to get going with this

how much would/do you pay for ironing (taken away and brought back to your house)

and i need a good name!

(yes i know i can search archives but its down at the moment)

ta v much

Pressed for time

Haven't read the whole thread. I pay £6 per hour I usually get about a basket and half back for £9/£10

hi gscrym

yes i suppose thats a bit far!

my brother lives in stenhousemuir, you dont know him do you? LOL

just trying to do a poster just now and failing miserably...

Don't like Crease Monkeys because I automaticly think of grease, which doesn't go with clean clothes .

If you were going down the box or basket line get something with a lid and the rule is the lid must fit/ close. Then try cramming as much in the container yourself then count and iron to see what the maximum time would be and work out a rate based on that. Make sure box/ basket is plastered with company name and phone number so their freinds and family see it too.

I think it is fair to charge per item and work out an approriate scale like Pecka's. Try phoning businesses in neighbouring towns then decide if you want to do similar, people will be used to that way of charging or perhaps do it different to stand out.

Do make sure its worth your while, don't forget to think about all your costs like petrol, wear and tear on vehicle, electricity, replacement equipment, hangers etc and then see how much you actually get per hour. Legally you should register with the tax office as a sole trader even if your earnings are within your tax allowance, then fill out self assesment form every year (groan- thats the bit i am rubbish at). I don't know if i would bother at first with this kind of thing. What ever you do keep good records of customers and accounts and don't start letting people owe you.

what a great and helpful post skribble

thanks everyone for all the fab advice

i have made some posters and will be taking them around local shops and libraries etc

my aunt lives in a sheltered housing complex and she has already lined up some business for me, as i currently do her ironing

so far so good!

Also what I am finding out is TELL EVERYONE. I was chatting to my hairdresser and she said i could put some cards in her shop. Word of mouth is an amazing way to get new business. I got the first order on my website because of a supportive comment on a business forum about someones website and their business. So make sure you always have a pile of cards and flyers in your bag. What about advertising banners on your kids buggy .

Dear nailpolish,

A lady near me has just started up an ironing business and she charges between 25p and 75p per item. The local paper did a feature on her which seemed like a great way of bringing in some start-up business. How about putting some little flyers into places where busy Mums in your area go such as play centres, supermarkets, newsagents, playgroups and local nurseries?

Good luck!