TDS Full Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions

By placing a booking with The Dress Hire Society, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. These Terms & Conditions form a legally binding rental agreement between The Dress Hire Society ("we", "our", "us") and the customer ("you", "your", "the renter").

By completing your booking, you confirm that you accept all policies outlined on our website, including but not limited to our Refund Policy, Damage Policy, Delivery Policy, Booking Requirements, Garment Care Policy, and Late Return Policy. These policies form part of this rental agreement.

The Dress Hire Society reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notice. The version published on our website at the time your booking is placed will apply to your rental.

 

 

Booking Confirmation

Bookings are only confirmed once full payment has been received.

We do not reserve or hold garments without payment.

All prices, promotions, discounts, and offers are subject to change without notice.

Garment availability is subject to previous bookings, cleaning schedules, and unforeseen circumstances. While every effort is made to provide the booked garment, The Dress Hire Society reserves the right to cancel or substitute a booking if a garment becomes unavailable due to damage, loss, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Should this occur, we will offer an appropriate replacement, store credit, or refund where applicable.

 

 

Rental Agreement

All garments remain the sole property of The Dress Hire Society at all times.

Renting a garment does not transfer ownership under any circumstances.

The garment may only be worn by the individual named on the booking unless prior written approval has been provided by The Dress Hire Society.

Garments must not be sublet, hired out, lent, shared, or transferred to another individual without our written permission.

Unauthorised use of a rental garment may result in future bookings being refused and additional charges where applicable.

 

 

Customer Responsibilities

By placing a booking, you agree to:

  • Provide accurate contact, billing, and shipping information.

  • Carefully read all sizing information before booking.

  • Return the garment by the required return deadline.

  • Take reasonable care of the garment throughout the rental period.

  • Follow all garment care instructions provided by The Dress Hire Society.

  • Notify us immediately if any damage, stains, loss, or issues occur during your rental.

Failure to comply with these Terms & Conditions may result in additional charges, cancellation of future bookings, debt recovery proceedings, or legal action where necessary.

 

 

Right to Refuse Service

The Dress Hire Society reserves the right to refuse any booking, cancel an order, or decline future rentals at our sole discretion where we believe doing so is necessary to protect our business, garments, customers, or staff.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Previous late returns.

  • Outstanding invoices.

  • Failure to comply with these Terms & Conditions.

  • Suspected fraudulent activity.

  • Abuse towards staff.

  • Failure to return previous rentals.

 

 

Marketing & Social Media

Unless you specifically request otherwise in writing, you grant The Dress Hire Society permission to repost or share photographs and videos featuring rented garments across our website, social media platforms, and other marketing materials.

Personal information will never be shared without your consent.

 

 

Acceptance of Terms

By placing a booking with The Dress Hire Society, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms & Conditions in full.

Failure to read these Terms & Conditions does not exclude you from your obligations under this rental agreement.

Refunds, Cancellations & Store Credit

We understand that plans can change. As a dress hire business, each garment is reserved exclusively for your booking, meaning it cannot be rented by another customer during your selected rental period. For this reason, our cancellation and refund policy is designed to protect both our customers and our business.

Sizing & Fit

The Dress Hire Society does not offer refunds, exchanges, or store credit if a garment does not fit as expected, is unsuitable, or you simply change your mind after receiving it.

Every garment includes detailed sizing information, fit recommendations, measurements, and product descriptions to assist you in selecting the correct size before booking. We also recommend viewing our social media content for real-life fit examples where available.

If you are unsure about sizing before placing your booking, we strongly encourage you to contact us via email or Instagram. We are always happy to help you choose the most suitable size.

By placing a booking, you acknowledge that selecting the correct size is your responsibility.

 

 

Booking Cancellations

Orders cancelled within 6 hours of purchase are eligible for a refund, provided the garment has not been prepared, dispatched, or collected.

A $3 administration fee will be deducted from all approved refunds to cover non-refundable payment processing fees.

If a booking is cancelled more than 6 hours after purchase, but at least 3 days before the rental start date, a store credit equal to the rental value paid (excluding postage and administration fees) will be issued.

Cancellations made within 3 days of the rental start date are not eligible for a refund or store credit.

No refund or store credit will be issued once a garment has been prepared for dispatch, dispatched, collected, or delivered.

 

 

Change of Mind

We do not offer refunds, exchanges, or store credit for:

  • Change of mind.

  • Deciding not to attend your event.

  • Finding an alternative outfit.

  • Incorrect size selection.

  • Not liking the colour, style, or fit.

