Guidance Notes

Please read through as they contain terms & Conditions

You can have your order re-dyed the same shade or a new colour of your choice. Some of our chart colours can be adjusted lighter on request, (but not usually darker). However if none are suitable we can make up your own colour. These Guidance Notes should provide answers to most queries, but do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

All the dyes and ancillary chemicals we use are ecologically safe and do not pollute the environment.

Except for silk wedding & evening dresses and multiple orders, it is not usually cost effective (and often safe) to dye most individual modern garments although we will gladly offer our opinion and advice if requested. Generally, for single items and amounts less than 4kg (9 ¾ lbs) we recommend you contact Dylon on 01737 742 000 or Abigail Crafts on 01453 823 691 who can offer advice and supply dyes for use in domestic washing machines.

Because of Consumer Legislation we are required to mention the principle adverse effects & reactions that can occur with this type of processing, no matter how remote or unlikely. Unless we have test-dyed an exact sample or replica of the order first, any of the reactions listed below might occur at random, although statistically, they usually affect only a very small percentage of all the varied types of orders we process.

These abridged* principle effects are: Items labelled “dry clean only” usually have a higher risk of seam/fabric splitting breakdown and unrecoverable shrinkage, (although some seams on silks and low-temp. washable items may also react the same). Seams not over-locked/chain stitched often fray, material can break down from light damage & wear/tear and zips can fail from usage stress. Most curtains will shrink to some degree and age/light-weakened edges, linings and seams might split. Some stains, dyes & finishes do not always colour-reduce (strip) and for technical reasons a finish or the original dye may alter the new colour or prevent a deep shade taking up, (i.e. mainly silk & thin cotton) or hold the dye for a reasonable time without fading. Depending on the amount of fade, an order might still show a degree of shading although there is usually some improvement. Because our processing & machine occupancy time expenses are the same whatever the order’s result, we regret we cannot part or fully refund the processing charges or accept any financial liability for the order’s subsequent condition, original value or a consequential loss.

* To obtain an unabridged copy of the 1979 Domestic Dyeing Industry’s Terms & Conditions of Acceptance (amended 1991), send a 2nd class stamped 23cm x 16 ½cm SAE to Dept. D. C. O. A. at the above address.

