FAQ (Frequently-Asked Questions)
- Do You Sell Wigs?
- Do You Sell Accessories Separately, Like Shoes?
- Costume Orders
- Can You Get This Done in [time frame]? When Will This Costume Be Done? If I Order Now, Will It Be Done in [time frame]?
- What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
- What Is Your Refund Policy?
- Shipping Information
- Shipping Times (After I Send You the Money, How Soon Will You Ship It to Me?)
- Caring for Your Costume and Wig
- Do You Work by Yourself?
- Do You Make Props?
- Do You Make [Insert Series Here] Costumes?
- I Don't See a Costume Listed in the Catalog. Do You Make It?
- I Don't See a Costume Listed in the Catalog. Can You Send Me a Picture of What It Looks Like So I Can See If I Want to Order It?
- Why Are Your Costumes So Expensive? Some of Them Look Simple to Make. If You Lowered the Prices, You Would Make More Money.
- Do You Sell Patterns?
- I Can't Afford Your Costumes, But Can You Tell Me What Materials You Use?
- I Can't Afford Your Costumes? Can You Find Me Cheaper Costumes?
- Can You Guarantee Your Work? What Assurance Do I Have That This Will Be a Good Costume?
- What Medium Do You Work In?
- One-of-a-kind Versus Recreations
Do You Sell Wigs?
The answer is: it depends. I am no longer selling or styling most wigs by themselves. They consume too much of my time and resources to obtain and produce. For your wig needs, I recommend going to Katie's Bair's Wig Design, by Ninja High School artist Katie Bair.
Any wig in my catalog that is not part of a costume in my catalog will not be done anymore. If a costume in my catalog lists an optional wig item, then I can do the wig as part of the costume. However, depending on the availabilty of my time and wig resources, I reserve the right to refuse to do that optional wig. Also, if a wig is simple and requires little styling, I might be able to do that wig too. You should contact me about a wig you want, and I will let you know if I will do it or not.
Do You Sell Accessories Separately, Like Shoes?
Yes, just ask for a quote. However, I am no longer doing single accessory orders. This means that if you only want one accessory done, I will not accept the order. Making a single accessory for one order takes up too much time and effort to be worth the cost needed to produce them. If you have several accessories that you would like commissioned as one order, I will take those orders.
Costume Orders
If you have a deadline by which you need the costume, please let me know in the email. I need at least 2 to 3 months to work on the costumes. This is not 2 to 3 months from when you order. It is at least 2 to 3 months from when payment is rendered. If you don't give me an exact deadline, I will complete it when I can in the sequence that I receive orders. I give estimates of my time, but I can't always be sure when I will finish. I usually work fast, but life sometimes gets in the way. The 2 to 3 months period is an average time to completion. If you are rushed for time, please let me know immediately. I'm flexible to a certain degree, so we might be able to work something out, as long as you give me at least 2-3 weeks notice. If you send me the payment and then tell me that you need the costume in a less than 2 months but before I start the costume, your payment will be returned if I determine I can't finish the costume in that time. If you are foolish enough to tell me that you need the costume in a less than 2 months but after I start the costume, then, by the terms noted on my disclaimer form, I will finish the costume in normal time, and you still won't have the costume in time for that last-minute event. Therefore, think carefully about when you need the costume.
On average, I will be delivering two costumes per month. A few accessory sets may be delivered per month depending on the schedule. A third costume for each month may be devlivered depending on the schedule.
The costume calendar will indicate the month your costume is expected to be completed.
Can You Get This Done in [time frame]? When Will This Costume Be Done? If I Order Now, Will It Be Done in [time frame]?
A note about time and payments... Min'na san, I have it posted pretty much everywhere that I require at least 2 months for cosplay orders. This is mainly because I have have a schedule that includes other obligations in life, in addition to my cosplay hobby. It does not mean that when you order, you will receive your costume exactly 2 months from the time of order, unless prior arrangements have been made between you and me.
The costume calendar will indicate the month your costume is expected to be completed.
If you don't give me an exact deadline, I will complete it when I can in the sequence that I receive orders. I give estimates of my time, but I can't always be sure when I will finish. Please keep in mind that when you order, you aren't the only person I have on my list, and I don't update in emails, because I'm not going to bother you with every little stitch I make. You can see by my site that I have clients, and that I deliver for them, if there is any doubt in your minds about sending me money for your costumes, then please do not order from me. I will not be pestered with "Is it done yet?" emails. When you order and payment is sent, I complete it as soon as I possibly can. If this is not good enough for you, please don't order. I'm so sorry that I sound rude about this, but I'm tired of accepting orders from certain people who seem to not read my ordering information and disclaimers for the shoppe. This is my hobby, not a full time job. I do my best. Please understand this.
What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
I can only accept Paypal at this time. Paypal information will be furnished to you when you and I finish negotiating the order. At my discretion, I may accept a U.S. Postal Money Order, but only if you tell me this at the very beginning, even before you tell me what costume you want commissioned.
What Is Your Refund Policy?