  • Failure to read the product description.

  • Failure to read these Terms & Conditions.

Once a booking has been confirmed, the garment has been reserved exclusively for you and removed from availability for other customers.

 

 

Courier Delays

All courier deliveries are completed using NZ Post's commercial overnight courier service.

While most parcels arrive the following business day after dispatch, overnight delivery is not guaranteed by NZ Post.

Delivery delays caused by NZ Post or circumstances outside of our reasonable control do not automatically entitle customers to a refund.

Where appropriate, The Dress Hire Society may offer store credit or a date transfer at its sole discretion.

Late bookings are not eligible for store credit due to courier delays.

A late booking is defined as:

  • A booking placed with only one business day between the booking date and the event date; or

  • A booking placed after 1:00pm on Wednesday for a weekend event requiring courier delivery.

 

 

Incorrect Address Information

Customers are responsible for ensuring all shipping information entered at checkout is accurate.

The Dress Hire Society accepts no responsibility for delays, failed deliveries, returned parcels, or lost items resulting from incorrect information supplied by the customer.

Where incorrect shipping details result in additional courier charges or replacement costs, these costs may be passed on to the customer.

 

 

Travelling Before Delivery

If you require your rental before leaving home for travel, accommodation, or another destination, you must notify us before your order is dispatched.

If your parcel arrives after you have left your nominated delivery address and you did not advise us beforehand, no refund, compensation, or store credit will be provided.

 

 

Damaged or Incorrect Garments

If you believe your garment has arrived damaged or you have received the incorrect item, you must notify The Dress Hire Society within 8 hours of delivery or collection.

Clear photographs of the issue must be emailed to us within this timeframe.

The garment must remain unworn while we assess the issue.

Failure to notify us within 8 hours may affect your eligibility for any compensation, replacement, or refund.

Approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method used for the booking.

 

 

Condition Concerns

As our garments are professionally cleaned and rented regularly, minor signs of wear may occasionally be present.

If you have concerns regarding the condition of your garment, you must contact us within 8 hours of receiving it and before wearing the garment.

Once the garment has been worn, no refund, store credit, or compensation will be provided for condition-related concerns.

 

 

Store Credit

Where store credit is approved, it:

  • Is issued solely at the discretion of The Dress Hire Society.

  • Cannot be exchanged for cash.

  • Cannot be transferred to another customer without written approval.

  • May only be used towards future bookings.

  • Will exclude any original postage costs unless otherwise agreed.

 

 

Our Decision

All refund requests, store credit requests, and compensation claims are assessed individually.

The Dress Hire Society reserves the right to approve or decline any request where it believes the Terms & Conditions have not been complied with or where circumstances fall outside our refund policy.

By placing a booking, you acknowledge and agree to this Refund, Cancellation and Store Credit Policy.


Postage & Delivery

The Dress Hire Society takes every reasonable step to ensure your rental arrives in time for your event. However, once your order has been dispatched, delivery timeframes are subject to the courier network and are outside of our control.

By placing a booking, you acknowledge and accept the following delivery terms.

 

 

Dispatch Timeframes

Rental garments are generally dispatched approximately 2–5 days prior to your event using NZ Post Overnight Courier.

Dispatch dates may vary depending on weekends, public holidays, garment availability, cleaning schedules, and courier operating times.

The Dress Hire Society reserves the right to dispatch garments earlier where necessary to ensure timely delivery.

 

 

Courier Delivery

All courier orders are sent using NZ Post's commercial overnight courier service.

Although most parcels arrive on the next business day after dispatch, overnight delivery is not guaranteed by NZ Post.

Delivery delays caused by NZ Post, severe weather, natural disasters, public holidays, transport disruptions, or any circumstances beyond our reasonable control do not constitute a breach of this agreement.

Where appropriate, The Dress Hire Society may offer store credit or a date transfer entirely at our discretion.

 

 

Rural Deliveries

Additional charges apply to rural delivery addresses.

Rural deliveries generally require an additional 1–2 business days in transit.

Customers selecting a rural address accept the increased likelihood of delivery delays.

We strongly recommend using a non-rural delivery address wherever possible.

Orders will not be dispatched earlier solely because a rural address has been selected.

 

 

Booking Cut-Off Times

To ensure sufficient time for delivery, courier bookings for weekend rentals close at:

1:00pm every Wednesday

unless otherwise advised due to public holidays or exceptional circumstances.

Orders placed after this cut-off may be cancelled and refunded if we are unable to fulfil the booking.

