Taken to the Cleaners by Prestige Gown Cleaners/DBA WORLDWIDE GOWN

Prestige gown cleaners, now doing business as WORLWIDE GOWN CLEANING

I sent my wedding gown to be cleaned and preserved by a company in New York called Prestige Gown Cleaners in Flushing NY. There was a tag attached to the receipt of an evening gown I purchased at a dress outlet store(no longer in business),stating that the garment I purchased should only be cleaned by the Zurcion method. I assumed the manufacturer of the garment recommended Prestige, but I now find out I was deceived.

Prestige received my gown to clean and preserve in November '99 and charged my VISA. It was supposed to be receive it back by January 27, 2000.

I have been given a number of creative and conflicting reasons why the return of my gown has been delayed. I have been given new ship dates which have come and gone and now when I call and give my name,I am automatically put into a voice messaging system. No one returns my calls. I have also written a letter to the President of the company and followed up with calls - no return call or letter. This is not acceptable business practice!!!!

Rosanne, a customer service rep, has told me that Prestige has been sold and all dresses will be shipped back by Worldwide(the new company). Even though I was previously told (by Rosanne, while she was working for Prestige)that my dress was cleaned and preserved and ready to be shipped back in March. She now tells me it was only partially cleaned. Rosanne said she would have it recleaned, but it will take a few more weeks. I told her no, ship it "as is." I called back again. They did not have a box to ship it in. Now I am being told that they do not have the staff nor are they set up with UPS to ship out the over 400 wedding gowns that they have waiting to be returned to irate customers.

I have a feeling that this company does not have my gown anymore, and they are just giving me the run around.

Buyer Beware. Prestige has moved to Brookland and is doing business under the name of WORLWIDE Gown Cleaning. Before Prestige, they were doing business as NATIONWIDE Gown Cleaning.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has list of complaints from people who cannot get their gowns back. The FTC is doing an investigation on the company and its owners for false labeling. Many of the gowns had labels sewn in the garment that said: "Zurcion Clean Only." So regular Dry Cleaners will not clean the gown if they see this label. So the consumer is forced to send the dress to Prestige for cleaning. Their number is conveniently listed on the label.

If you have been ripped off by this company, or have any information that might assist in FTC's investigation, contact Neil Blickman @ 202-326-3038. Also contact the NY Attorney General Consumer Fraud and Protection Bureau @ 212-416-8376, contact: Lara F. Weinstein.

READ THESE OTHER RIP-OFF STORIES ON Prestige Gown AKA World Wide Gown

Prestige Gown Cleaning Service/Worldwide = A whole lot of grief

Prestige Gown Cleaning Flushing New York Wedding Dress rip-off