Red Velvet Brocade Gown 18th Century Costume Rental

Rental Agreement Terms

Ownership of Property

Title to all costumes, accessories, and related rental property remains at all times with Great Dames, Inc. (DBA Sophia’s Gallery & Costumes – www.sophiasgallery.com). The Customer/Renter receives temporary possession only and no ownership rights. Rental charges begin at the time items leave Great Dames, Inc. premises, whether used or not.

Condition, Care & Responsibility

The Customer/Renter accepts full responsibility for the care, protection, and safekeeping of all rented items from the time of pickup, shipment, or delivery until returned and accepted by Great Dames, Inc.

The Customer/Renter agrees to pay for:

• Loss, theft, or disappearance
• Damage beyond normal wear
• Stains, burns, tears, odors (including smoke, perfume, or body odor)
• Pet damage, water damage, or environmental damage
• Missing parts or accessories
• Excessive cleaning, repair, or restoration
  

Charges shall be determined solely by management and may include repair costs, professional cleaning, restoration fees, and/or full replacement value.

Replacement Value

If any item is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, the Customer/Renter agrees to pay the full replacement cost, which may substantially exceed the rental fee. Late fees do not apply toward replacement cost.

Costume Alteration Prohibition

The Customer/Renter shall not alter, modify, tailor, pin, glue, tape, cut, dye, wash, iron, steam, or otherwise change any costume or accessory in any way without prior written consent from Great Dames, Inc. Unauthorized alterations will be treated as damage, and the Customer/Renter agrees to pay repair costs or full replacement value as determined solely by management.

Late Returns / Liquidated Damages

All items must be returned by the agreed return date. For each day past the due date, the Customer/Renter agrees to pay 50% of the original rental fee per day as liquidated damages. These charges represent a reasonable estimate of business loss and are not a penalty. Failure to return items may result in replacement charges and legal action.

Late Returns & Additional Charges

The Customer agrees to return all rented items on or before the agreed return date stated in this Agreement. A one (1) day grace period may be granted at the sole discretion of the Company.

The Customer acknowledges that rented costumes are frequently reserved for subsequent clients and that late returns may cause financial loss, scheduling disruption, and inability to fulfill future reservations.

If the rental is not returned by the end of the grace period:

• A late fee equal to twenty-five percent (50%) of the original rental price per day shall be charged for each day the item remains unreturned.
  
• Late fees shall accrue daily until the item is received by the Company.
  
• If a late return results in cancellation or interruption of another confirmed rental, the Customer agrees to pay additional damages, including but not limited to lost rental revenue, replacement costs, administrative fees, and expedited shipping expenses.
  
• Continued failure to return rented items may result in charges up to the full replacement value of the costume.
  

Late fees constitute liquidated damages and are not intended as a penalty.

Security Deposit & Payment Authorization

The Customer/Renter agrees to provide a security deposit in the form of:

• Credit card imprint or digital authorization hold
• Cash
• Check
  

Late Return Authorization

By completing your rental purchase, you authorize Sophias’ Gallery & Costumes to charge the credit card used for this transaction for any applicable late fees, damage charges, cleaning fees, or replacement costs as outlined in the Rental Agreement.

A one (1) day grace period may apply. After this period:

• A late fee of 50% of the original rental price per day will automatically be charged for each day the rental remains unreturned.
  
• Charges may continue until the item is received and inspected.
  
• Additional charges may apply if the late return affects other confirmed reservations or results in financial loss.
  

By placing your order, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

The Customer authorizes Great Dames, Inc. to charge the card or deposit for unpaid rental fees, late charges, cleaning fees, damages, replacement costs, legal fees, and related expenses.

All rental payments are non-refundable. No credit, refund, or transfer will be granted for cancellation, early return, or non-use.

Shipping Risk (If Applicable)

If items are shipped, responsibility transfers to the Customer upon delivery. The Customer is responsible for loss or damage until items are returned and received by Great Dames, Inc. Return shipping must include tracking.

Event Use & Liability Disclaimer

The Customer/Renter assumes all risks associated with wearing and using rental costumes and accessories. Costumes may include restrictive garments, headpieces, masks, props, shoes, or accessories that may affect movement, visibility, balance, or comfort.

Great Dames, Inc. is not liable for:

• Personal injury, illness, allergic reactions, or bodily harm
• Falls, trips, or accidents
• Discomfort, overheating, restricted breathing, or mobility limitations
• Damage to personal property
• Third-party claims arising from costume use
  

All items are worn and used at the Customer’s own risk.

Indemnification

The Customer/Renter agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Great Dames, Inc., its owners, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, lawsuits, demands, penalties, judgments, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from:

• Use or misuse of rented items
• Injury to the Customer or third parties
• Property damage
• Failure to follow instructions or safety guidance
• Violation of this agreement
  

This obligation survives the rental period.

Legal Costs & Collection

The Customer/Renter agrees to reimburse Great Dames, Inc. for all costs incurred in enforcing this agreement, including legal fees, court costs, collection fees, and transportation or recovery expenses.

Inspection & Final Determination

All items are subject to inspection upon return. Great Dames, Inc. has sole discretion to determine item condition and required charges.

Force Majeure

Great Dames, Inc. shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond its control, including natural disasters, severe weather, fire, flood, power outages, shipping carrier delays, government restrictions, pandemics, labor disputes, or supply chain disruptions. In such cases, Great Dames, Inc. may cancel or modify rentals without liability beyond refund of amounts paid for undelivered items.

Agreement to Terms

By placing an order online, or accepting possession of rental items, the Customer/Renter acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Rental Agreement, including liability limitations and indemnification obligations.