How long must tailors/drycleaners keep unclaimed merch?

[mack11211]

The signs often say they are not responsible for stuff left after 90 days, but some keep it up to 5 years, or even longer.

What are the relevant laws, at least in NYC?

 

[leonardo]

A dry cleaner can donate unclaimed items after 6 months at the earliest if they post a sign in a conspicuous location. They also have to print the 6 month policy on the receipt that you receive. NY CLS Gen Bus § 399-bb.

 

[medwards]

Keep in mind that this does differ from state to state. It ranges from 90 days in North Carolina, to 180 days in Montana, to 1 year in Delaware. Statutes also differ as to the manner in which such unclaimed items can be disposed.

 

[mack11211]

What if they don't post the sign?

 

[marc237]

Originally Posted by mack11211

What if they don't post the sign?
The dry cleaner cannot donate in the absence of posting. To be clear, the dry cleaner may not sell, but must donate to "a bona fide charitable organization, church, or other not-for-profit organization. The dry cleaning institution shall obtain a detailed written receipt specifically describing each item donated to the bona fide charitable organization, church, or not-for-profit organization. The dry cleaning institution shall attach such receipt to each such consumer receipt and shall keep such receipts for a period of at least three years following the donation for purposes of demonstrating compliance with the requirements of this section." A violation subjects the dry cleaner to possible license sanctions and to possible claims for the value of the merchandise by the customer. In practice, 90% of the mom and pop establishments in NYC probably are completely unaware of this restriction.

 

[Jared]

I read a guide to being homeless once that recommended the use of a drycleaner as a substitute closet. I guess you'd need six months to make from shoulder season to shoulder season.