Rental Policies

Payment and Security Deposit

Rental payments may be made by credit card or pre-approved school purchase order.

A security deposit is required on all rentals and is processed as a credit card authorization, not a charge. The authorization may place a temporary hold on funds for up to 10 days, depending on your card issuer.

Security deposit amounts are as follows:

• $250–$500 per costume, based on the item

• Animal costumes require a minimum $300 security deposit

The security deposit will be released promptly upon the safe and timely return of the costume in undamaged condition. Please note that the security deposit does not reflect the actual value of the costume.

For this reason, debit cards cannot be accepted for security deposits.

Transaction Tax

Certain rentals are subject to the City of Chicago Transaction Tax of 11%. This tax applies to rentals placed in-store, rentals picked up in-store, rentals delivered within the City of Chicago, and mail orders originating from within the City of Chicago.

If you represent an Illinois-based organization and believe you qualify for a tax exemption, please provide a copy of your most recent sales tax exemption letter issued by the Illinois Department of Revenue Legal Services Bureau. The letter must clearly display your sales tax exemption number and its expiration date.

Discounts

Orders of 50 or more complete costumes, placed at the same time, are eligible for a 10% discount when submitted with a minimum lead time of six (6) weeks and accompanied by completed measurement forms.

Please note that costumes added after the initial order will not qualify toward the discount total. Additionally, if cancellations reduce the total number of costumes below 50, the discount will no longer apply.

Payment made upfront may qualify for additional discounts and helps ensure your order receives priority during our busiest production periods.

We’re committed to offering the best possible value while ensuring a smooth and well-prepared costuming process, and we appreciate your understanding of these guidelines.

Rental Period

Our standard rental period is three (3) days for events and private use, and up to seven (7) days for professional stage, film, television, and photo shoot rentals.

The rental rate for individual costumes is $150. Additional rental days beyond the standard period are available at a rate of 20% of the rental price per additional day.

Special weekly rates are as follows:

Week	Weekly Rate	Accumulated Cost
1	150% of Book rate	1.5 X Book rate
2	50% of Book rate	2.0 X Book rate
3	50% of Book rate	2.5 X Book rate
4	50% of Book rate	3.0 X Book rate
5	50% of Book rate	3.5 X Book rate

Courier and Shipping Services

We’re happy to offer the flexibility of local pickup or delivery via an external courier for your order. Our shipping services are available throughout the continental United States. Please note that ground service is not available to Hawaii or Alaska, and we are unable to offer international shipping for rental orders.

Shipping costs are calculated based on several factors, including box size, costume weight, destination, and selected service level, along with a $15 handling and box charge.

Alterations by Client

We understand that minor fit adjustments may sometimes be necessary, and certain client-performed alterations are acceptable. These include raising or lowering sleeves and hems, adjusting side seams to refine fit, minor shoulder adjustments, repositioning snaps, hooks, or eyes, and stitching back seams on men’s trousers.

To help preserve the quality and longevity of our costumes, client alterations may not include any cutting, dyeing, spray painting, or gluing of any kind (including adhesive Velcro™). Alterations should also not involve the removal of motifs, hand beading, or other decorative elements. Additionally, buttons, trims, ruffles, feathers, sleeves, or similar components may not be removed or added.

Any damage or alterations outside of these guidelines may result in a damage fee and could impact future rental eligibility. We truly appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the high standard of our costume collection for all clients.

Care and Maintenance

To help preserve the quality of our costumes, we kindly ask that smoking and eating are strictly avoided while in costume, as these activities are the most common causes of permanent damage. If smoking or eating is unavoidable due to the nature of your production, please let us know at the time of rental so we can discuss appropriate options.

We also ask that deodorant be used, but that cologne, perfume, and aftershave be avoided, as these scents cannot be fully removed by cleaning solvents.

For costumes with trains, especially those worn by women, it’s important that performers are properly instructed on how to manage and move in them. Tears or rips to hems caused by improper handling of costume trains are considered permanent damage.

All costumes must be returned in their original condition. Damage resulting from non-compliance with these care guidelines may result in additional fees (please refer to Replacement Value). We truly appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the quality and longevity of our collection.

Permanent Damage

Permanent damage includes, but is not limited to, tears or rips in fabric, burns, dyeing or spray painting, gluing, perspiration or other stains, as well as any unacceptable alterations outlined above. Damage or alterations outside of our guidelines will result in a damage fee and may impact future rental eligibility. We truly appreciate your care and cooperation in helping us maintain the quality of our costume collection.

Late Returns

Costumes returned after the agreed-upon return date are subject to a late fee of 20% of the base rental rate per day, plus applicable tax.

Replacement Value

Replacement value is based on the current retail value of each costume. Please note that many costumes—especially specialty, antique, or non-replaceable items—rent for only 1% to 2% of their actual value. As a general guideline, costumes typically carry a replacement value of approximately ten (10) times the rental cost. Paid rental fees do not apply toward replacement value.

Order Cancellations

In the event of an order cancellation, a cancellation fee will be assessed based on the amount of work already completed. This fee will never be less than 50% of the total order value. If an order is fully prepared at the time of cancellation, the full order value will be charged. Orders not claimed on their scheduled pickup date will be considered canceled.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. These policies allow us to continue providing high-quality costumes and dependable service to all of our clients.