Rug washing as a business

[poiuytrewq]

Can it work? Is there money to be made or not really?
I've been trying to think of something extra I can do from home. I have a huge space (maybe for drying or whatever) it has electric and lighting.
I wondered about getting a big commercial machine and doing rug cleaning.
Not at all sure if this is viable, what my costs would be (electric, detergent and bags etc)
A large second hand machine is about £800 so 80 rugs at £10 pays for that (kind of!)
Is this worth looking further into or a non starter?

 

[poiuytrewq]

Another thing to take into account is we have solar so free electric on bright days which will be helpful

 

[AmyMay]

There's definitely a market for it, but it's damn hard work. Would you offer a repair service too?

 

[Midlifecrisis]

I know 3 separate rug wash and repair businesses and it is run around their owners other jobs (some part time one is full time doing something else)...that probably isnt what you would like to hear is it...sorry.

 

[spacefaer]

The big machines need three phase electrics, or so I understand - can you do that off solar?

 

[Nudibranch]

Our local wash charges £35 for a wash, 2 inch patch and supposed proof which was more than the rug cost (7'3 so we get lots of bargains). That said, I've no idea how much time it takes so what the profit would be I don't know.

 

[Shay]

A yard mate set up a rug wash business alongside her previous job and is doing so well she was able to give up the other job. And there is quite a bit of competition around here. But she provides a premium service and works really hard at it. She regularly visits local yards to collect / deliver rugs. If you know the "rug lady" comes every fortnight you don't bother taking stuff to the local tack shop. The rugs are properly proofed and actually last. And the repairs are top quality. If you have the set up and the equipment -including the ability for high quality repairs - then yes. You absolutely can run a business on it.

 

[pansymouse]

My friend did with a repair service and then had to give up because of severe back problems and a serious back operation. She started up again last week but without repairs - they are very hard work and too hard on her body to consider. She has a first class reputation and gives excellent service. She runs her business from home and only accepts rugs by collection and delivery for which she uses a large van. Her old customer base are flooding back to her; there are plenty of people who offer a service and not that many who do it really well. She makes reasonable money but not a fortune.

 

[poiuytrewq]

No probably not skilled enough to offer repairs. Personally I like repairs to be incredibly neat and I have no machine experience.
Not sure about the 3 phase and solar, that would need looking into. Our house/outside sockets etc are solar. There is 3 phase here on the farm though so that could still work.
Maybe worth properly looking into