What Happens if I Damage or Lose A Hired Costume?

 Before renting a costume you should always be aware of the policy in place for lost or damaged costumes and the consequences involved.

When you hire a costume you will usually be required to sign a rental agreement. An invoice is given stating the condition of the costume when it was hired to you and if there were any other items being hired (wigs, shoes). It is expected that anyone who hires a costume will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the costume is returned in a satisfactory condition by the due date. We realise that slight soiling will take place and that at times minor damage may occur, but you may still be held liable for these.

Policies for loss or damage

 Professional dry cleaning of all costumes is included as part of the rental price. You are usually preferred to NOT clean or wash the costume. Many costumes are made out of materials that most of us aren't used to handling and washing and by doing so; we can easily damage or ruin fragile or expensive costumes.

Many rented costumes include other items such as wigs, shoes, gloves, belts or eyewear. These items are part of the rental agreement and you are expected to take all reasonable care with them. If you damage or lose one of these items you will be liable for the cost of replacing the item to the same specifications. If this item isn't available except as part of a more complete costume or set you may be liable for the purchase of a full new costume.

Most rental agreements have a clause that states that you are liable for the replacement of the costume if you lose it or damage it beyond repair, this is one of our conditions.  We will ask that you leave credit card details or sometimes a cash deposit to secure this payment when you rent your costume. These details or deposit are then returned when you return the costume in a fair and reasonable condition.

Many hire costumes can be very expensive to replace so as a consumer you need to be fully aware of the businesses policy towards loss and damage and your obligations under this policy.
If you damage a costume you will  be liable for the repair of the costume and any other associated costs. You should never try to repair a costume yourself, you may cause further damage and therefore incur more cost for yourself. Many small tears or rips can be repaired but most repairs will still incur some cost. Small repairs may also include the purchase of materials and the shipping of these materials. Once again, you should be fully aware of the conditions of hire before signing the rental agreement.

When renting a costume you need to remember that you are hiring an asset of the business and that you are liable for its safe return. If you feel that you aren't able to take reasonable steps to ensure its return in good condition you may want to consider if renting a costume is the best option for you. Perhaps buying a costume would be better. See our post on "Should I Hire or Buy A Costume"

Should I Buy or Hire a Costume?

Buying or hiring a costume is a personal choice and when being considered you need to think about cost, your ability to put together your own costume, and what your think the frequency of use will be. Renting on a regular basis can be a bit costly so sometimes it can work out cheaper to buy a costume, depending on the type and the quality.

Pros and Cons of Buying

Some people like to buy their own costumes so they know that no-one at the party has rented it previously from a fancy dress store. You can get costumes at a cheap price so this is a really viable option. Buying a costume may mean that you now have your own costume but remember, you now have to wear that costume to numerous parties, or just buy another one to add to your small or large growing collection.




Pros and Cons of Hiring

Hiring costumes is easy, usually affordable and allows you to have access to a huge variety of costumes. If you hire a costume you may not get to keep the costume, but you can always go back to the store and rent a different costume for the next party. This is a great alternative for people who aren't great at crafts and sewing, and who like to dress up as something different for every party.
When making the hiring vs buying decision remember to consider if the costumes are for adults or children. Children's costumes are more likely to get used more than once, but they will also be grown out of more quickly.