Dry cleaner lost suit jacket
 

I took in a suit jacket to have the buttons replaced that they broke when they dry cleaned it the previous week. Owner said they would pay to replace the suit if they cannot find it.

My problem is coming up with how much to ask for. I want to be fair.

I bought the suit three years ago. I used to live in Dallas that has a really good Neimans outlet (Neimans is HQ in dallas). I bought five suits and a bunch of shirts and ties at the same time so I cannot remember specific prices, but I think the following is close and good for discussion.

Regular retail at Neimans: 1900
Regular outlet price: 1200
Outlet sale price: 1000
20% off for opening credit card (might have been a discount for spending a lot): 800

I highly doubt I'll be able to replace the suit with one just like it. So to the best of my memory i paid about $800 for the suit, but if i was to get a comparable suit where where I live now, it would be close to $2k. Also I still have the pants.

And yes, I will need to replace it in a timely fashion.

I highly doubt I'll be able to replace the CAR with one just like it. So to the best of my memory i paid about $800 for the CAR, but if i was to get a comparable CAR where I live now, it would be close to $2k.

That's rough... I can tell you they probably won't want to pay that much. I'd want to pro-rate it were I the business owner... Tough call to be fair and not get the shaft for someone else's mistake.

If you're going to ask that sort of dough, hopefully you have receipts.

No receipts after three years. When I talked to him today he asked for a description and I tole him it was an Armani. It did seem like there was a pause after I said that. And I think that is a popular enough brand that most people would know it's toward the expensive side.

My first thought was since I wouldn't pay regular retail for it, I shouldn't ask him to. Especially since I can get a comparable quality for less. I should probably call a few stores and get prices for comparable suits before I get too wrapped up in what I paid. I think I can get a similar suit for the regular outlet price of 1200. I really hate this. Like you said, I don't want to screw him, but I don't want to screw myself either.

Just get whatever it would cost to replace that suit to you. That is what is fair to you.

I work in insurance. Here is how most business policies are written: Insure to replacement cost. Done. What you paid to acquire is not relevant.

You need a comparable suit to be compensated. You will have to figure depreciation. I assume that 3 years equals at least 50% (although I get 10+ years out of my clothes)

Good luck. I would document this down. Do not bring up your purchase price. If you purchase a Porsche for 10K and replacement cost is 25K, how much do you want when it is stolen?

Larry

Buy a comparable suit and bring the owner the receipt. That should cover both of you.

Take the pants in and show him you are not just trying to fleece him. Find out what a comparable suit will cost you locally. You will come to an agreement rather quickly. I wonder how much depreciation is allowable in this instance?

Someone probably took it because of the brand name. Good thing you kep the pants, that way you can still show what the suit was. Likely he will want the pants or do you keep them?

Wear cheaper suits!

I am sorry the dry cleaner lost your suit coat and I hope you resolve the issue in an amicable fashion.

It would be safe to say the corner dry cleaner most likely does not a have a replacement cost policy for their customer's items. It will also be safe to say the dry cleaner does not want to involve his insurance carrier for a single item if settlement can be reached within reason.

A few key terms come into play concluding your lost suit coat claim.

Replacement cost-the cost to replace with new (similar to the one that is missing)
Depreciation-physical deterioration and obsolescence (items wear out and let's face it most clothing styles change quickly)

Your claim is for a lost suit coat, 3 tears old.
1. They owe you for your lost suit coat, not suit-you keep the pants: using the replacement cost less depreciation calculation.
2. My suggestion to is attempt to determine the replacement cost of a suit coat and anticipate 50ish% depreciation to conclude this matter (you may argue the suit coat was hardly worn, but it is safe to say the style has changed in 3 years). To make my point that most people understand: my 8 -track player is brand new and cost me $1000 new, after the fire destroyed it is worth $100 (physical depreciation and obsolescence is applied).
3. If cash is what you want, reach and agreement and move forward. When this happened to me, I reached an agreement for a better figure and took a gift card for services for a bit more. I saved face with the local retailer and I was able get more in services then the cash resolution.

I wish you good luck.

Chances are the suit coat is not lost, just lost on that long rack because it was mislabeled. Good idea on taking in the pants and having someone sit there while the whole rack goes by. At minimum wage they could sit there for a day and come out way ahead. (Don't know what the deductible is on business insurance.)

When our local dry cleaners lost some trousers that I had just purchased, they wanted to see the receipts, which I provided. They gave me free drycleaning until we reached the amount for the trousers and I still go there...

67 million!