How to Start an Ironing Service

Crisp, ironed shirts and pants give such a professional look. Nicely ironed drapes look great in a room. Home ironing services that were very popular in the 50s and 60s are slowly making a comeback. Home-based iron services are on the rise. To start an ironing service doesn't require much equipment or money. With an iron, an ironing board and a few flyers, you can start an ironing service today.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ironing board
• Steam iron
• Chair or stool
• Starch
• Rate sheets
• Advertising flyers

1. Invest in a sturdy ironing board, iron (preferably with steam and auto-shut off features) and a comfortable chair or stool to sit on. Buy high-quality equipment for your business to make the time you spend per item as low as possible. This increases your item production per hour or unit. You want to finish as many items as you can in a small amount of time.
2. Determine what types of items you will include in your ironing services. Will you just iron shirts? Or will you also iron slacks, drapes and bed sheets?
3. Put starch on all ironing items, unless specifically told not to do so by the client. This will make all of your ironing look very professional.
4. Develop a rate sheet and set your rates for certain items. Assign a cost per shirt, pants, drapes or any other items that you intend to offer within your range of services.
5. Advertise your services throughout the community. Pass out flyers at the ball park or outdoors events. Place on cars at the grocery store parking lot, place on the sides of mailboxes (not inside the box as this is against postal regulations) or on doors throughout the neighborhood. Also consider placing ads in your local city's newsletter or newspaper. On your flyer, list items and prices that your ironing service offers.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the iron and ironing board have a steady place to avoid both of them falling down.