Costumes can make or break your recital or competition piece. But, does ordering the costumes have to drive you crazy?
Ellen Ferreira, CEO of Costume Gallery offers the following advice:
The first thing the audience reacts to – before your dancers even start to move, is the way they look on stage. What they’re wearing has a huge impact, so you want to get it right! Selecting, ordering and dressing your dancers for needn’t cause heartburn, sleepless nights or a visible rash. If you do it right, it can be simple and yes, even a fun part of the production for you!
First of all, recognize that the relationship you build with your costume companies should be a long lasting friendship. Smart studio owners befriend the staff of the companies they use, and more importantly, the staff knows them!
If you find a customer service rep you click with, just request that person whenever you call. Its that easy to have your own personal 'contact' at the company. After you’ve been talking with one person year after year, they know you, and your studio’s needs. You’ll have an advocate if a problem or special need arises (and lets face it – sooner or later a special need WILL arise – a.k.a., 'The dog ate my costume'…'I lost one of my mitts'… 'My daughter had a phenomenal growth spurt'…)
There are several things you can do proactively to make the costuming experience work for you.
1) Measure your students carefully using the size chart from the company you’re ordering from! (They vary from company to company). If possible, have only one or two people doing the measuring – don’t accept size suggestions from parents! Size exchanges are treated like new orders, so don’t expect them to be shipped immediately.
2) Read the Ordering Instructions to avoid surprises! Be familiar with things like return and exchange policies, discounts, COD charges, etc. BEFORE you order! Yes, they’re tedious, but seriously, there’s no better use of your time.
3) Order Early! Take note of the excellent discounts you’re eligible for when you pay in full by a certain date. If you include accessories with your big order, they’ll also be discounted! Savvy teachers order well before to that date, to get out ahead of the crowd. (Like waiting till April 15th to pay taxes, the majority of studios wait till the discount date to place their order. Getting it in even a week before that will likely result in an earlier delivery date.)
4) Call your credit card company to say you’re planning some larger than usual charges. Declined cards delay ship dates and might cause you to miss discount deadlines.
5) Order online! This eliminates the risk of order entry mistakes. Yes, its safe and secure. The whole world is doing it!
6) CHECK YOUR CONFIRMATION against your original order. Its easy to forget a child or a class. If, in May, you receive 20 of the wrong style, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is…it’s a problem! This is the most critical advice I can offer. Make sure your order is correct!
7) When specifying your required date, don’t give the date of your pictures or recital, but a date that will allow you time to distribute costumes.
8) Schedule photo dates as close to the recital as possible.
9) Unpack and inventory costumes as soon as they arrive, and report discrepancies immediately. Stay calm. Some companies do 'partial shipments' early. The remainder of the order is coming.
10) If you order with a deposit, pay the balance at least 2 weeks before your costumes are due. If you pay by check, allow time for the check to clear before the costumes are shipped.
If it’s all just too much for you – don’t procrastinate…delegate! Costume Czar would be a great position for somebody who brings enthusiasm to the job!
