Use a consistent intake sequence: identify the customer and item, read the care information, inspect fibre and construction, record colour, trims, condition and stains, photograph relevant risk, choose the service and price, and communicate limitations before acceptance.
Identify the whole garment, not only the outer fabric
A garment can combine outer fabric, lining, interlining, padding, adhesives, trims, hardware, prints and decorative components with different care responses.
- Fibre content and care label
- Woven, knitted, bonded or coated construction
- Lining, canvas, pads and support
- Buttons, zips, beads, prints and adhesives
- Contrast colours and mixed materials
- Detachable and vulnerable components
Separate soil from physical condition
Cleaning can remove or reduce soil; it cannot recreate missing fibre, reverse fading, repair abrasion or restore a failed adhesive. Record the difference before accepting the work.
- Stains and likely substance
- Wear, pilling and abrasion
- Fading, colour loss and sun damage
- Holes, tears, moth damage and weak seams
- Previous shrinkage, distortion or pressing shine
- Missing, loose or broken components
Connect risk to service, price and evidence
The accepted service should reflect the garment, condition, treatment time, testing, finishing and customer expectation. High-risk work may need images, declarations or specialist referral.
- Standard or specialist service category
- Seven-point price add-ons
- Extra stain, delicate or finishing time
- Counter-Protect™ image record
- Customer instruction and expectation notes
- Due date that allows testing and rework
An intake record supports professional communication but does not guarantee a result. Use professional judgement and refer work outside the business’s capability.
Send useful information into production
Counter notes should help the cleaner, spotter, presser, repairer and assembler take the correct next action rather than repeat the inspection.
- Clear item identity
- Priority or due-date information
- Stain and risk location
- Test or process requirement
- Repair and finishing instruction
- Quality-control checkpoint
This page provides general operational awareness. Always follow care labels, safety data sheets, equipment instructions, workplace procedures, testing requirements and professional judgement.