Have you started a full-time or part-time job?

If you are juggling with the idea of ​​starting your own ironing service, you should be asking yourself from the start whether you want to implement this business idea full-time or part-time.

Many freelance ki enthusiasts who dare to take risks start working part-time - not infrequently, as they are young mothers who want to continue to have the time to look after their children. There's no hindrance to getting started full time, however - if you can get as many clients as possible from the start.

The tip: Even if ironing is an activity where you can watch TV or listen to music from the side, never forget that this is your job. The right mindset is essential for long-term success.
Establish the ironing service as a sole proprietorship
Anyone who does housework (like ironing service or household help) and thus wants to create a solid foundation must avoid the issue of illegal work and officially register their company as a company. You are then responsible for paying taxes but not being sued.

To properly register the ironing service, go to your local business office or go to the relevant page on the Internet. The next step is to request or download a fully completed commercial license.

When it comes to legal form, most people who want to set up an ironing service prefer sole proprietorship. This ties in with little bureaucratic effort and convinces with simple bookkeeping. The disadvantage of sole proprietorship is that you will be responsible for your own property in the event of a business failure. However, you don't need to be too afraid of this scenario, as the risks of this business idea are relatively low (likely the most expensive investment would be a high-end ironing station).

After submitting your trade license, you will automatically receive a mail from the tax office. They also ask you for some information before assigning a tax number to them. After that, you have established a formal business and can start ironing commercially without hesitation.
Why should you arrange an ironing service?
Still skeptical and wondering if there are people willing to pay other people to iron their clothes? Concept.

The truth is, the demand is great and it keeps growing. Today the modern man has become more comfortable. At the same time, he wants to use his spare time to do beautiful and meaningful activities. Like ironing, cleaning and shopping (for most people) it is not one of them. So, in addition to traditional home help, there are now also shopping, food delivery and ironing services.

How much does an ironing service cost?

As an ironing service, you'll likely appeal primarily to private customers who don't have the time (or inclination) to stand in front of an ironing board. For this reason, the price issue must be approached with special sensitivity. If the costs incurred by your service are too high, customers will be intimidated quickly. On the other hand, if you are low enough to barely cover your spending, the business model will not be economical.

Are they fixed rates or hourly rates?

In most industries (for example, in skilled occupations) it is perfectly normal to pay a service provider based on the time spent. In principle, you can set an hourly rate as a Ki service, but this approach is often an obstacle in practice.

Private clients want to know in advance what costs they will incur - in this case, you can still cancel or 'reduce' the order in the event of an emergency. In order to better satisfy their customers, many ironing services set fixed prices for different garments. Flat or complex parts cost more, while smaller and simple parts are cheaper to iron. A good example of an ironing service price list can be found here.

If you decide to reverse the hourly rate and in favor of fixed rates, this has a huge advantage for you as well: the faster the ironing, the higher your profit. Experienced ironers produce ten or more pieces of clothing per hour and save an adequate amount of money accordingly. On the other hand, if you are still early in your career and need more time for a piece of clothing, then naturally this will bring down the price. But let me tell you: Practice makes perfect.

Did you get your clothes or bring them?
Once the pricing question is resolved, the following decision must be made: Do you want the clothes to be brought in by the customers, do you buy them, or do you provide a mixed service?

Almost everyone who buys clothes to be ironed from a customer is faced with, but they also have two non-trivial problems:

• It takes time to deliver
• The combination causes additional costs

Resolve this conflict: In principle, ask your customers to bring your laundry to you on specified dates or by prior arrangement. If this is not possible (for whatever reason), you can also offer a flat rate pickup service of XX (and possibly X cents per kilometer paid). Your customers will understand that there are additional costs when using additional services.

Determine the radius of the distribution and analyze the competition
In most cases setting up an ironing service means starting your business with a regional company. Very few ironing services operate across the country and allow ironing supplies to be shipped to them, for example by mail.

To succeed and earn a living despite regional restrictions, it is important to conduct a comprehensive market analysis from the start and see if there are other Ki services available in your area. If you see competitors here, don't bury your head in the sand. In some areas, the demand is now so great that two or three Ki services can be sustained. However, if the number of competitors exceeds this number, you may consider starting in another area or thinking of a new business idea.