Hearts of Iron 4 Home Is Nevada Old World Blues
I meet with business owners both locally and internationally and share what I learn to help readers generate more income.
Start your own ironing business
Pixabay
Start Your Ironing Business Today
If you ask most men and women which job they hate doing around the house, ironing would probably be high on their list. The problem is people tend to procrastinate with ironing and then the pile grows. This makes the task almost insurmountable and extremely time-consuming.
If you dislike ironing, would making money from it change your mind? You can earn good money pressing clothes for other people. With very little outlay, other than your time, you can begin earning money and building your own ironing business from home. As with all businesses, you may only have a few customers at first, but if you provide a professional service, the word will spread and soon you will be earning a healthy additional income from it.
Getting Started With Your Ironing Business
To start with you obviously need an iron and an ironing board. There are other accessories that would be useful like a sleeve board or a seam press, but as you are just starting out let's keep it simple.
Next you will need to make some notices. These can be simple but effective. If you have a printer you can design one on the computer and print it off. If not simply write on a 3″ X 5″ card. You should say what it is you do, who you are, and a phone number. Another positive item to include is "no pets and non-smoking house." People don't want their clothes returned smelling of smoke or covered in pet hair. If you are a non-smoker without pets, definitely put this on your ad. This will increase your customer base.
Display your ad on advertising/notice boards at various locations. Often grocery stores, libraries or public meeting places will have a notice board. Sometimes they are free, or they will be very reasonable. Remember, when you are starting out, keep your overheads low. If you wish to start with business cards, the example here is perfect. This and others are available from Zazzle and are easy to customize with your own details.
Ironing Lessons From a Pro
Below are two videos from a man who knows his stuff. Although you may believe you're ironing correctly, take a look at these videos. He will show you how to iron shirts and pants (trousers) perfectly. Remember, this is a business, and time is money. The best way to iron is the most efficient way.
How Much to Charge for Ironing Service
Decide how much you are going to charge for your services. Charge too much, and you aren't going to get clients; charge too little, and you may have clients but be working for next to nothing. If there are others already providing this service in your area, find out what they charge. I think a good rule of thumb is, take the minimum wage and double it.
Some people charge by the hour and others by the sackful or weight. I would suggest by the hour.
If the customer wants their shirts on hangers, you can collect them when you pick up their order or if they bring their clothes to you, ask them to supply hangers. It is always a good idea to keep some extra hangers if they don't give you enough. Plastic ones are inexpensive to buy. It also shows good customer service. This type of unexpected attention to detail will impress your customer and lead him/her to recommend your services to others.
Collection and Delivery Service
If you have a car, you could offer a collection and delivery service. To do this effectively, you need to decide how wide an area you are willing to cover and how much you will charge for this extra service. Don't be squeamish about asking for more; it is your business.
Your car will need to be clean. It is no use doing someone's ironing and hanging it in a car full of dog hair and cigarette smoke.
If there is a smoker in your home, or if you smoke. Make the customer aware of this because the smell transfers even if you don't smoke near their clothes. Non-smokers will only use your service once if their newly ironed clothes smell like cigarette smoke.
Ironing Business
unsplash
How to Develop a Customer Base for Your Ironing Buisness
Your customers will be from all walks of life. When I was doing this, I had an older gentleman whose wife used to do it. Since her passing, he had to do his ironing until he found my advertisement. I also had another regular customer whose wife didn't like ironing, and the man was too busy. Others were when college students came home, and there was an extra load, after medical procedures, after holidays. The list is endless. It could be anytime and for any reason.
Sometimes, their pile of ironing had just gotten too large!
Keep It Professional
If you always have their order finished when you say it is and it is as they like it, they will use your services repeatedly. They will also recommend you to their friends.
Scroll to Continue
Read More From Toughnickel
Don't make promises you can't keep. Your customers would rather know beforehand if there is a problem. If, for example, you will be away on vacation, let your customers know well in advance. It's also a good idea to get a telephone number to contact before delivering. You don't want your time wasted waiting or having to return another time for delivery.
How to Fold T-Shirts and Dress Shirts Correctly
Ironing is only half the story. Folding and putting on hangers will make your service professional. Get this wrong, and your customers will only use your service once.
Hang garments to cool after ironing; this reduces those annoying lines you get when a shirt is folded immediately after ironing. Below are two videos showing how to fold a t-shirt and a dress shirt correctly.
These little touches make a professional-looking business, and after all, isn't that what you want to achieve?
Ready for Collection or Delivery
To keep all your hard work looking pristine, place all the folded clothes in plastic bags. I would suggest all the same color, not just left-over grocery bags. Reusable bags are the best.
