Dry cleaning is not normally something I would spend the few precious moments I have each evening writing about.
But, I am interested in hearing what other people think about my laundry. I’m always airing my dirty laundry anyhow, why not make it for real? 
There is exactly one dry cleaner near my house that is convenient. They’ve always been very good, well priced, and 
I’ve used them since I started working three years ago.
Recently, they changed managment. The new people have gotten to know me and by the time I make it from the car to the counter, they’re ready; they know my last name, my account, my clothes, they know it all.
Which makes it all the more surprising as to what happened on Friday.
They close at 7 pm and I knew if I didn’t make it up there, I wouldn’t have any clothes for the following work week.
Having just lost 60 pounds and having not fully replenished my wardrobe, I have a limited amount of work clothes. It was critical that I get those clothes up there. I don’t wash my work clothes in the washing machine to help them last longer.
My friend Stacie was headed over for Walk For The Cure, I looked up and it was 6:45. I jumped up and hurried her out, “come on, we’ve gotta hurry or I have no work clothes come Monday!”
The cleaners is 5 minutes away, I hit the gas and ran up to their door, clothes in hand, cutting it close at 6:57.
Then, the nice lady who I see every single week, the same lady who knows my name and account number, looked right at me through that glass door and shrugged her shoulders.
I pointed to the clock on THEIR wall that was not yet to 7 pm and pleaded.
She looked right back and shrugged again and mouthed, “Sorry, no.”
Saying I was mad is an understatement. I had nothing to pay for, there was no need for a cash register. She just didn’t want to open that door.
Okay, fine. Two can play at that game. I’ll take my business elsewhere.
Except, believe it or not, there is not much elsewhere.
With one exception.
Men’s Warehouse Dry Cleaners across the street.
I had been there years ago and remember it being expensive.
But, I also remembered that they offer free pick-up AND delivery, and rationalized that depending on the cost, I could possibly use Dryell or a special washing machine setting and only dry clean every other week and the cost would even out?
I marched up to Men’s Warehouse on Monday morning, stuck my tongue out from my car to the lady who wouldn’t open the door across the street, said “nanny nanny boo-boo” and went to my new cleaners. Ha. Won’t open the door for me? Go right ahead. That’s what a free market is for missy. I’ll show you.
My new clerk friend gave me a hook to hang on my door for pick up and delivery days. How cool is that? FREE PICK UP AND DELIVERY! This is a working mom’s dream. Anything being picked up and delivered free, kids, trash, pets, it doesn’t matter, it’s like winning the mom jackpot for a day. I was sold.
I dropped off everything that currently fits, and in fact barely had enough clothes for the week. 12 tops and 5 pairs of pants, in the bag.
I kept trying to remember exactly how much I paid back when I thought Mens’ Warehouse Dry Cleaning was ‘too expensive.’
Usually, I pay the we-won’t-open-the-door-at 6:57 cleaners about $15 a week. No starch, nothing fancy, regular dry cleaning. I couldn’t recall how much was ‘too expensive,’ but nothing seemed high enough to send me back across the street.
So nothing, and I mean NOTHING could have prepared me for the sticker shock when I showed up today to retrieve my clothes.
It’s a wonder they didn’t need to call 911. How I didn’t hyperventilate at the bill is a miracle.
Funny, they didn’t mention needing a dry-cleaning payment plan?
Let’s just say Men’s Warehouse is for the rich and famous.
I don’t even think I can make a complaint to the bad guys either…to me, making a complaint at the dry cleaners is like sending your food back at a restaurant. Who knows what you’ll get back.
Try to guess what I paid…12 women’s blouses, 5 pairs of pants, not a thing extra, not even a drop of starch dammit.
Go ahead, GUESS.
And no, I have no idea where I’m getting my laundry cleaned now.
I might spend my weekend hanging a clothes line in the backyard.
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I’ll take a stab…$110. I remember the dry cleaning days…I miss the nice clothes but not the bills.
I cannot believe that lady wouldn’t open the door for you…especially if they know you…that’s just bad business. Too bad there is no place else to go…we have that situation a lot here…if you get bad service, sometime you are stuck because there is only one (store).
Yippee for losing 60 pounds! Congrats!
Holly
Holly L´s last blog ..I {Heart} Pumpkins
My guess would be $61.00. I HATE when I don’t have options. Gives me that gut twisting anger that I feel when I am trying to force my kids to do their homework. Drives me crazy!
HOLY CRAPOLY! 60 pounds? You are a rock star. They should clean your crap for free. Well done!!
stefanie´s last blog ..day three two weeks later
Twitter: ooph
I wish $61! Even $61 would have left me shocked, compared to what I normally pay per week! Scroll on down for the real price. Kinda like Price is Right, only it’s really Price is WRONG!
$90-$100. Please tell me it wasn’t any more than that. What a story. I live in a small town, and am frequently frustrated by inability to stand on principal and tell a bad business to shove-it because there are so few alternatives. It makes a bad situation that much more infuriating when you feel stuck having to do business with someone that doesn’t deserve it. I hope you’re able to find a nice small business to patronize somewhere else nearby, where they’ll treat you right.
Jenn @ rookno17.blogspot.com
Jenn Erickson/Rook No. 17´s last blog ..FANCY SCHMANCY CUPCAKE LINER TUTORIAL, STARRING PEACHES & LITTLE LU
Twitter: cutelittleshop
I think Holly is pretty much on the money. At $5/shirt & $8/pants that comes up to an even $100, plus tax and it’s $108.75.
But you got free pick up and delivery;-) And as they say at Men’s Warehouse, that’s priceless!
Let’s hear it for wash & wear – three cheers. If it has to be ironed, I don’t buy it. But, being retired, I do have that luxury. Be thankful you didn’t take in 20 shirts and a dozen pair pants, and just think of it as a lesson learned.
Hey Girl, com’ on – ain’t no free lunch; and ain’t no free pick up and delivery! But look at it on the bright side – at those prices you ain’t gonna be able to afford the food to put those pounds back on. Every cloud has its silver lining – just before it rains on your parade.
Okay, I’m finally updating the final answer. My house has been sick, had to make the mall run, long evening.
So, the answer?
$90! Yes, $90.
And what I failed to mention is that because this was first time up there, and I was out of clothes, I didn’t use the free delivery or pick up option! I did it all myself!
$90! I normally pay $15, on a heavy day $25.
Time to find a new cleaner with some better customer service that is not going to cost as much per month as a car note!