Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a complete costume?
What is the average cost to rent a costume from the renaissance period?
What is the price range for renting costumes?
What is the average number of costumes rented for a show?
How large is the largest show you have ever costumed?
What is the smallest show you have costumed?
What are the biggest problems in the costume business?
What is the busiest time at The Costumer?
How did you get into the costume business?
What makes The Costumer different?
How many shows do you costume each year?
How long is the rental period at The Costumer?
What is the delivery time for costumes?
How long does shipping take for items ordered from the theatrical catalog?
Do you have photos of your costumes?
Can I look for and purchase Halloween costumes online.
Do you have clown supplies and props for sale?
My husband and I were invited to attend a Medieval Wedding. The bride and Groom are encouraging costume rentals. My question is: Can I rent two costumes, one for myself and one for my husband?
Where do your customers come from?
How long has The Costumer been in business?
What is the average cost of a complete costume?
The average cost of a complete costume is $45 after all discounts.
What is the average cost to rent a period costume from the renaissance period?
Hi! Most Renaissance costumes rent between $45-$65, depending on the complexity of the costume. Please call for more information!
What is the price range for renting costumes?
The price range for renting costumes is from about $40-$55 per complete costume. Of course, that is before our discount is deducted. You receive a discount on rental orders of $750.00 or more, if we receive your show order 6 weeks before your opening date.
What is the average number of costumes rented for a show?
Occasionally we do an entire show. Somewhere in every show there are costumes that can be made, scraped up, begged, borrowed, or stolen! The average show order for us is about 45 costumes.
How large is the largest show you have ever costumed?
We have costumed several shows with over 400 costumes!
What is the smallest show you have costumed?
Many show orders are for only a single piece - a hat, a coat, etc.
What are the biggest problems in the costume business?
There are two major problems: 1. Improper measurements (just follow the instruction on the back of our forms) 2. Double casting the leads. Be sure to give us accurate information.
What is the busiest time at The Costumer?
Our most hectic month is March. More theatrical events take place in the United States on the third weekend in March than at any other time of the year. This is followed by April and then November.
How did you get into the costume business?
I was deeply attracted by the mission of serving scholastic theater. I have witnessed the transformational impact theater can have on the lives of students. Theater has been instrumental in our son’s journey from a highly introverted and insecure grade-schooler to a self-assured adolescent. Performing taught him how to conquer his fears and the experience will serve him for a lifetime. When you couple this mission with the 100 year tradition of The Costumer, how could I resist?
What makes The Costumer different?
We have great costumes (many costumers do); we have low prices (some costumers do); we have great discounts and rebates (not many costumers do); we do not demand prepayment or CODs from our established accounts. Our business is based on service. We want to serve and help you; we don't want you to worry about our end of the job - we are here to help. We want you to call and ask questions; we want to help you save money. We want you to complain if something is wrong so we can fix it. Call us (518-374-7442) - we will serve your costuming and production needs.
How many shows do you costume each year?
We costume over 1000 shows each year on the scholastic, civic and professional levels.
How long is the rental period at The Costumer?
We guarantee that the costumes will arrive the Monday of the week you open. However, we make EVERY effort possible to get your costumes to you the Friday before your opening week so you can have weekend rehearsels.
What is the delivery time for costumes?
We ship the costumes to arrive one week prior to your show's opening date, providing you give us enough notice.
How long does shipping take for items ordered from the theatrical catalog?
We try to ship the day your order comes in. If we have out of stocks, we ship asap.
Do you have photos of your costumes?
Photos are available for many of our costumes. Check the website for pictures, if you cannot find what your looking for, contact us and we will assist you.
Can I look for and purchase Halloween costumes on-line.
Yes! We have added all of the Halloween costumes we have for sale.
Do you have clown supplies and props for sale?
Yes, we sure do! Call our Catalog/Sales Department at 877-218-1289.
My husband and I were invited to attend a Medieval Wedding. The bride and Groom are encouraging costume rentals. My question is: Can I rent two costumes, one for myself and one for my husband?
Yes, you can! We have a wonderful selection of Medieval costumes.
Where do your customers come from?
We do productions each year in every state in the United States and in several foreign countries.
How long has The Costumer been in business?
The Costumer was started in 1917. The 2017-2018 season marks our 100th show season.