1. Choose a shade from our colour chart or you can have your own colour made up. If your own colour, either provide us with a pantone number (old paint version, four digits ending in C or U) or send a cloth sample or piece of card for the shade you require. (See no.7) If your order is not already white or cream, if possible include a small sample of it so we can adjust the new colour formula to allow for it. (Although not essential, the accuracy of a new shade can be more difficult to achieve on an original colour without a scan as for technical & safety reasons, it might not improve even with extra work). We do not require a sample for orders being dyed approx. the original colour again or a little darker. On badly faded items or where a previous shade has not discharged/levelled, black is the best default colour. All formulas, (scanned & chart) are essentially ‘predictive’ which means the colour should take as formulated but because an original dye and/or it’s fabric treatment might not discharge or take up each colour in a formula evenly, in a small percentage of cases these effects can unpredictably affect the depth of colour & the shade. Orders (in the same fabric) in two or more shades for the same colour, cannot usually be matched. Curtains are not stripped unless labelled washable.
2. WE CAN ONLY DYE: Cotton, linen, canvas, flax, silk, nylon (polyamide), lycocel, viscose, viscose- rayon, or a mix with no more than 3% elastine/spandex, or mixtures of these fibres. NOTE. 100% and lower percentages of viscose and acetate are inclined to shrink, crease/crack and flake on seams, even if chain stitched/over-locked. We are no longer able to dye wool and fine hair fibres, i.e. angora, cashmere, mohair, camel hair, pashmina or blends of these fibres. NOTE. We cannot accept any responsibility for the following: Self-snagging/friction damage from Velcro strips not securely stitched over with fabric *1. Unlabelled materials or orders assumed safe, (as we cannot determine a material or a thread’s fibre composition) and apparently all-cotton fabrics and colour patterning may contain fibres that might not dye (like polyester that won’t dye at all) or dye to a full shade.  Suite & cushion covers and fabric samples without over-locked/chain stitched seams are at risk from fraying/seam splitting and materials can be unknowingly and inherently weak from compression stress or a m/f fabric softening treatment that can cause seam splitting, followed by fabric loss.    
3. Fibres & trims, etc, unsafe or do not dye are: Polyester, some types of nylon (polyamide) acrylic* (dralon)* & modacrylic*, tencel, rame, polyurethane, polysonic, fashion-weight tri-acetate, acetate & viscose (except as a lining but it may shrink/break up/split on seams), modal, metal fibres & metal trim, all leather, (inc. suede, sheepskin & fur), plastics, buttons, buckles, sequins, feathers, ’pearl’, lacquer-coated beads & droplets and stitched in bone/plastic/metal bust stiffeners. Shoulder/bust pads are best removed. Stiffening in pelmets & tiebacks and wadded/flannel curtain interlinings must be removed. (Dismantling/remaking service and prices available)
4. Judging a sofa’s size for pricing. We use a ‘bums-on-seat’ calculation, i.e. how many people can sit on the item? (irrespective of cushion cover numbers and configuration). For oversize 2, 3 or 4-seater carcass and cushion covers add 10% to the listed price. (Corner units are based on the same seat calculation). See the price list for charges.
5. Wedding & evening dresses, etc. Where dyeable, they will usually need professionally processing. If having your dress made, we can advise you on the best design, fabric and construction criteria for having it dyed.
6. Where we believe an order might require/benefit from a none-standard treatment (such as de-sizing or pre-dyeing acid washing, etc.), we will contact you first for approval and agreement of cost. (See E & L on order form).
7. Sample testing. (Indicative Assessments). There are three options for testing samples. Test 1. a) This is for samples approx. credit card size (no smaller and not much bigger please) where the sample is dyed to any convenient shade simply to see if the fabric will absorb colour.  b) A sample is dyed to a requested chart colour or c), to a customer’s own/scanned colour, but please note: The scanner cannot provide an accurate formula on fabrics with a pile, patterning or containing more than one colour. Test 2. This is where the same sized sample is first stripped to see how easily or otherwise the colour reduces and then if successful, followed by either a), b) or c) from Test 1. Test 3. is for larger samples (in effect a small order) through a full machine process where a sample has a max. weight of 2kg. Here again we can test for: a), colour absorption, b), dyeing to a chart colour or c), dyeing to a customer’s own/scanned colour, or/and d), ascertaining the material’s stripping potential. (See the price list for charges and list under D. on the order form). A shrinkage indication is not possible on a piece of material less than 35cm. long. NOTE: All tests are ‘indicative’ as scaling up a test result to an order can be more challenging due to factors affecting temperature, weight/volume/dye ratio & other technical requirements.  Samples larger than 20cm x 20cm may be classed as an order and charged accordingly.
8. Delivery. Samples for chart colours usually take 5-7 days. A colour requiring a lab. scan, (sample or order)  takes 10-14 days. We aim to complete most orders within 14-21 days, but with notice and for a small premium, suitable orders can be returned within 7 days. (See price list). Due to changing lead times, scheduling and technical factors we cannot always warrant a delivery time although every effort will be made to have orders ready to time.
9. Payment & prices.  All samples (with an order form) & orders are only accepted pre-paid either with cash, by cheque or credit/debit card before processing commences.  Quoted/listed prices are guaranteed for 8 weeks from a quotation date.
10. Post & packing advice. Pack order, enclosing a printed-off order form into a heavy grade plastic bag or a strong cardboard carton. (No carton? Try your local supermarket!) Secure well, and address package clearly. Look up ‘Couriers’ in Yellow Pages/web for transport options as some collect from residences or send it by Royal Mail/Parcel Force. Check the transit insurance cover, as it may vary with the level of service.

              * Dralon (acrylic) velvet is used for suites & occasionally curtains. It can be identified in having fine, stitched rows and/or ‘squares’ on the  reverse. The pile, if viewed in one direction, will have a very fine narrow, horizontal stripe and is generally thicker, stiffer, heavier and more bristly than cotton velvet and easily and permanently distort/flattens with heat/moisture.   

*1. We can tack protective fabric over Velcro strips. Price quoted on application.

 Up to 3lbs (1.36kg)£7.95

 3.1 lbs - 6 lbs (2.72kg) £12.80  

 6.1 lbs - 10 lbs (4.54kg) £16.50  

 10.1lbs - 16lbs (2.72kg) £19.90   

         16.1lbs – 20lbs (9.09kg) £25.70

         20.1lbs – 45lbs (20.45kg) £32.95 

         45 lbs – 55lbs (25kg) £39.30

 

          Return rates for Scottish Highlands, N. Ireland, Offshore Islands, Eire and other international destinations can be quoted once we know the weight of the order and its value for transit insurance purposes.

