Dependable Cleaners Takes High Honor

Dependable Cleaners Takes High Honor

Company’s Quality and Service Recognized by 2005 Award of Excellence

With so many drycleaners in the region it’s never easy to tell what kind of quality you’re going to get. Buttons missing, bad attitudes at the counter, and “sorry” stickers are taking the joy out of having someone else do your cleaning.

Dry cleaning customers can expect better service from Dependable Cleaners as all of the company’s 17 locations passed a rigorous set of cleaning evaluations in December to achieve the Award of Excellence for Quality Garment Cleaning & Customer Service . As one of several assurances to support this claim, President Christa Hagearty is offering a money-back service guarantee.

Hagearty proudly accepted the award on behalf of the managers, who worked hard to earn this prestigious honor. “I know it’s tough for a consumer to know who’s a good cleaner, much less find one,” Hagearty said. “Having met the Award of Excellence requirements, this seal gives, for the first time, an independent verification of our commitment to quality customer service. It takes a great deal of knowledge and expertise to differentiate yourself by achieving the Award of Excellence.”

Qualifying for the Award of Excellence is just the first step. In order to remain in the program, Dependable Cleaners must adhere to rules designed to ensure customers get the service and quality they deserve on every trip.

A drycleaner must complete a stringent application process to become an Award of Excellence cleaner. Because of these requirements, Award of Excellence cleaners will remain “few,” as compared to the general population of dry cleaners. Requirements include:

• Meeting or exceeding a specific initial level of education and training on an ongoing basis.
• Acceptance and good standing in a national dry cleaning trade association that offers education, research, monthly periodicals, training, and technical support.
• Annually passing a Cleaning Quality Performance Test to ensure good cleaning.
• Annually passing the Stain Removal Test, comprised of six difficult stains on white silk.
• Displaying and upholding a set of customer service principles that guarantee:
  • Prompt attention to your inquiries or concerns.
  • Technical competence and professional quality.
  • Return of your garments when promised.
  • Adherence to non-gender-based pricing.
  • A commitment to environmental responsibility.
  • Free cleaning of the American flag.
  • A money-back service guarantee.

If Dependable Cleaners ever fails to live up to the pledges outlined by the Award, the Customer Service Principles poster encourages customers to bring the matter to the attention of the store manager or the Clothing Care Council itself, at the toll-free number listed on the poster.

“Finding a good cleaner that will consistently treat you like a valued customer shouldn’t be a guessing game,” said Clothing Care Council spokesperson Bill Fisher, a 40-year cleaning industry veteran. “Having become an Award of Excellence cleaner, Dependable Cleaners is proof that quality cleaners do exist—and now customers know where to look.”

Dependable Cleaners, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Quincy , Massachusetts , is a three-generation, family company. Presently, there are 17 retail locations in Massachusetts , including free pick-up and delivery service in several cities and towns. For more information, or a list of locations, please call Dependable Cleaners at 617-471-1900 or log onto our web site at www.dependablecleaners.com.

The Clothing Care Council (CCC) was formed to represent the interest of the cleaning industry, clothing manufacturers, and consumer advisors in identifying those cleaning plants that provide the level of clothes care that should always be met. The group began accepting applications for the Award of Excellence for Quality Garment Cleaning & Customer Service in June 2005.