I took my ball gown in to get it cleaned before wearing it to the Marine Corp Ball in Virginia. They charged me double what they estimated over the phone (annoying but understandable).
Somehow they managed to take out the zipper along the seam, continuing down about 2 inches past where the zipper ended. However, instead of telling me about it, they let me pay and walk out with it that way. When I saw it at home, I took it back and said that we had a problem...
They offered to fix it for me but told me that I'd have to talk to the manager when I asked for my money back. I called the next morning and asked to speak to the manager, only to be told that he had ""just left"" and would be ""in and out all day."" Although I left my contact information and a message, he never called me back. When I went to pick up my ""fixed"" dress hours later, he wasn't there either.
When I again asked for a refund for all of the stress caused, they refused to give me my money saying that THEY didn't rip it. I asked if they were telling me that I brought in a pieced dress for cleaning and then asked them why I would do that. Like very good politicians they responded that they weren't saying that I ripped it, but they didn't do it...so I guess that means that the seam-ripping fairies got their hands on my dress when nobody was looking. They pointed out that they fixed my dress (like they had done me a favor) and sent me home. Of course, the ""fix"" that they did left threads sticking out to get caught in the zipper, obvious stitching over detailed lace, and was a really sloppy job in general.
After all the hassle, I sent my gown to a proper seamstress and wore a different dress to the ball. Luckily, we were able to catch the owner (after they thought they had gotten rid of me, I guess) and he paid for the fix.
I suppose they were friendly enough, but I will never ever go back there.
more