Ways2Raise

What is it?

Offering an ironing service is a practical and helpful way for teenagers to raise funds by helping busy families and neighbours keep their clothes looking sharp. It’s a beginner-friendly task that requires minimal investment and can be done regularly to generate steady income. This service taps into everyday needs, making it easy to find customers within your community.

Why does it work?

People often struggle to find time to iron clothes, so offering this service meets a real need. The convenience you provide encourages repeat business and positive word-of-mouth, which helps you build a loyal client base. Additionally, charging per basket or item makes pricing straightforward and transparent, encouraging more orders.

What you'll need

Iron and ironing board
Access to electricity
Laundry baskets or bags to collect and return clothes
A quiet, well-lit space for ironing
Basic stain remover and spray starch (optional)
Phone or notebook to take orders and schedule pickups/deliveries

Step-by-step plan

1

Ask family, friends, and neighbours if they would like an ironing service. Start small with people you know to build confidence and get feedback.

2

Set clear prices, for example £10-£15 per basket depending on size and complexity. Be transparent about what that includes (e.g., shirts, trousers, dresses).

3

Agree on collection and delivery times—offer to pick up the clothes and return them neatly folded to make it easy for your customers.

4

Prepare your ironing station by setting up your board, iron, and any supplies. Make sure your iron is clean and working well.

5

Iron clothes carefully, paying attention to collars, cuffs, and creases. Use starch spray if requested to give clothes a crisp finish.

6

Fold or hang the clothes neatly and package them securely for return. Communicate with customers once their ironing is complete.

7

Ask for feedback and encourage repeat bookings or referrals by offering a small discount on future services.

How to advertise it

Create simple flyers and distribute them door-to-door in your neighbourhood.
Post on local Facebook groups or community pages with clear service details and pricing.
Ask your school or youth club if you can put up a notice on their noticeboard.
Tell neighbours in person and ask satisfied customers to recommend you to their friends.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can realistically earn between £10 to £15 per basket of ironing. If you manage to serve 2-3 customers a week, you could raise around £100-£200 per month, depending on demand and your availability.

Top tips

✅ Always check the care labels on clothes to avoid damage and build trust with customers.

✅ Offer a small discount for repeat customers or bulk orders to encourage loyalty.

✅ Keep your ironing station tidy and professional—customers appreciate attention to detail.

✅ Be punctual and communicate clearly about collection and delivery times.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Underpricing your service—ensure you cover your time and effort to make it worthwhile.

⚠️ Accepting too many orders at once and struggling to complete them on time.

⚠️ Not confirming customer preferences (e.g., starch use or delicate fabrics) before ironing.

Ironing Service