What does a tailor's "Satifaction Guaranteed/Guaranteed Work" really mean?

When a tailor/alterationist advertises (at store level, on a business card, etc.) "Satisfaction Guaranteed" or "Guaranteed Work", what options are available to a customer if he/she is dissatisfied? Is there a generally accepted rule within the tailoring/alterations profession?

Yep..That they will fix/adjust what you don't like.

If a tailor says that the work will be done by a certain date, and it isn't, what compensation can one expect? I recently went to pick up my clothes and the work wasn't even started! Thanks.

Originally Posted by jhonline

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If a tailor says that the work will be done by a certain date, and it isn't, what compensation can one expect? I recently went to pick up my clothes and the work wasn't even started! Thanks.

My tailor does this all the time. I just call beforehand now to see if things are done (never are). Unless you specify it must be done by a certain date, I've always just chalked it up to how it is.

The tailor wrote the "pick-up" date on a claim ticket. Should I ask for (or expect) any compensation?

Originally Posted by jhonline

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The tailor wrote the "pick-up" date on a claim ticket. Should I ask for (or expect) any compensation?
Do you mean you want them to do the work for free just because it wasn't ready on time?

Originally Posted by jhonline

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The tailor wrote the "pick-up" date on a claim ticket. Should I ask for (or expect) any compensation?

I understand your frustration, but I think the answer is no. If the work hasn't been started you are certainly free to take it to someone else to work on. If the work has been started, demanding $$ off for slow work won't make it get done any quicker, and it won't improve the quality of work either.

It's just one of those things to keep in the back of your mind. If your tailor is habitually a week late, factor that in at the start. If you really, really, really, need something by a certain date make sure to mention that at the beginning and then consider calling a little before the pick up date to ensure everything is as expected. If you ask for a rush job, be prepared to pay more and/or tip well for quick service.

Competent tailors are few and far between. Good luck.

Originally Posted by jhonline

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The tailor wrote the "pick-up" date on a claim ticket. Should I ask for (or expect) any compensation?

No compensation. Call before you go.
Also, I never really have to go to a tailor for alterations with a bunch of items. The most that I have taken to a tailor at once is 3 pairs of slacks. And I know my tailor(Stanton in nYc) and unless he is EXTREMELY busy, I get my items same day or the next day. IF you needed it for an event, I can see you being frustrated. But get to know your tailor and he will treat you right. I have given my tailor a nice tip when he comes through in short time. Hey...a few times, on a late Sat afternoon when I come in and ask if he can hook me up same day, I have gone across the street and come back with a 6 pack for them as they are finishing up and I am waiting...
I dropped an ex GF's overcoat there once after the winter season to get lined with red material. I would call in Sep to see if it was done and he told me that he got the lining but didn't like it so he was still working on it. I knew that there was no rush and called a few more times before he told me it was done.
Get to know the guy and call. I have his # in my cell!

Originally Posted by jhonline

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When a tailor/alterationist advertises (at store level, on a business card, etc.) "Satisfaction Guaranteed" or "Guaranteed Work", what options are available to a customer if he/she is dissatisfied? Is there a generally accepted rule within the tailoring/alterations profession?

Mine, which applies to custom or mtm clothing, is "perfect fit, guaranteed". Which means it is a perfect fit or we will remake it or refund your money.

Alterations are another matter. If you bought a 44R and you wear a 40R and expect me to cut it down and fit 100%, then it does not apply. Other items like wrong length (if i marked it) it becomes a do over.