My dry-cleaner permanently damaged a $300 garment worn only twice before. I have no receipt. What can I do?

Question

The garment is a silk blouse from a famous designer. It had a small stain. I brought it to the cleaner and told him that it was a very expensive item and to take special care. It came back with a much larger, dark stain, and 6 small holes. I'm a student and saved for a long time to buy this item. How much money can I hope to get back? The guy is nice and I'd like to settle this amicably. I would appreciate both practical and negotiation advice.

Answer 1

use the internet to research the retail cost of the blouse, usually you can start by using the designers' name and the year that you bought it.. try googling the item then you can keep searching from there. Once you have the item that you need, print the item and the cost, take this to the dry cleaner and ask for seventy percent for depreciation.  

Answer 2

Do you want the money or the garment?

If you want the money...

Try to find a similar if not the same item at the store you purchased it from--get the clerk to write a note on a reciept stating this costs x amount of dollars--and take it to him so he can reimburse you that amount.

If you want the item replaced...

Look around for a simliar or the same garment in varous stores looking for the best price and tell him you found it at these stores for x price.  Give him the best price you found so he can give you the money to buy it..maybe ask for a little more for your troubles.