1. * Transit insurance. Returned couriered orders include a limited amount of transit insurance. In the unlikely event of damage or loss, the maximum payable is £150.00 for packages, (not contents) up to 10 kg and £200.00 up to 22.70 kg, irrespective of the value of the order. Orders of a higher weight/value than our transit cover should be insurable for both journeys by your household contents insurer or the courier company for a nominal amount. Orders for returning Recorded or Special Delivery will be quoted for once we have received them.
2. Fire retarding. A legal requirement for soft furnishings sited in public areas in most institutional and public access buildings but should be considered where there is a fire/smoke risk in domestic locations. As most domestic fire retardants are none-durable and deteriorate with time, any remnant will be washed out during the dyeing process. We issue a dated fire retardant certificate (minimum 12 month period), conforming to the current British Standards for curtains and upholstery.  
3. Shower proofing. Recommended for outdoor wear. Leaves a soft water-resistant handle to the material.
4. Stain Guarding. Recommended for loose covers where there’s risk of staining from animals, children or social occasions from drinks and food spills. (See price list and note requirements on the order form under I. or J.)
5. Personal callers welcome. We are approx.12 miles south of Manchester, 3 from Stockport and 4 from Manchester Airport, close to the M56 and M60 with free parking on the adjacent road and at the side of our premises on our own forecourt. Phone for detailed local directions. We are open 8.30am to 6.00pm Monday-Friday, 5.00pm on Saturdays.
6. Uncollected orders. Notwithstanding pre-payment, orders for collection will only be kept for 4 months from the date of receipt, (unless notified by Special Delivery letter to retain), after which, without exception it will be sent to a charity or otherwise disposed of with no liability on our part for restitution or compensation for the order’s value or the pre-paid processing charge. Maximum retention period is one month from receiving a request to retain.
7. After care. Although our dyes are fade resistant and fast to careful washing and/or dry cleaning, dyes can deteriorate when exposed to light and/or temperature washing on a regular basis. Where possible we recommend they are dry cleaned, otherwise wash at 30C using Dylon Colour Seal as instructed with a colour-safe detergent. Rinse three times. Before using your machine again rinse with bleach at 40C, rinse twice and wipe round door/frame/rubber seal.
8. Ready to send your order?  See the list of service options A – N on the order form and complete those you require after checking the item/service charges on the price list. Please complete all relevant sections, (if unsure, call us for advice and for any other queries) and enclose your cheque or list your credit card details (unless you wish us to first respond to a processing query). Remember to include a return post & packing charge (where known) and sign the ‘Customer Declaration’. Notwithstanding any verbal discussions, all test samples, query items, orders, returns, etc. must be sent with a completed order form, payment and clear instructions, plus a contact number with your name & address.  
9. Important! Near the bottom of the order form on the right side where printed: Order Ref. No.......... please write in your usual daytime contact phone number. The last six digits will become your reference number for the order and should be quoted if you have query. Optional: Please list your evening/weekend phone number at the top right hand corner of the form (in case we need to, but cannot contact you during the day).
10.  Due to the occasional unreliability of electronic communication systems, if you email or fax us and do not get a reply within 5 days, please telephone 0161 485 3421 to ascertain if we have received your query.
11. We do not normally acknowledge orders delivered to us, but if you wish to have your order’s safe arrival confirmed, (unless a 24/48 hour service) allow at least 4/5 days for a Parcelforce delivery before contacting us. To help us locate your order, please advise us of: Your surname, order ref. number, contents, original colour, new colour/or own shade and date order despatched to us.

Harry Berger, established in 1912 is still a family managed business. It’s founder Louis Berger enhanced his considerable reputation (as a master tailor) when in the early 1900’s he imported from Chicago one of the very first and then revolutionary, ‘Hoffman’ steam scissor-presses (a type Harry Berger use to this day, as they are still unsurpassed for producing the highest quality of finishing). Although grandsons Malcolm & Stephen and great-grandson Jonathan utilise the very latest technology, customers can still call on their vast experience & expertise, traditional skills and wealth of textile & leather knowledge when they need a specialist service or a have particular cleaning query.

Out of some 3,500 associated businesses, Harry Berger's are consistently   acknowledged by their peers within the industry as one of the three very best Dyers & Dry Cleaners in the whole of the UK.

Commercial services include: fire & flood/remedial processing, sample dyeing, de-size, enzyme & stone washing, loose dye fixing & stock dyeing. Small, (no minimum) & quantity amounts welcome. Terms and charges are available on application.

Additional Domestic Services.

A fabric colour co-ordinating technical consultant is available for domestic & commercial site visits. Charges on application.

Textiles: re weaving (invisible-mending).

Garments: Expert stain removal treatments. Wedding dresses, leather, suede, fur cleaning & repair specialists. Postal service available. Details available on request.

Indicative Analytical Reports Commissioned, (determining who’s to blame) for customer disputes with retailers and/or dry cleaners over alleged faulty processing, damaged or sub-standard garments. (Trading Standards Office & Citizens Advice bureau registered & approved). Charges/quotations available on request.

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