I'm sorry, but I do not issue refunds. Once the order is placed and money paid, the costume will be completed according to the schedule that we agreed was acceptable. If you change your mind after this, that is your fault. I have to take of my life and family as well as other obligations, so the schedule we agreed upon took those factors into consideration. I am sorry if you do not think that I'm working to your pace. Just because you feel I'm not working when you see fit does not entitle you to a series of pestering emails and a refund, especially when the date you need it hasn't even arrived.
Shipping Information
Because costumes come in different sizes and weights, the shipping cost will vary for each costume. In addition, each costume is made only when payment is received, so I cannot quote you a shipping cost at the very beginning of the commission. The minimum shipping cost is $25, but it may be higher. I will give you the shipping cost when the costume is finished and ready to ship. The shipping cost covers packaging (box, packing supplies), priority mail postage, postal insurance, etc. This shipping charge is for the complete packaging and postage of your costume. I do not just throw a box together and stuff plastic bags into it. I take the time to buy the right supplies to make sure your costume is protected. If you want a different shipping method, contact me to discuss. If I am behind schedule, I will switch to U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (Overnight) at no additional cost to you.
Shipping Times (After I Send You the Money, How Soon Will You Ship It to Me?)
Everything in my shop is custom made to order. That means that I do not have costumes sitting around waiting for someone to order them. I make a csotume when you have commissioned it from me. My availability is listed in the calendar page. Some things I can get done sooner depending on the difficulty of the costume, but for the most part, things are done in order of need. Like I've said before, I tend to take a while to get things done. I am only one person after all and when you order, you have to remember I do have other clients as well. I do get them done in time.
Caring for Your Costume and Wig
All costumes I make are dry clean only. Because of the material and many details on the costumes I make, a washer would ruin them, so care for all pieces is dry clean only. Wigs are composed of synthetic fybers and some wigs, like straight wigs and others not styled, can be cleaned by buying a wig cleaning solution. This wig cleaning solution is available at most wigs shops. If you want to buy the wig cleaning solution from me, you must ask me for the cost. It will be added to the cost of the wig, if requested.
Do You Work by Yourself?
Yes, I do all the fabric selection, patterning, and sewing work by myself. ^_^ For some props which have a difficult construction, I ask my local friend, who has the necessary tools, to help me.
Do You Make Props?
I make only certain types of props. I don't make large weapons like the Gunblades or swords except for Inu-Yasha's untransformed Tetsusaiga or Link's sword.
Do You Make [Insert Series Here] Costumes?
What does this mean? How am I supposed to answer this question? Please Min'na san, don't ask me something so vague and open. Of course, I can make [insert series here] costumes, but why would you ask me such a question? Do you want a quote or are you just asking me if I can make these costumes? I don't want to sound rude, but please do not email such a nonsensical question. It's a waste of your time as well as mine to start going back and forth with emails answering it. If you (meaning anyone who wants a quote) want to know what I can do, ask me about the costume specifically and SEND me example pictures.
For example, don't expect me to know what you are talking about when you say, "How much will you charge for Naruto's jacket?" In my mind, I may be thinking, Naruto who?! From what series?? I just happen to know who Naruto is, but you know what I mean. I don't know all the anime series out there, so if you provide example pictures, I can determine what I can do.
If you aren't going to bother reading my ordering info page, please don't email me about costumes. Like I said, I don't want to sound rude, but this type of email is completely out of hand, and I just don't have time anymore to ponder the meanings of the very vague questions I'm thrown. Gomennasai and please understand. Thank you.
I Don't See a Costume Listed in the Catalog. Do You Make It?
Yes, in most cases. If it's within my abilities, and you actually send me an example picture, I can quote it for you. It is very important that you send me an example picture, because I won't necessarily know what you are talking about (See above question).
Why Are Your Costumes So Expensive? Some of Them Look Simple to Make. If You Lowered the Prices, You Would Make More Money.
While I understand your point, my costs are all figured into the costume. If the "simple" costumes cost too much, and you can make them cheaper, by all means, please do. The cost of my costumes isn't just about buying material. What may seem simple to you isn't always simple in real life. I have to include costs relating to patterning. because patterning, 9 times out of 10, takes way longer than actually making a costume. I don't use any generic sizing. It's all made from measurements given by the customer. When you make costumes for other people, you have to be exact in this. I also have to factor in the time it takes to shop for the materials, and the pieces needed for every costume, which results in many trips back and forth. That all costs me gas money and mileage. Not to mention, I also pay taxes at 8.8%. Lastly, I have to charge for labor. The prices are set the way they are, because I shouldn't have to spend my own money to make another person's costume.
I offer a service and I'm not in it to make alot of money. If I were in it for the money, the prices would be twice as high as I don't make more than minimum wage on the things I do. Labor is a large factor of the business. I do have to charge for my time.
It's very easy to look from the outside and say you know how to do it better. I commend anyone that can make a good quality costume for under 3 or 4 hundred. There are plenty of places that have "cheaper prices" and if what I do doesn't suit you, please go with someone else. I don't mind at all.
I'm not competing with other people, and I get plenty of clients who are satisfied with what I do. Until I can get materials at cost, my prices have to stay the way they are. Thanks for the concern though. ^_^
Do You Sell Patterns?
