On apx 25 May, I rented a costume for my teenage son from Paradise Costumes and Fabric. The costume included a vest, jacket and slacks and it was made from primarily polyester.
My son had an enjoyable evening and danced the night away in the costume. Being a boy and a teenager, the costume was bound to get dirty and I assume that all of the costumes are returned in need of cleaning. That cost would seem to be inherent to the business of costume rental.
Upon returning the costume, my son was told that the costume was ruined and he would have to pay over $200 to replace it. Confused by this, I visited the store to discuss the matter with the owner.
I was initially informed that she had drycleaned the costume twice and was told by the drycleaners that it was ruined. The costume did not appear to have been cleaned at all but the owner was adamant that it had been. She also indicated that the costume was frayed and that it was of no value to her. I initially took her at her word and paid her. I was given the costume to take home, seeing how I now owned it.
Once home, and somewhat angry to be honest, I looked closely at the costume. It was apparent the costume had not been cleaned at all, as she had stated, and the fraying appeared to be minimal at most. Normal wear and tear for a rental costume.
I contacted the owner to discuss the dirt and fraying and asked about how it was cleaned. Apparently, as she now mentioned, the suit had never actually been drycleaned, but it appeared to her to be dirt that couldn't be removed. Now it had become her opinion and not that of a proffessional drycleaner. I apparently had no recourse or she would file a lawsuit.
So, here I sit with a costume that will probably never be used again, while she has the money from the rental and the replacement cost. I could have it drycleaned to see how it looks, but then I'm out the drycleaning costs as well for a costume that hangs in the closet. I believe she took advantage of a young boy and his trusting mother.
I would not recommend this company to anyone. And, should you choose to use their services, have everything clearly spelled out in a written contract. Most of all, be very leery of this business as they do not have good business practices.
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