This is in reference to my dealings with Terrace Cleaners in Ladera Ranch, CA. They are a small…read moreindependent dry cleaning and laundry business, owned by "Mary" and her husband. I go out of my way to support local businesses, but in this case felt it necessary to let other people on Yelp know of my experience. This review has nothing to do with the quality of their dry cleaning and laundry services which are good (4/5). This has to do with their service and follow up I received from Mary the owner.
On 02/21/2026, I brought in 6 items, 2 were for dry cleaning of pants, and 4 were for laundering of shirts to be folded. I requested folding as I was going to travel and needed to optimize space in my suitcase. All items were to be ready on Thursday, 02/26/2026. On Friday, 02/27/2026, I came back into the store to pick up my items. The 2 pants were there, however, when I opened the shirt bag, I noticed that 1/4 shirts was not mine. I told this to Mary's husband, and handed back the shirt that was not mine. 3/4 shirts were mine and appeared fine. He told me they would check and see if the "lost" shirt was somewhere in the store and call me back in a few days.
Since I did not hear from anyone, I went back into the store on Tuesday, 03/03/2026, and this time Mary (owner) was working the front counter and we spoke about the lost shirt. She told me they have a video system in the store and can go back to see what I had turned in on 02/21/2026. She also mentioned that her husband frequently makes errors dealing with incoming orders and was I sure that I gave him 4 shirts instead of 3? I said I was certain, and that the receipt indicated 4 shirts. In addition, there were 4 tags, one on each shirt. Mary kept challenging me and indicated that I had made an error and only 3 shirts must have been turned in. The conversation got a bit heated, and I asked if they had video evidence of 3, and not 4? No video was produced. I left the store and said I would be back in a few days for a resolution. I also said fair compensation for the lost shirt was $40.00 plus $7.50 which was the cost for laundering the lost shirt which I already paid for. Mary told me her husband would have to issue me a check for the lost shirt.
Since I did not hear from them again, I called the store on Thursday, 03/05/2026, and spoke with the husband. He was aware of the situation, and would prepare a check for me. I went back again later that afternoon. Mary was working the front counter. I asked if her husband had prepared the check? She said yes, and produced the check. I also asked for $7.50 laundering charge for the lost shirt. She handed me $8.00 cash as apparently there was no change in the register. I was preparing to walk out, move on, and drop the subject. However, Mary again asked me again if I was sure that I gave in only 3 shirts and that her husband had made errors on number of pieces being dropped off. I said to be clear there were 4 shirts dropped off and verified by receipts. 1 was not mine and I gave that shirt back to her husband.
I treated people with respect, no matter their position in life. I am also not a vindictive person, but I have enough self-esteem to stand up for myself. It could have so easy for Mary to hand me the check and $7.50 and just "let it go". That would have ended the whole episode. I guess Mary needed the last word. That has given me motivation to post this review. I have also attached photos (1 Page) of the receipts involved.