I have been recieving quite a number of emails asking me about my patterns. Gomen ne, but I do not sell patterns. As stated before, patterning takes about 55~75% of the actual costume making process and if I were to sell patterns, not only would I have to charge nearly as much as the actual costume price it would require even more work to make it usable for others besides myself.
I can recommend Melissa Quinn of Faerie Fingers who sells generic patterns based on popular anime apparel, but I do not sell my patterns.
I Can't Afford Your Costumes, But Can You Tell Me What Materials You Use?
I don't mind people asking me what materials I use, but for every one of my costumes, I do list what materials I use. Please read the costume description. Do not insert statements like "it costs too much" or "I can't afford your stuff. Please lower it just for me" in the front, middle, or end of your questions. Once again, I'm not trying to sound rude, so please don't take it wrong Min'na san, but I have listed my policies and prices on the site.
Materials are either based on a client's preferences or the client leaves it to my discretion. When someone who has commisioned a costume doesn't give me a preference of materials, I basically shop for what I think will be best for that paticular costume to give it that "real" feeling. If you want to know what I've used, please read the description, because the materials are listed. If you are asking what I think is best for a costume you plan to make, the best I can answer is that you should use what YOU think is best, since it is your cosplay. As general guidelines, if you want a cartoony appearance, use shiny satins. If you want a realistic appearance, choose cottons, dull satins and cotton/poly blends. Ultimately, you have to decide the materials, since it will be yours in the end.
I Can't Afford Your Costumes? Can You Find Me Cheaper Costumes?
I've been getting emails from peeps that not only think that my prices are too high, but they ask *me* where they can find cheaper alternatives. If you are one of these people, read on!
I am not your personal shopper! Your guess is as good as mine as to where cheaper cosplay items may be found. It is not my responsiblity to help you with this. You must shop on your own.
If I see any email asking for cheaper cosplay, I will erase the email from now on without any reply. Any useful information that I have about cosplay is listed in my links section. Go there to start your search, but I will not help you in any other way!
Can You Guarantee Your Work? What Assurance Do I Have That This Will Be a Good Costume?
-_-;; Okies.... I cannot guarantee you anything. A guarantee means to me, "if you are not 100% satisfied with said product, return it for a full refund." All I can offer is what I do. I can offer example pictures of my work, and the testimonials of my clients, but as for a guarantee, I cannot offer a guarantee. I offer no refunds and cannot help if you are not fully satisfied with what I've done or what I do. Everyone will have criticisms, but I am only one person and can only do so much. My shop is not a large store or factory. I don't have helpers or workers besides myself, and the money is spent on materials and labor. My finished work is the best I can offer. I can tell you that I work to the best of my abilities, that the quality will always be the best I can do, but if that is not enough and you are still unsure, please do not order from me, because I'd rather have you not order from me than to be unsure. ^_^
I Don't See a Costume Listed in the Catalog. Can You Send Me a Picture of What It Looks Like So I Can See If I Want to Order It?
No. If it isn't listed in my shop, I haven't made it and therefore cannot send you a completed picture.
What Medium Do You Work In?
Ne min'na... I wanted to restate some things here because alot of people seem to misunderstand this.
My medium (as in the thing I work the most with ^^) is fabrics. I do very limited metal work, very limited woodwork, very limited -- well anything else! The main reason for this is that I don't have the tools for it. There are plenty of people on the web who work in other mediums, but I choose to stick with the fabrics, because I actually like it the best. Many armor pieces in my costumes are actually made of fabric, and there are very few times when I use something other than fabric. As for the jewelry, much of that is composed of metal, but some of it is also plastics, clays, and other materials. I don't cast metals or resins.
I'm saying these things, because so many people seem to think that I do these things, even though all the desciptions of my cosplays say otherwise. There are some cases where I do carve woods, say Kagura's fan for example, but for the most part, the majority of my cosplays is made using fabrics.
I hope that cleared it up for everyone. ~Chuu
One-of-a-Kind Versus Recreations
When I am commissioned to make an outfit for someone, the patterning process takes up a lot of my time. When I make patterns, I hold the rights to the patterns. I do not sell the patterns.
There is a big difference in commissioning a one-of-a-kind outfit and a recreation. Do not assume that because you've added details to an existing outfit or item, you've created something just for you, and you alone hold the rights to it. When I do custom designs, I still pattern them, and I use the patterns to make the design again should another person ask for it. For the normal outfits in my shoppe, they are patterned to be made again at a later time.
If you want something that is completely your own costume and design, please state it before you order. We will discuss this, and I will give you a quote based on this request for uniqueness. I understand that some people want costumes or items to be made for them uniquely, and I really don't mind this as long as it is discussed early in the conversation. However, I won't allow someone to ask for a costume or item and then get angry at me later, because the costume or item is offered again. This is a commission shoppe. It is my hobby, and I work hard at it.
Again, unless there is a pre-arranged agreement for you to buy the patterns outright and have a truly unique outfit from me, I have the right to use my patterns to make costumes and items for other customers. It is the purpose of this shoppe.