 

 

Customer Responsibility

It is the customer's responsibility to:

  • Enter the correct delivery address.

  • Select the correct shipping option.

  • Ensure someone is available to receive the parcel where required.

  • Monitor tracking information once dispatched.

  • Collect the parcel promptly once delivered.

The Dress Hire Society accepts no responsibility for delays or losses resulting from incorrect shipping information supplied by the customer.

 

 

Delivery Responsibility

Responsibility for the rental transfers to the customer once the parcel has been marked as Delivered by NZ Post.

Once delivery has been confirmed by the courier, The Dress Hire Society is not responsible for:

  • Lost parcels after delivery.

  • Theft after delivery.

  • Damage occurring after delivery.

  • Parcels left unattended.

  • Incorrect delivery instructions supplied by the customer.

Customers may be liable for the full replacement cost of any garment lost, stolen, or damaged after confirmed delivery.

 

 

Travelling Before Delivery

If you intend to travel before your event or will be away from your nominated delivery address, you must notify The Dress Hire Society before dispatch.

If your parcel arrives after you have left your address and you did not advise us beforehand, no refund, compensation, or store credit will be provided.

 

 

Delayed Deliveries

Should your parcel be delayed by NZ Post and arrive after your event, The Dress Hire Society may, at its sole discretion, offer:

  • Store credit (excluding postage); or

  • A transfer of your booking to another available date.

To be eligible for any consideration, the garment must be returned within 2 days of delivery.

Late bookings are excluded from this policy.

 

 

Incorrect Shipping Information

Customers are solely responsible for ensuring all shipping information provided during checkout is accurate.

Where incorrect information results in:

  • Delivery delays;

  • Returned parcels;

  • Lost parcels;

  • Additional courier charges; or

  • Replacement costs,

the customer will be responsible for all associated expenses.

 

 

Return Postage

A prepaid return satchel is supplied with every posted rental unless otherwise advised.

All garments must be lodged over the counter at an NZ Post branch before 12:00pm on the next business day following your event.

Customers must not place return satchels into NZ Post drop boxes.

Drop box returns can delay parcel scanning and may result in unnecessary late fees.

The Dress Hire Society accepts no responsibility for delays caused by customers failing to lodge returns correctly.

 

 

Lost Return Satchels

If your prepaid return satchel is lost or damaged, you must notify us immediately.

Alternative return instructions will be provided.

Any additional postage costs incurred due to a lost return satchel may be charged to the customer.

Tracking details must be provided for all alternative return methods.

 

 

Local Pickup Orders

Customers selecting local pickup must collect their rental during the agreed collection window.

Pickup rentals must be returned no later than 8:00pm on the next business day following the event, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Failure to return a pickup rental by the agreed deadline will result in late fees being applied.

 

 

Delivery Liability

The Dress Hire Society is not liable for delays, losses, or additional costs arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Courier delays.

  • Weather events.

  • Road closures.

  • Natural disasters.

  • Public holidays.

  • Industrial action.

  • Network disruptions.

  • Events outside our reasonable control.

By placing a booking, you acknowledge and accept all delivery and postage terms outlined above.

Damage, Loss & Replacement Fees

The Dress Hire Society takes great pride in maintaining our garments to the highest possible standard. By placing a booking, you agree to return all garments in the same condition in which they were received, allowing for reasonable wear associated with normal use.

The renter accepts full responsibility for the garment from the time it is collected or marked as delivered until it has been returned to The Dress Hire Society and accepted back into our possession.

 

 

Damage to Garments

Customers are responsible for taking reasonable care of all rental garments throughout the rental period.

Damage includes, but is not limited to:

  • Rips or tears

  • Broken zips or fastenings

  • Pulled threads or snagged fabric

  • Burn marks

  • Makeup stains

  • Fake tan stains

  • Food or drink stains

  • Mud or grass stains

  • Wax damage

  • Missing buttons or embellishments

  • Missing straps or accessories

  • Stretching or distortion of the garment

  • Permanent odours

  • Water damage

  • Pet damage

  • Any damage beyond normal wear and tear

If a garment is returned with damage, the renter agrees to pay all reasonable costs associated with cleaning, repairs, restoration, or replacement.

 

 

Cleaning Costs

Professional cleaning is included in every rental.

Customers must not attempt to wash, dry-clean, steam, bleach, iron, repair or alter a garment themselves.

Improper cleaning or attempted repairs may permanently damage delicate fabrics and may result in the customer being charged for the full replacement value of the garment.

If excessive cleaning is required due to avoidable stains or misuse, additional professional cleaning costs may be charged to the renter.

