The 5 Most Important Things To Look For When Hiring a Dry Cleaner
Some things are best left to the professionals. No doubt about it. With the complex fabrics used in clothing today, attempts to clean some of the more sensitive fabrics at home can lead to an apparel Armageddon.
The answer is obvious – employ an expert. But how do you best choose from the dry cleaning professionals in your area?
Well, here are the 5 most important things to look out for when hiring a dry cleaner:
1 – Experience, Experience, Experience
Money can’t buy it and it is hard won. Seek out a dry cleaner in your area that is well established.
You may well admire the entrepreneurial spirit of a recent newly-established business, but if you are going to avail of there services do your research to find out how much experience they have in the industry.
Gaining experience is as much about finding out what not to do as it is about what to do.
Don’t let your treasured items of clothing be the guinea pig on someone’s journey from apprentice to master.
2 – Take Them For a Test Run
You wouldn’t make a huge purchase like buying a car without taking it for a test drive, would you?
Considering you will be handing over some of your most-prized possessions of personal attire, why not first do a test run by sending in some items of clothing that aren’t as valuable to you as your mother’s wedding dress or your favourite business suit?
Taking your dry cleaners for a test run will afford you an opportunity to assess their skills, build a relationship, and possibly even secure a discount for repeat business!
3 – Location Matters
It is likely that in choosing a dry cleaners you will employ an internet search. You will factor in locality and price in your search terms. But, remember that promotion that will see a moderate saving at the dry cleaners on the other side of the city may be offset by the fuel costs and parking fees of going there.
Give consideration to convenient location when choosing the dry cleaner for your needs.
4 – Reputation – What’s in a Name?
With the advent of the internet ‘word of mouth’ is more important than ever, even if that ‘voice’ is a website of local business reviews.
The internet has been a great tool for the democratising of commerce. A few clicks of button and you can track down the best places to visit, eat, or get your clothes dry cleaned.
But don’t forget to ask friends, family, and colleagues too. Reputation allows you the gaining of experience without the high cost that it often entails.
Auntie May had her favourite party gown ruined at that place on the High Street? Sad for Auntie May, but she has just helped you dodge a bullet!
On the other hand, those who trusted prized clothing at a dry cleaners and received them back in immaculate condition will be eager to allow you the benefit of their positive experience.
Whether online or straight from the horse’s mouth, reputation is a key consideration when choosing a dry cleaner for your needs.
5 – The Price vs The Value
While price is often the prime factor for many people, be wary! A low price may be an attractive proposition and value for money is important to us all, but it should not be considered in isolation.
“You get what you pay for” is a cliche for good reason – it is true more often than not.
By all means take price into consideration when deciding on a dry cleaner, but consider it in light of the other factors listed above.
All these factors taken into consideration together will help you make the best decision for your dry cleaning needs.