Rental Policies

Pricing, Payment & Tax

Payment methods

Prepayment is preferred. We accept pre-approved school purchase orders, approved school or company checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Credit-card payments include a 3.5% convenience fee.

Chicago transaction tax

Certain rentals are subject to the 15% City of Chicago Transaction Tax, including rentals placed or picked up in-store, delivered within Chicago, or ordered by mail from within Chicago. Qualifying Illinois organizations should provide a current exemption letter showing the sales-tax exemption number and expiration date.

Security deposits

All rentals require a credit-card authorization rather than a charge. The authorization can temporarily hold funds for up to 10 days, depending on the card issuer. Deposits are generally $250–$500 per costume; animal costumes require at least $300. The authorization is released promptly after the timely return of undamaged items. Deposit amounts do not represent a costume’s actual value, and debit cards cannot be used for deposits.

Show Discounts & Extended Rentals

Large ensemble discount

Qualifying schools and theatres receive 10% off an initial order of 50 or more complete costumes when the order is booked at least six weeks in advance and submitted with completed measurement forms. Later additions do not count toward the 50-costume minimum. If cancellations reduce the order below 50 costumes, the discount no longer applies.

Extended weekly pricing

The first production week is charged at 100% of the costume’s book rate before applicable discounts. The second week is charged at 150% of book rate. Each week after the second is charged at only 50% of book rate.

Rental Periods, Delivery & Returns

Individual rentals

The standard individual-rental period is three to seven days. Additional days may be available and are generally charged at 20% of the rental price per additional day.

Show rentals

Most show rentals cover one production week, typically Friday through the following Monday (approximately 10 days). Your signed contract states the exact pickup, delivery, and return dates.

Pickup and shipping

Orders may be picked up locally or delivered by an external courier. Shipping is available throughout the continental United States. Ground service is unavailable to Alaska and Hawaii, and we do not ship rental orders internationally. Shipping depends on package size, weight, destination, and service level, plus a $15 handling and box charge.

Late returns

Items returned after the agreed date may incur the late fee stated in your signed rental contract, plus applicable tax.

Alterations, Cleaning & Costume Care

Our preparation

Standard alterations and cleaning are generally included. During peak seasons, alterations may take up to two weeks. Expedited work may be available for an additional fee depending on timing and scope.

Permitted client adjustments

Minor reversible adjustments may include raising or lowering sleeves and hems, refining side seams, minor shoulder adjustments, repositioning snaps, hooks or eyes, and stitching back seams on men’s trousers.

Not permitted

Please do not cut, dye, spray-paint, glue, or use adhesive Velcro on costumes. Do not remove or add motifs, hand beading, buttons, trims, ruffles, feathers, sleeves, or similar elements. Work outside these guidelines may result in damage charges and affect future rental eligibility.

During use

• Avoid smoking and eating while in costume. If your production requires either, tell us when arranging the rental.
• Please use deodorant, but avoid cologne, perfume, and aftershave because scents may not be removable.
• Teach performers how to move safely in costumes with trains; tears caused by improper handling are considered permanent damage.
• Return every item in its original condition.

Damage, Replacement & Cancellation

Damage and replacement

Permanent damage includes tears, burns, dye, paint, glue, unremovable stains, and unauthorized alterations. Replacement value is based on current retail value. Specialty, antique, and non-replaceable pieces may rent for only 1%–2% of their value; as a general guide, replacement value may be approximately 10 times the rental cost. Rental payments do not reduce replacement charges.

Cancellation

Cancellation charges reflect the work already completed and will not be less than 50% of the total order value. If an order is fully prepared, the full order value is due. Orders not claimed on the scheduled pickup date are considered canceled.