Tuesday, August 10, 2010

How a Rental Works and Other FAQs

How Does a Rental Work

Why would I want to rent a costume?
 Customers rent costumes when they choose to be: original in their costume design, do not want to go to a party with someone wearing the EXACT SAME COSTUME, had trouble finding their size, or want more authentic costumes (versus the package costumes which are made of cheap material).

The Basics
A rental begins with the customer. The customer will come into our shop with an idea or theme. The store renter will then take the CHEST and WAIST measurements of the customer, and proceed to ask questions in regards to the particulars. These questions include: "Do you want to be simple? Funny? Sexy? Scary? What is Sexy to you? Do you tend to get overheated at a party? ETC. The renter will then go into the back. In the back, the renter will search for a costume that fits the customer's measurements and desire. The renter then brings out AT LEAST three options and talks with customer about them.  The customers tries them on or attempts to reexplain what they are looking for SO the renter can try again.

Once the Customer is satisfied the Contract process can Begin


What does Harlequin Costumes require in order to rent ?
In order to rent,we require of customers that they come into the shop, they have an idea or (even better) a picture of what they want to be, and in order to rent you must sign a contract, pay, put down a deposit, have a current phone number, and have a valid driver license or identification card. 

 What does the contract say?
The contract will list the items the customer has rented, the cost, the means of how the customer is leaving the deposit, a pick up and return date, and a terms of agreement which the customer MUST sign in order to rent. These terms of agreement which state fees for returning costumes that are late and/or missing the appriopiate hangers.

What if I am late to return?
 The fine is $10.00 a day EVERY day you are late. The customer signs a contract agreeing to these terms before leaving the store with the rental. When a customer returns late it is usually for the simple reasons like: they forgot, they got busy, they couldn't find the hanger. Please do not stress out about the little things. If you just give us a call or leave message saying why you couldn't return; we will waive the late fee. Usually, we require that the costume is brought in the next day, but if the situation DOES NOT allow for it- then a new returned date is agreed on.  We will charge a late fee even for a day late, because the profit from the late fees are usually donated to the city's firefighters or policemen.

What's the deposit fee?
The deposit fee is equal to the cost of your rental. Usually, we take the customers credit card information or a check and simply hold the information. WE DO NOT CHARGE THE CARD OR CASH THE CHECK WITHOUT CALLING FIRST. It is in rare cases that we actual take the deposit money. The only situation this will occur in is if the customer has ignored our calls, letters, and inquiries to return the costume after its assigned due date. 

For Example, if a customer kept a Halloween Costume until December and did not communicate with us in ANY means. We would have no choice, but to charge the card the deposit  and the replacement fee.

When do I pick up and bring pack?
 When the customer fills out the contract, a pick up and return date will be assigned and agreed on. Usually, a rental lasts for about three days. However, we allow our rentals to be used as long as the customer needs them. A customer can rent as far in advance as they like from one week to one year.They can also rent the day of their event and take the costume with them THAT day.
   *The only exception to these rules is the Halloween Special  Rentals.

What is the replacement fee if I never return?
 A replacement fee will not be enacted until two months has passed since the assigned return date. During, these two months our establishment will attempt to contact you via phone and mail. If you do not respond or make any effort to communicating, the replacement fee will be charged ALONG with the original deposit. The replacement fee for NOT returning a rental on time and extremely later than the due date can vary. It varies on the uniqueness of our costume that the customer has taken. Usually, the replacement fee will be printed on the inventory card on the hanger of the customer's specific costume. This fee ranges from $200.00-$450.00. If a fee is not printed on the inventory card or a rental of non costume items occurs the replacement fee is a flat charge of $250.00

What if I lose the hanger? Can I replace it with a wire one? 
Before renting the costume, the customer signs a contract stating that IF there is hanger with a INVENTORY CARD the customer is required to bring back the exact same hanger with the card or customer will be fined $10.00. This is also true if you bring back a costume that did NOT have an inventory card, but on a wire hanger. We do not use wire hangers in the store, because they damage our costumes. So please, do not bring back a costume on a wire hanger and say "I rented it like this." Because we do not use wire hangers and can not use them, the customer then would be fined $10.00

What if I am renting for a play?
When renting for a play, it is important to tell us immediately. A rental that is used in a play will be automatically deducted in price (about 10%) along with special extended time use. If the play chooses to use Harlequin Costumes as its official costumer THEN all costume(this includes hats, wigs, weapons, shoes, and other accessories with the costume) will come at a flat rate ($25.00-45.00). Though, this will depend on the time the show is running and on how many costumes are needed and how much work, crafting, and alteration is required of the staff. 
Though, Harlequin Costumes is usually very economically conscience and keeps the prices low.

What if I am going out of town and still have a rental?
Just give us a call and let us know what is happening. You are allowed to rent our costumes and go out of state, but just give us a heads and we will change or extend the due date.

What if I stain, rip, or break a rental?
Don't WORRY! Please, DO NOT WASH the costume, unless you know for 100% it is cotton. You will NOT be charged any fees when returning the costume. Just let us know that there is a stain and what it is or might be (wine, chocolate, bleach,etc) so we can try to get it out or simply replace the piece. The same goes if you tear our costume or break a button or zipper; we know our rentals are getting older. So, we would never blame you, but it would be our rentals fault. Just please let us know when you return.he damage before we wash it and attempt to renting it again.

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