The items on hangers should be grouped, awaiting their collection. This is important if you have multiple clients on the same day, so there is no mix up of orders. If you are going to be delivering them, most cars have a hook, above the back door for a few hangers.
Or, consider a clothes bar which will give you even more hanging space. These are easily fixed into the back seat area of most family-sized cars.
A Few Last Words
Starting a new business can be daunting, especially if you have been out of the job market for some time.
When I wanted to earn extra money, I sat down and assessed my skills. I knew I could iron well, and I knew other people disliked this chore. Even with this knowledge, I was still hesitant. When I got my first customer, I was worried my ironing might not be as they liked it.
When they telephoned me again, I knew I had a business. The relief I saw on some of the faces of my customers was priceless. I wasn't just helping them with a chore they hated, I was solving a problem that was causing them stress.
I encourage you to try this if you want to earn some extra money and begin to build your own business.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Questions & Answers
Question: Should you have liability insurance in case an item gets damaged for an ironing business?
Answer: It is a good idea. I didn't have any, but I can see it would be beneficial in certain circumstances. My services went over the top, for example, if I saw a loose button, I would sew it back on. I would mention this to them, and it gave them a feeling of being looked after, without needing to ask. It built a relationship of trust. If something unforeseen had occurred, because the relationship with my clients was strong, I expect they would have been forgiving.
Question: Could you please recommend an iron?
Answer: I can't suggest a particular brand as models change and a global audience reads this article. However, I can give you some things to consider.
Try it as you would if you were buying a pair of shoes. Pick it up and feel the weight. If it is heavy, it's going only to get heavier after you've used it for an hour at a time. That said, you don't want one that feels too light to be inferior.
How does it feel in your hand? Is it comfortable? This is where good design is worth every penny. I am all about function over a pretty color. What you are buying is a workhorse, not something to look attractive in a cabinet or on a shelf. If it feels good in your hand, it is less likely to cause callouses from constant use.
Are the controls easy to use? At the front point, there should be an indentation for ironing around buttons.
You want a lot of steam outlets on the bottom. Is the sole plate good quality? How easy is it going to be to clean?
Make sure the cord is not one that will tangle. Also, make sure it is long enough to reach your outlet without causing a problem.
Never use an iron with the cord coiled, you can cause a fire as it creates a magnetic field.
When you begin to using an iron, you will pick up little things that bother you and things you love about the iron you've chosen. This will put you in a better position the next time you purchase one.
Question: Would you add minor mending and taking up pants to an ironing business as well or do you think it will get too busy?
Also I am ready and will make flyers but is there anywhere I can post online as well in my area to get customers?
Answer: I would suggest on Facebook, in your posts. I imagine many of your friends and family are local. It isn't just them who will see it, but their friends as well. Some people will share your post others for whatever reasons, won't.
If there is a notice board at a school, or a grocery store, both of those are good places.
Question: Is it likely that I could have enough ironing jobs to do it every day?
Answer: Yes! When I was doing this, I considered having a friend help me out when I had more work than I expected. I wanted to increase my customer base so I didn't want to disappoint the customers by turning them away.
It can be a juggling act at times because it needs to fit in with your family's schedule.
Your business will start off slowly but that is a good thing so you can perfect your system. It's a good 'work from home' job that you can earn well from.
Question: Does an ironing job have to be reported as earned income?
Answer: I would suggest you speak with an accountant to see what the limit is before having to declare it. It may vary from country to country.
Question: Should you keep it simple and accept cash only for a home ironing business?
Answer: I only ever had one person give me a check. That was only because she didn't have any cash on her. She was a regular customer, and I delivered the clothes to her house so I knew the check was going to be valid. Most people don't even ask about another way of paying, they have the cash ready at the time of delivery.
Question: How do you keep from taking on too much with a home business?
Answer: That is an excellent question and one I struggled with at first. If you have regular customers, you'll begin to know how long their ironing will take. By taking that into account, you can better judge your free time.
No one likes to turn customers away, but if you're honest with them and say, "This week I'm really booked up, can we schedule for next week?" or whenever you can make time. There will be some weeks that you'll be busy with your family activities and just can't increase your work load. If for example you go on vacation make your customers aware of that so they can make other arrangements.
The other option is to hire someone to help you. This could be at your home or their own. I would suggest at your home, you don't want them to become competition for you and set up their own ironing business. Also if they are working from your home, you can make certain they are completing it as you would. You obviously have set high standards because you have repeat business.
Question: How can you protect yourself if the customer doesn't pay?
