I am 22 and would like to start a business from home collecting peoples clean clothes, ironing them and dropping them back off. I was wondering what things I need to consider ie: insurance, bursaries available, advertising etc. All info and advice would be great!
2006-06-09 11:52:57 · 8 answers · asked by zoe_ruby_slippers 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Thanks to all those who have helped me on my quest by giving me some very valuable advice!Im very thankful to each of you and hope to have the ball rolling very soon thanks to you lot. Best wishes, Zoe xxx
2006-06-12 00:02:29 · update #1
I have just started my own business and got 2000 flyer's for £35 and 5000 business cards for £80 compared to other quotes I received this is a steal!!! If you use a search engine and type in advertising and just for to all the free sites and get your business on there. Get some flyer's and business cards hand them out locally, homes business' etc. It really does work. The inland revenue run workshops, shell live-wire, enterprise, your local careers centre etc. The list is endless. Contact them all and get your name out there. In Scotland the PSYBT offer a £1000 grant to help start up new business's. You can also go to any bank or building society and ask for a business angel/guardian to help finance your venture.
2006-06-09 13:40:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
First have a good iron,with settings for silks,rayons,make sure it is a steam iron,use distilled water only so it wont spit out residue ,of course an ironing board. spray starch,magic sizing works wonders on most everything but jeans.Put out the word,when you get enough customers to warrant advertising,Put an ad in the newspaper.You would be suprised how many people cant iron and dont like to pay to have every thing drycleaned. Keep a good record for income tax and business records.If you pick up and deliver,keep records of mileage because this is a business and mileage is deductable.So is the iron,board,electric bill,starches,distilled water.If you get this business up and running think about a pressing machine, My main advice is do a good job.word of mouth is the best advertising you can get.Once you get started just remember,now you are a business person,act like a professional.dress like one too.Not suits and ties.just neat and clean advertising how wonderful your clothes look even if its jeans and t-shirt,
2006-06-09 12:18:08 · answer #2 · answered by donald m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advertise in your local paper. Ask your local shops if you can advertise in their windows. Give yourself a realistic area in miles.Phone a couple of insurance companies and check how much it would be to insure yourself against mishaps. Get yourself a book to keep records of what you have done and how much you have charged. keep a good list of out-goings and income from ironing. Work out over the month the difference between and hopefully you will come out on top. I bought a press only a small one. It saved me hours and after the initial outlay. I found I was making more than i was spending. By the end of 3 months I was making good money. Good luck with your venture.
2006-06-09 13:27:55 · answer #3 · answered by aunty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will definately need liability insurance.
you could also offer extras, like selling coat hangers, clothes covers, zip up suit covers, travel irons and adapters. You could also offer an extra softness service whereby you spray the garment with a made up solution of liquid softeners ( the ironing type) for a small extra charge. All of these little extras will help swell your income.
2006-06-20 00:03:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it does take off- remember to contact the Inland Revenue after 3 months, as the penalties are quite high if caught.
2006-06-09 12:06:10 · answer #5 · answered by Crystal 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Contact the local SCORE office for much good advice in starting any business.
Good luck.
2006-06-09 11:56:57 · answer #6 · answered by kearneyconsulting 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your local laundry mat that does not offer those services and see if you can work with them to offer their customers.
Flyers in supermarkets
2006-06-10 01:58:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're in the Uk check out business link
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/directory;jsessionid=GKQSpB8wy5RrJTlQDYv1v1fnT1pws3xLpL2vhZGB4TlJ7pC1mSlG!1534102385!1149894866824?r.l3=1073959000&r.l2=1074453326&r.t=RESOURCES&r.i=1074467315&r.l1=1073858790&r.s=h
Good luck
2006-06-09 12:15:51 · answer #8 · answered by Part Time Cynic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