According to the Council of Better Business Bureaus, lost items is one of the top three complaints consumers log against dry cleaners. This is a customers worst nightmare and unfortunately it happens more often than you may think. Many of those who have had this misfortune, find that receiving some kind of equitable retribution from dry cleaners is almost impossible! In some cases cleaners have offered to pay what the garment was worth, but you need a receipt to have any leverage. What happens more often is the cleaners offers complementary dry cleaning for a period determined by them or payment of pennies on the dollar for what your clothing was worth, and that's it! Forget whatever sentimental value your clothing represented to you. Possibly it was your favorite outfit or a sweater that was purchased by your mother who has passed away! Either way your sentimental property does not equal profits for the dry cleaner.
Nevertheless, if you are caught in this predicament there are a few tips you should follow. First, if you happen to be a hoarder and you have receipts of the lost garment, use this in your negotiation with the dry cleaners because its great leverage. Second, going to court may not be the best solution because you have to invest time and money and if you win a judgement you still have to collect the money from the dry cleaner. Third, negotiating complementary service for a period of time that satisfies you is probably the most feasible option. But, in the end all the dry cleaners think about is their bottom line and sometimes the customer gets left at the bottom!!!!!!
