Yes Virginia, There is a Difference in Saratoga Springs Dry Cleaners

 

By Saratoga Report publisher Dan De Federicis

You would think that the dry cleaners in this town, much like the gas stations, would have almost identical pricing for their product/services. You would be wrong.  Here is a Saratoga Report comparison of pricing and customer service for dry cleaners in Saratoga Springs.

A couple of disclaimers:  (1) I did not rate for quality of cleaning as in my case I need shirts laundered and pressed.  All dry cleaners completed this task sufficiently and (2) I did not compare pricing of items other than laundered mens’ shirts, but that should give one an idea of overall pricing.  The grades below are based on customer service and pricing.

1. Cudney’s Cleaners – With locations all around town (S. Broadway, West Ave, Weibel Ave, Rt. 9 in Wilton) it’s pretty convenient.  Throw in the fact that their locations offer 24/7 pickup/dropoff, quick turnarounds (usually 2 days) plus free pickup & delivery, they make it darn easy to get your stuff there and back.  The fact that they have an enthusiastic and helpful staff, are locally based, and even offer candy to customers (a nice touch indicating the owners actually care) means Cudneys gets an A.  Price per shirt: $3.95.

2.  AJ’s Cleaners – 48 Lincoln Ave.  This husband-wife team is not big on small talk, but they are friendly enough, efficient and certainly hard working.  I enjoy stopping in, crack a smile at myself as I go to their candy bowl for a butterscotch hard candy, and love that they get you in and out quickly.  AJ’s gets an A+.  Price per shirt: 3.00.

3.  Feigenbaum Cleaners – Wilton Square near Staples – in the side strip mall near Caputo’s – plus two locations in Warren County.  Here’s where the grades plummet.  In a word:  Boo!  I felt ripped off, or at least insulted.  I got one shirt laundered there and it was an off-the-rack shirt that I wear with jeans – so it’s not like I needed anything special done.   They pulled a fast one by – without my approval – charging me an additional $3.60 to “hand press” the shirt.  So they charged me more than double most of their competition.  What?? If that wasn’t enough, they automatically charged the card I used from my last visit several months before.  What?? I didn’t authorize that, and didn’t want to use that card.  They don’t take cash.  There is a sign on the counter notifying customers they will use the credit card on file – but I simply missed it upon dropoff.  The sign purported it was for my benefit, but clearly it was so they could get their money immediately, not when I pick it up (like every other dry cleaner).  Don’t take my word for it, read Feigenbaum’s dismal Yelp Reviews.  Needless to say, they get an F.  My one shirt laundered, and given the unrequested “hand press” 3.60 upcharge.  cost:  an eye-popping $7.89.

4.  Saratoga Cleaners –  228 Washington St.  Solid place, friendly staff, ample parking and competitive pricing.  Not much more to say.  They get an A+. Price per shirt: $2.98 when using the “two shirt on hangars” special.

5.  Spa Garment Care – In the Fresh Market complex, near the exit to Marion Ave – I have nothing bad to say about this place, but my customer experience there doesn’t quite rank with the top on this list.  I guess they could be a little more engaging, but in all fairness it may simply be something unique and subjective to me.  They get a B minus.  Price per shirt:  $3.75

 

6.  S&S Friendly Laundry – 57 Church Street.  Ummmm….Holy cow! You walk in there and you’re in a bizarro world time warp.  Someone told me they filmed part of a movie scene there once (someone please email me which one) which is apropos to my experience because I wasn’t sure if I’d be wacked like Joe Pesci’s character in Goodfellas, or bump into a time-traveling Marty McFly.  Think 1971.  Anywho, note on the the drycleaning – there is a $10 minimum so you’d want to bring at least 3 shirts or the like to get your value out of it.  I’ll give it a mid-grade of C based on the less-than-appealing atmosphere and the $10 minimum.  Price per shirt ($10 min.): $3.50

 

So, not exactly important news here, but some of us spend significant money on dry cleaning (less so since COVID began) so I am hoping this bit of consumer information is helpful.

Dan@saratoga-report.com

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