COSTUMES FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a costume?

Here at First Scene, all of our costumes are pieced together with items from our fabulous theatrical wardrobe with thousands of pieces to choose from. This means that we do not have costumes put together for a set price as we make them up to fit your size, budget and how detailed you’d like your costume to be.
Every item is unique and priced individually so a complete cost is unknown until we have your full costume completed. 

However, complete costumes tend to range from about $70-$130 depending on the complexity of your costume, how many items you hire, accessories etc.

A bond is required upon collection of your costume. This bond will be refunded to you upon return of your costume in the same format that you paid (if you paid on an EFTPOS card we will refund on your EFTPOS card). We can only refund to the hirer who paid the bond unless we receive permission from you at the time of hire ie. if somebody besides yourself may return your costume and you confirm in person they can collect the bond on your behalf. Alternatively, we can refund the bond to your bank account.

How long is the costume hire period?

Our standard hire is four to five days. If you require the costume for longer than four days extra charges apply. Film, TV shows, TV commercials receive a weekly rate. Theatre or School Productions receives a fortnightly rate.

I am looking for a particular costume and can’t find it on your website.

Please email us costumes@firstscene.co.nz or call us on (09) 815 7230  and talk to our team about any costume you can’t find on our website – 9 times out of 10 we have the elements to create it for you, however due to the extreme number of clothing and accessories in our collection we are not able to feature all of them on our website. We are working all the time to put more photos up for you!

I have never hired a costume from First Scene before – what’s the process?

Come in to our amazing store at 334B Rosebank Road (behind BOC Gas), Avondale, Auckland where our team of stylists will help you to find the perfect outfit to fit your size, budget and vision! Let our team work with you to create a unique, custom costume pulled from our large and fabulous collection of items available.

 All hires require a New Zealand photo ID – either a driver’s licence or NZ Passport. All hirers must be aged 18 or over.


Can I book my costume in advance?

Yes you absolutely can! You are very welcome to come in and book your costume up to a month in advance of your event. Once you have chosen your costume and are ready to book, you will need to either pay a $25 deposit which is taken off your final total, or payment in full must be made. The deposit is non-refundable should you decide to cancel your entire order. Payment in full is required at the time of collection.
Once payment has been made for your order, it is reserved for you and cannot be hired out by another client beforehand. 

Can I hire a costume if I am unable to come into the store?

Yes you can!  

Please email your request to our staff at costumes@firstscene.co.nz   

You will be required to provide the following details:
Your measurements in centimeters, including height/chest/waist/hips. Additionally we need head circumference for hats and shoe size in US if hat/shoes are required.
We will also need your contact details – name, address, email address, driver's license or passport number, phone number and an alternate contact number (partner, friend, relative etc.)
Service fees may be charged as we provide a personal shopper experience to select, measure and photograph items on your behalf. Please be advised that we require at least one week’s notice for creating full costumes for groups. 

Measurement Chart Printout  (PDF 60kb)


Can you courier costumes around New Zealand?

Yes we can! Courier charges apply and are based on the size and weight of the package as well as the destination. We require at least a weeks notice before couriering, and we send 5-7 days in advance depending on which part of the country we are couriering to.


Do I have to wash my costume?

Not at all! We have an industrial laundry and dry-cleaning facility. Garments or shoes that require extra cleaning (due to extreme soiling) may incur an extra cleaning charge – usually approx. $20 + GST. This amount will be deducted from your bond.

I have ripped/burnt/broken my costume – what happens now?

Our staff will assess the damage – if it can be fixed we will charge a repair fee, if it is damaged beyond repair we will charge a replacement cost. This cost will be deducted from your bond. If the cost exceeds your bond you will be required to pay the extra costs.

I have lost a piece of my costume – what happens now?

Items that are lost or damaged beyond repair need to be paid for by the hirer. The replacement cost depends on the item. The general rule of thumb is that the replacement cost is approximately 5 x the hire, although this is not always the case. This fee will be taken off your bond. If the cost exceeds your bond you will be required to pay the extra costs.

What if I return my costume late?

You will receive one courtesy late day then each day following will be charged at $10 per costume which will be deducted from your bond. If your total late fee is more than the bond you will be charged for the amount owing when you return the goods.
 
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