D & J Crystal Cleaners Inc

Review: In October 1988, I had my wedding gown dry cleaned and vacuum sealed in an air tight plastic bag at the urging of an employee at Crystal Cleaners. They have since changed their name to D & J Crystal Cleaners. I was informed at that time to have my dress sealed in an air tight plastic bag as this would prevent my gown from the elements which could cause yellowiong or even allow insects to get to it. Now, 25 years later, one of my two daughter's is thinking about marriage. Both my daughter's and I decided it was a good time to open my wedding gown so my older daughter, almost 19, could try it on. The original box the gown was packed in basically ripped in the corner when I attempted to open it. I pulled the card board away revealing light blue tissue paper. I moved the tissue paper away to reveal a vacuum sealed plastic back with two blue ribbons inside holding a while mesh item. My youngest daughter held the plastic bag for me while I cut it open and my oldest daughter looked on. The item I took out of the plastic bag did not even my wedding gown, it was a slip. A white mesh slip. This was not even my slip as my slip was sewn into my wedding gown. Needless to say, my two daughter's and I were in a state of shock. I could not believe after 25 years of thinking my wedding gown was packaged safely away, my gown was not even in the box. As this was on Saturday, 30 Nov 2013, I attempted to call the phone number on the lower left hand corner of the box. Crystal Cleaners was closed though the recording stated it would be open again on Monday.

On Monday, 2 Dec 13, I called Crystal Cleaners from Eugene, Oregon where I currently live. I asked to speak to a manger and the woman I got on the phone, [redacted] T., stated she was the owner and had the business in her family for 50 years. I had explained what happened to [redacted] about my wedding gown and not even having my gown in the box but some mesh type slip. She appeared shocked to hear this and stated she was the one who would have sealed the dress but could not believe the dress was not in the box. I informed her the dress was a gift from my parents and quite expensive as it was made of silk, lace and individual hand sewn pearls. I then asked [redacted] if she'd like me to forward her some pictures of what I took out of the box. She stated she would appreciate it. She gave me her email address, "[redacted]@sbcglobal.net." I also told her my mother who still lives in La Mesa, would bring in a picture of my wedding gown. This same day, I forwarded [redacted] two separate emails with pictures and written communication.

My mother who still lives in La Mesa, California, went down to Crystal Cleaners with a picture of my wedding gown to show to [redacted], the owner.

I called [redacted] approx four to five days later to check on the status of the dress. She informed me she was working with her insurance company and I believe she stated the Revdex.com. Here it is now, one week later and I've still not heard from her. I called Crystal Cleaners today. 9 Dec 13, at 8:45 am. I spoke to a woman named [redacted]. She put me on hold and later came back on the line stating [redacted] was not in yet and should be around 10:00 am. I gave [redacted] my phone number so [redacted] could call me back. At approx 12:00 pm, I called back and spoke to a man. I asked if I could speak to [redacted]. He asked my name then asked me to hold. Several seconds later he came back on the line and stated she was not in yet. I asked him to let [redacted] know I was going to contact the Revdex.com about a dress that was taken from me. He then stated to the effect that I was the one who had a wedding dress supposedly taken 25 yrs ago. I again asked him to relay the message and hung up the phoneDesired Settlement: As this wedding gown was purchased for me over 25-years-ago, I'm not even sure if it could be replaced with a duplicate gown. If this wedding gown cannot be replaced, I am requesting monetary compensation for the dress.

Business

Response:

Thank you for forwarding this to us. It was filtered out in email and we now have the copy. We will respond in a timely fashion to this complaint.

Regards,

Business

Response:

Dear Customer,

Per our conversation of 12/2013 I expressed sympathy with your reported situation of opening a wedding gown box after 25 years to find a white mesh slip instead of a wedding gown. Crystal Cleaners takes pride in our work and customer satisfaction. We have been owner operated for over 50 years.

I reviewed the pictures you sent of the alleged gown box as well as saw a framed photo of your wedding dress that your mother brought by but was unable to copy due to the picture frame. During her visit to Crystal Cleaners, your mother shared with me that you had read an Ann Landers letter about a drycleaner stealing dresses and when you checked your box the dress was gone. The pictures of the alleged wedding gown box do not appear to be complete. There are two boxes, an outer box plus an inner box that is sealed.

As I explained in our conversation, I have been the owner/operator of Crystal Cleaners for over 50 years and have personally handled cleaning and preserving of all wedding gowns. When processing gowns I only do one at a time. All pieces are tagged and accounted for twice before sealing. There has never been report of a missing gown or a wrong gown in a box.

Crystal Cleaners has been a proud good standing member with the Revdex.com (Revdex.com) for over many years. I do not have records of processing a wedding gown under your or your mother’s name. You claim that Crystal Cleaners processed your wedding gown 10/1988 which is over 25 years ago and do not have a receipt. Standard industry practice requires customers to review their items and address any dissatisfaction or missing items with business within 30 days. The wedding gown boxes at Crystal Cleaners have a view window to easily ensure your items are in place without breaking the seal. At pick up we encourage our customers to take a look at their beautifully restored gown.

Unfortunately Crystal Cleaners cannot be liable for any items that do not have a receipt and are beyond the customer review period.

Sincerely,

[redacted] T., Owner Operator

D & J Crystal Cleaners Inc.