Answer: I never had this problem. If you have their clothes ready, they pay before receiving their clothes. In my experience, people were so grateful to have someone helping them. It was a service they weren't going to risk losing by not having the money ready.
Question: Do you think that an ironing service could become the main income as opposed to an additional income?
Answer: The answer would depend on what your outgoings are. If you live within your means, then yes it possibly could. If you have a large customer base and you can continue to increase them, then you could hire someone to help you. It could turn in to a good business.
© 2014 Mary Wickison
Ready to Start Your Ironing Business?
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on November 08, 2019:
Hi Greg,
Yes, my own. It was something I was able to do where I could work from home and be there for my children.
Greg MacGregor on November 08, 2019:
Sounds very interesting. Do you any examples of success stories?
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on September 01, 2019:
Hi Erin,
Yes, you're right, many people don't mind doing their laundry but detest ironing. It's a real dilemma for them because they want to look presentable and even though clothes may say, they don't need to be ironed, many still do.
Regarding certain fabrics, yes some can be difficult. A pressing cloth is necessary at times to prevent a shine from occurring. It's best to educate yourself with the correct temperatures, and best practices before starting this business.
erinshelby from United States on September 01, 2019:
This is an interesting idea- just doing ironing. Some fabrics are just a real pain.. they develop wrinkles so badly. I could see this idea working for people who don't like to iron, but don't mind washing.
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on June 23, 2019:
Hi Marlene,
When I was doing this, the clothes were already laundered. In fact I never had anyone ask about this service.
I would never say I enjoy ironing but there is satisfaction knowing that from a crumbled mess, you can bring an article back to how it should look. Plus, all my customers were so thankful for the help.
Marlene Bertrand from USA on June 22, 2019:
I actually enjoy ironing. I was wondering, when you have an ironing business. Is it expected that you would also launder the clothes? Or, do people hand you already-laundered clothes? What a great way to earn money doing something fun. Like I said, I enjoy ironing. There is something exhilarating about getting that perfect seam in a nice pair of trousers.
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on June 12, 2019:
That's great to hear. The success of your business will be determined by the need for your services and the time you have.
Before starting you have to ask yourself if there is a need in your area or are people already doing this at home. If there is a need, then you have to let people know what you can do for them.
If they have too much ironing to deal with or just hate this chore, it can be a good business for you.
K. PRASAD on June 06, 2019:
I have interested the ironing business
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on March 13, 2019:
Hi Ashwin,
I only use a steam iron. Use the correct temperature for the garment though. I also use a cloth between the fabric and the iron if the fabric is synthetic. Doing this prevents getting a shine on the fabric.
Ashwin on March 13, 2019:
can you tell me steam iron press good or bad
Marina on September 21, 2018:
Hello. I have took the first steps in the ironing business. Got the right tools, posted on fb, passes out flyers & business cards with my nice little logo. I'm ready! it's almost been 4 weeks since I launched my fb page and passed out flyers and still no one has called me. What am I doing wrong?? Please advice?
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on September 01, 2018:
Hi Rohit,
I have never used an iron which is heated with charcoal. I can see many disadvantages with it, including the time it takes to get the charcoal hot, plus the weight of it. Of course if there is no electricity then that would be your only option with the exception of using a generator.
Steam irons are the best option, because they are quick and easy, and as they say, 'time is money'.
Rohit on September 01, 2018:
Which kind of iron (press) is good?
I mean steem press or charcoal press
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on March 03, 2018:
Hi Liz,
Thanks for your question. I would try a couple different ways.
In your local grocery store, do they have a notice board?
An advertisement could be placed here. There may be a nominal charge for this.
Get some business cards made and hand them to people you know. It could be they don't need your service but someone they know may.
Also, if you are on Facebook and connected with people in your area, tell people you are available.
I started my business from a simple 3 x5 card in a shop window. People talk (now it's called networking). I got the majority of my customers through word of mouth. Someone was complaining about having too much ironing to do and someone else had my phone number and passed it on.
Another benefit, to the customer would be if they didn't have to pick up their clothes from the dry cleaner, target that angle. If you can pick up and drop off their clothes, it is one less job they have to do.
If you know anyone who is a housekeeper, it is likely their customers may be interested in your services. That could be a win-win situation for both of you. You could each get the other clients.
Another suggestion would be to advertise on your car using vinyl decals, or even wear a t-shirt as advertisement. How many people, for example in a grocery store, would see your shirt? Sometimes people want to have someone do their ironing but don't know who to contact and dry cleaners are out of the price range for many people. If someone approaches and wants to know more, make sure you give them a business card so they have something tangible to remember you by.
