Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you sew stuff other than costumes?
  If it's within my skillset, I'll make anything you ask! Even giving me a pattern you like and asking me to sew it is game for my services. 
• I want to make it myself, but I can't find a pattern! Can I pay you to make one for me?
  Yes! I'd be happy to put my pattern drafting skills to use for you! The same guidelines apply (need your measurements, etc.). The only difference is I require half the estimate as a deposit.
• Do you do armor? Or props? Or furry/mascot costumes?
  Generally, no. I don't feel I'm skilled enough to take commissions beyond basic items in those areas. But, I'll still look at your project and point you elsewhere if it's beyond my skillset. 
• How long do you normally take to make a costume?
  Please allow for at least a three-month lead-time when ordering your commission, longer if the costume you want is intricate or detailed. I'm a one-person business, so there's a limit to what I can do at one time. 
  
• Here's a list costumes that I want to do. Can you give me quotes and/or make them for my convention in two months?
  If you want me to do more than one costume for you or your group, please be aware that it will take time. My usual three-month turnaround time is for a single costume. For example, if you want three costumes done, you will want to order nine months in advance.
• I want to do this character, but the con is next week! Will you make it for me? I’ll pay you extra! 
  ABSOLUTELY NO RUSH ORDERS!
  
  If I have less than three months to make your costume, neither of us are going to be happy because I don't have time to ensure my usual quality work. I still will take the commission, but you may have to wait until your next con to present it. Please plan ahead to ensure you get your costume by your deadline.
• I wear a size medium / 12 / misses petite. Can you make something in that size?
  I never go by “sizes”, even when clothes shopping for myself. Sizes vary between companies and even countries. For the best fit, please buy a tape measure. You can buy one at any retailer that sells sewing supplies.
  
  Have a relative or friend take your measurements to ensure accuracy. Don’t measure yourself if you can avoid it, because the stretching you have to do to take your measurements may throw them off.
  
  Be honest! I'm not going to judge you or call you names. Really, it's all just numbers to me!
• What if I’m allergic to a certain fabric or I have a preference?
  If you have a preference for fabric, have an allergy, or any other special requests, please state this when you make your order. I will do my best to accommodate you. Please be aware that this may affect your deposit. For example, silk and leather are expensive!
• I know that you've already started, but I changed my mind and decided that I don't like that particular fabric color. Will you change it?
  I certainly want you to be happy with your costume, but please be aware that I may charge you for the extra time and/or materials if I have to change something mid-construction. To avoid this, please mention all your preferences before I start working on it. Otherwise, I will use my best judgement as to what I think the character would wear and how it should be constructed.
• How much do you charge?
  Generally, $20 per hour of labor. It may be more if I have to special order materials/equipment. (Such as real leather, which can run $60 - 150 a hide.) If the latter is the case, I will let you know while pricing things out.
• Why do you charge $20 per hour? I can get a costume on eBay for less than half that!
  I encourage my clients to shop around for what they feel is the best deal. However, many "cheap" commissioners are, in reality, assembly-line operations that may not be willing to do custom work. On the other hand, I'm entirely commission-based and do your costumes myself. Everything I make is custom-made for you and only you. 
• How do I pay you?
  To get started, I require the cost of materials up-front, as a non-refundable deposit. This deposit is part of the commission fee. This allows me to buy the materials and get started. The rest of the fee is due once the project is completed.
  
  I do it this way for two reasons: It eases the blow of "sticker shock", since you are not paying the commission fee all at once. I also don't end up mis-charging, since I know how long I spent on the commission after the fact.
  
  How you pay the rest of the fee is up to you. If you want to pay the total when I finish the costume, you may. If you want to pay as I work, you may. I can also work out an installment plan on a case-by-case basis.
• Why is the material cost non-refundable?
  In a niche business such as mine, people do flake out on payment, which leaves me to eat the cost of materials and the labor I've already invested in it. If I make the material cost non-refundable, clients are more likely to pay the rest when I’m done.
• Could I buy the materials myself and mail them to you?
  Certainly. Buying the materials yourself and shipping them to me will not affect the cost of your commission, but it may cause a delay in getting your finished costume. 
• I can’t get you the money right now. Can you still get started on it? 
  Sorry, no work until I get the deposit. No exceptions.
• What forms of payment do you accept?
  PayPal is preferred, but I also accept checks and money orders. Under limited circumstances, I'll also accept cash in person. However, I will not accept concealed cash in the mail, for obvious reasons.
• How long do I have to make the final payment? Is there any time limit?
  Once the costume is done, you have 60 days (2 months) to remit the final payment to me once the work is done, unless you have worked out a payment plan with me beforehand.
• What if I don't pay you? What happens to my commission?
  If you do not remit the final payment within the 60-day time frame, I reserve the right to sell it to someone else. If you are unable to make the final payment in one go, I am open to working out an installment plan with you. 
• What if I an unforeseen circumstance affects my finances?
  I totally understand that stuff happens. If you alert me to your difficulties, I will try to work something out with you.
• What is your return policy?
  I exercise a thirty-day guarantee. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return the costume within thirty days to allow me to make it right. If it can't be made right, I will refund you the fee, minus the deposit.
• Is there a reason you won’t accept a return?
  I reserve the right to refuse a refund if no fault can be found, there is evidence of "user error", or it is not returned in saleable condition. So no wearing the costume to your convention and then returning it. No returning because you fibbed about your measurements. You also can't return it because you decided mud wrestling in your costume would be fun.
• I don’t want the costume anymore. Can I still return it? 
  While I understand “buyer’s remorse”, this falls under the “no fault” return clause mentioned above. It is your responsibility to ensure that you really want this costume, you can afford to pay for it, and (if necessary) that your parents approve of it.
  
  If you do have “buyer’s remorse”, please tell me before I get started on your costume! You may be able to get a full refund. If I’ve already started on your costume, I’ll consider a partial refund on a case-by-case basis. However, if the costume is completed and delivered, I will not accept a return due to “buyer’s remorse”.
• Can I enter costume contests with the costume I bought from you?
  Most cons have rules on whether you can enter contests with commissioned costumes. If it's allowed, I'm fine with it as long as I get credit for the costume and any craftsmanship-related awards that it earns.