By booking and paying for costume hire from Encore Couture, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.  These terms apply to all hires, whether arranged in person, via social media, or initiated through Encore Couture’s website enquiry form. Payment of the hire fee and bond constitutes acceptance of these terms.

1. Hire Period

The hire period (“the hire period”) may be one of the following: a one-off period of 14 days, a seasonal hire of 3 months, 6 months or 12 months.  The agreed duration will be confirmed at the time of booking.  Costumes will be dispatched prior to the hire period commencing.

The hire period must be agreed upon in advance and stated in the booking confirmation.   

The hire period commences from the date the costume is required.  Subject to availability, extended hire may be arranged in advance and will incur additional charges.  

2. Pricing

Prices listed are per item for the hire period (“the hire fee”). Additional charges apply for extended hire. Responsibility for the costume transfers to the hirer once it has been received.

3. Bond

A refundable bond of $100 is payable in addition to the hire fee. The bond will be returned following a satisfactory inspection of the returned items.

In the event of loss or damage, the bond may be forfeited at Encore Couture’s discretion.

Provided all items, including the costume, garment bag, hanger and any accessories are returned on time, in good condition, a full refund of the bond will be issued to the hirer’s nominated account within 10 working days from the date the costume is received by Encore Couture.

If any additional fees are incurred by the hirer, these will be deducted from the bond. The remaining balance, if any, will be refunded to the hirer’s nominated account within 10 working days from the date the costume is received by Encore Couture.

4. New Zealand–Only Hire

Costume hire is available within New Zealand only. Encore Couture does not offer international hire, shipping, or courier services outside New Zealand.

The hirer must provide a New Zealand delivery address and ensure all hired items are used and returned within New Zealand. Taking any hired item outside New Zealand without prior written consent from Encore Couture is strictly prohibited and constitutes a breach of these Terms and Conditions.

If an item is taken overseas without consent, the hirer remains fully responsible for all costs, risks, and arrangements required to return the item safely to Encore Couture, including any international shipping, customs, duties, delays, or losses.

5. Courier Fees and Delivery

Courier fees are not included in the hire fee and will be added to the booking invoice.  A flat-rate courier fee of $15 applies to standard costume parcels.  Postage for tutus is excluded from the flat rate due to their size and dimensional weight.  Tutu courier costs will be confirmed once a quote has been obtained from the courier and before your booking is finalised.

Costumes are dispatched only after full payment is received.  Costumes will be dispatched 5-7 days prior to the commencement of the hire period, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Seasonal hire items (3, 6, or 12 months) will be dispatched at the beginning of the agreed hire period.  Costumes will not be shipped immediately upon payment unless the hire period is due to begin within the next 7 days.

Return courier costs are the responsibility of the hirer. 

Alternatively, collection and delivery within Whangārei may be arranged with Encore Couture in advance.

6. Returns

Returns must be made using a tracked courier service.  Tracking details must be emailed to Encore Couture immediately, unless alternative arrangements have been made with Encore Couture for collection or delivery within Whangārei.  

Each costume is provided with a garment bag and hanger, which must be returned with the costume. Failure to return these items may result in a deduction from the bond or a replacement fee.

Costumes must be returned before or on the final day of the agreed hire period (“the due date”).  Late returns will incur the late return fee as set out in clause 9 below.

7. Fit‑Related Return Option (7 Days)

If the costume does not fit, the hirer may return it within 7 days of receipt of the costume and request a refund of the hire fee, provided that:

• The costume has not been worn for any event, performance, or photoshoot.
• All items (including garment bag, hanger, and accessories) are returned in original condition, with no damage, marks, or alterations.
• The return is made using a tracked courier service, and tracking details are supplied immediately.
• The hirer notifies Encore Couture in writing before returning the item, stating the fit issue.

The bond will be refunded in accordance with clause 3.

Courier fees are non‑refundable.

Encore Couture reserves the right to decline a refund if the returned items show signs of wear, damage, or use beyond trying on for fit.

8. Cancellations and Non-Collection

Hire fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation or failure to collect, unless otherwise agreed.

9. Booking and Payment

Full payment of the hire fee and bond is required at the time of booking to confirm the hire.

10. Late Returns

Items returned after the due date will incur a $25.00 daily fee until returned (“late return fee”).  If a subsequent hire is lost due to the delay, additional charges may apply.

11. Loss or Damage

The hirer is responsible for the costume once it has been received. Normal wear and tear on costumes is expected and will not incur additional charges. Damages beyond normal wear and tear will incur a $30 fee per item, in addition to the hire fee. This includes, but is not limited to, broken zippers, detached garment pieces, make‑up or other permanent stains, tears, missing items, and any other damage that renders the costume incapable of being rented. The bond may be forfeited in such cases. In the event of loss, the bond will be forfeited.

The use of tanning products or adhesive products (including sprays, lotions, mousses, glues, gels, or creams) while wearing or prior to wearing hired costumes is strictly prohibited. These products can cause staining and damage to costume fabrics. Any evidence of tanning product residue or adhesives may result in a $30 cleaning or damage fee per item and may lead to forfeiture of the bond at Encore Couture’s discretion. The hirer is responsible for ensuring that no tanning products or adhesives come into contact with the costume.

12. Cleaning

DO NOT wash the costumes. Many items require special care and will be cleaned by Encore Couture. Cleaning fees, unless there are damages as set out in clause 10 above, are included in the hire fee.

13. Suitability

Encore Couture does not guarantee fit, style, or accuracy of any theme or historical period.  Acceptance of the costume confirms it is complete and undamaged unless reported otherwise before use.

This clause does not limit the hirer’s rights under the Fit-Related Return Option in clause 7.

14. Hirer Responsibilities

The hirer agrees to:

• Be fully responsible for all hired items. 
• Take care of the items and avoid damage.
• NOT use tanning products or adhesives while wearing or prior to wearing costumes.
• NOT wear costumes while eating or drinking.
• NOT alter or modify any items.
• Notify Encore Couture immediately of any loss or damage.
• Cover the cost of repair or replacement if necessary.
• Ensure underwear is worn at all times with costumes.
• Acknowledge that if Encore Couture approves hire for a third party, Encore Couture is not responsible if the items do not fit or are unsuitable.
• Accept that each item is worn at the customer’s own risk and that Encore Couture is not liable for any injury or loss.

15. Personal Use Only

Costumes are hired for personal use by the named hirer only and must not be sub‑hired, lent, shared, transferred, or used by any other person or entity without prior written consent from Encore Couture.

Costumes must not be used for any commercial purpose, including but not limited to on‑hiring, resale, or any activity where the hirer receives payment, profit, or other financial benefit from the use of the costume.

Any unauthorised sub‑hire, transfer, or commercial use may result in immediate termination of the hire, forfeiture of the bond, and additional charges to cover loss of hire income, cleaning, or replacement costs.

16. Reservations

Reserved items must be paid for as agreed.  Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the reservation.

17. Liability

Returned items will be inspected. If the hirer is not present, Encore Couture’s assessment is final.  Any discrepancies will be communicated in writing.