That is your gap in the market and the people you can target.
Good luck to you.
Liz on March 02, 2018:
Hi, my question is I am a professional presser of 17 years and I notice that in the UK itis popular and I am in the United States. Most people in the United States take their clothes to a dry cleaner and want someone to clean and press their clothes, how can I market an ironing service in the United States?
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on July 14, 2017:
Hello Aiinn,
That is an interesting question. The threats to the person running the business would be injuries related to ironing such as burning or standing for long hours. Also, safety is a big factor. If as an example a person was delivering the clothes and the person was asked inside the home, there could be a potential for a dangerous situation.
Another factor to consider is if you damage someone's clothes, you would be liable to pay for them. If it is something which concerns those who want to start this, they could speak to someone in insurance for a quote.
I would like to say that when I was running my business, I was never asked to go inside anyone's house. The people who used my service were grateful and gracious.
I believe the media has created an atmosphere of suspicious and fearful people and trust goes a long way. Just as the one who does the ironing may be untrusting of a client, a lack of trust can go the opposite way. This is why word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Many of my customers, had been recommended by a friend.
Aiinn on July 14, 2017:
What is the threat with this kind of business???
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on September 02, 2014:
Before I started my ironing business, when my kids were young, I had an older woman come to my house and do my ironing. She was glad of the extra money, and being around a young family. She did an excellent job and I picked up some helpful hints from her.
About 10 years later when my kids were in secondary school, I began my ironing business.
If you place an ad asking for help with ironing, I imagine you will be pleasantly surprised at the response.
Ronald E Franklin from Mechanicsburg, PA on September 02, 2014:
This is a new idea to me. I wouldn't have thought that you could build a successful business today by providing ironing services. My wife does the ironing in our house and, as you say, hates it. If we could find someone to do it at a good price, we'd sign up!
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on August 16, 2014:
Hi Mary,
It sounds like my story.
I found if I put music on, the time went much faster. Also it was more interesting ironing for other people, it wasn't the same clothes time after time.
Thanks for the votes and share.
Mary Hyatt from Florida on August 16, 2014:
When I had a growing family, I ironed a lot. My hubby wore dress shirts and I could iron them very well. I'm so out of practice now. This is a great idea for those people who enjoy ironing and have the proper tools.
Voted UP, etc. and shared.
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on August 15, 2014:
Hi Teaches,
Thanks. I think some people can get overwhelmed by ironing and tend to do every other job first to avoid it.
As for cuffs, there is a nifty little gadget, aimed at seamstresses, call a sixth finger stiletto. It hold down tricky edges and corners so you can iron right into them.
Wonderful to hear from you. Have a great weekend.
Dianna Mendez on August 15, 2014:
I don't mind ironing. It is task that takes time to complete and much attention to small details need patience. I have yet to iron one of my hubby's shirt cuffs perfectly. It would be nice to have someone else do it for me. This is a great opportunity for one who knows how to iron well. Your hub is interesting and well done.
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on August 14, 2014:
Hi BizVT34
Yes that is good advice, especially in the US.
Thanks for your additional input.
BizVT34 from USA on August 14, 2014:
I'd suggest you also take a look at your insurance situation to make sure you aren't exposing yourself for uncovered liability. There may be business activities excluded from a homeowners policy.
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on August 14, 2014:
Hi MsDora,
I hadn't heard that saying before but it is true.
I remember an entrepreneur stood on a busy street in London and looked at all the people. He looked at what businesses were there and what niche market he could fill.
He started 'Yo Sushi'
Wonderful to hear from you. Thank you
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on August 14, 2014:
Great idea for a business! That person would have me for a client. I hate ironing and don't even want to learn. Fill a need, they say and you can have a business. You give very good suggestions, for example: "no pets and non-smoking house."
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on August 14, 2014:
Hi Snerfu
I hope it was useful to you. Thanks for the visit.
Vivian Sudhir from Madurai, India on August 14, 2014:
Very interesting article -- makes one want to begin on ironing. Makes lovely reading. Voted up.
Mary Wickison (author) from Brazil on August 14, 2014:
Hi Faith,
I can't say I was a big fan of it myself however when I was making money from it, my perception soon changed.
My customers were so grateful, that I was doing it for them it was a boost both mentally and financially for me.
Thanks for reading .
Faith Reaper from southern USA on August 13, 2014:
Very interesting and I am sure many would love to have someone else do their ironing! I hate ironing. It would make a great small business.
Source: https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/ironing-service
0 Response to "Hearts of Iron 4 Home Is Nevada Old World Blues"
Post a Comment