 

 

Repair Costs

Where a garment can be professionally repaired, the renter will be responsible for all repair costs.

The Dress Hire Society reserves the sole right to determine:

  • Whether a garment can be repaired;

  • Who completes the repairs;

  • Whether repairs are suitable for future rentals.

Repair costs will be determined once an assessment has been completed.

 

 

Irreparable Damage

If a garment is deemed beyond economical repair, permanently damaged, significantly altered, or unsuitable for future hire, the renter agrees to pay up to the full Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of the garment.

The replacement value of each garment is listed within the product description on our website.

Payment of the replacement fee does not transfer ownership of the garment to the renter.

All garments remain the property of The Dress Hire Society at all times, including garments that have been damaged beyond repair.

 

 

Lost or Stolen Garments

If a garment is:

  • Lost;

  • Stolen;

  • Destroyed;

  • Misplaced;

  • Not returned; or

  • Returned in an unusable condition,

the renter will be liable for:

  • Up to the full replacement value (RRP) of the garment;

  • Any associated freight or sourcing costs;

  • Outstanding late fees;

  • Lost rental income where future bookings are affected; and

  • Any reasonable recovery costs incurred.

 

 

Loss of Rental Income

If damage or late return prevents a garment from being hired to another customer, The Dress Hire Society reserves the right to recover any reasonable loss of rental income resulting from cancelled or affected bookings.

This includes circumstances where:

  • A garment requires unexpected repairs;

  • Professional cleaning delays future bookings;

  • A replacement garment must be sourced;

  • Future bookings must be cancelled due to the garment being unavailable.

 

 

Replacement Payments

Where a replacement fee is payable, payment must be made within 30 days of notification unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Where appropriate, The Dress Hire Society may agree to a reasonable payment arrangement.

Failure to make payment may result in the debt being referred to a debt collection agency or legal proceedings being commenced.

The customer will be responsible for any reasonable recovery costs, debt collection fees, legal costs, court filing fees, and associated expenses incurred in recovering unpaid amounts.

 

 

Failure to Return a Garment

All garments must be returned by the agreed return deadline unless an extension has been approved in writing.

If a garment is not returned and we are unable to contact you, The Dress Hire Society reserves the right to take any action reasonably necessary to recover the garment.

This may include:

  • Charging late fees;

  • Charging the full replacement value of the garment;

  • Recovering any lost rental income;

  • Referring the matter to a debt collection agency;

  • Commencing legal proceedings;

  • Reporting the garment as lost or stolen to the appropriate authorities where appropriate.

 

 

Late Fees

A late fee of $25 per garment, per day applies to every rental not returned by the required deadline.

Late fees continue to accrue until:

  • The garment has been returned; or

  • The replacement value of the garment has been paid.

Late fees are separate from any repair, replacement, cleaning, legal, recovery or loss of rental income charges.

 

 

Assessment of Damage

All garments are photographed, inspected and assessed before dispatch and again upon return.

The Dress Hire Society reserves the sole right to determine whether damage exceeds normal wear and tear and to assess any applicable cleaning, repair or replacement costs.

By placing a booking, you acknowledge and agree that our assessment of the garment's condition will be used when determining any charges under this agreement.

 

 

Acceptance of Liability

By placing a booking with The Dress Hire Society, you accept full responsibility for the garment throughout the rental period and agree to pay any reasonable costs arising from loss, theft, damage, excessive cleaning, repairs, replacement, late return, recovery, or loss of rental income in accordance with these Terms & Conditions.

Garment Care & Customer Responsibilities

At The Dress Hire Society, we take great pride in providing professionally cleaned, high-quality designer garments. While normal wear is expected, every renter is responsible for taking reasonable care of their garment throughout the rental period.

By placing a booking, you agree to follow the care instructions outlined below.

 

 

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning is included in every rental.

Customers must not:

  • Wash the garment.

  • Dry clean the garment.

  • Spot clean the garment.

  • Steam the garment unless instructed.

  • Iron the garment.

  • Alter the garment.

  • Repair the garment.

  • Remove stains using household products.

Attempting to clean or repair a garment yourself may cause permanent damage and may result in additional cleaning charges or payment of the garment's full replacement value.

If a significant stain, spill or accident occurs during your rental period, please contact The Dress Hire Society as soon as possible so we can advise you on the most appropriate course of action.

 

 

Preventing Damage

Customers are expected to take reasonable care while wearing all rental garments.

Please take extra care around:

  • Red wine and coloured drinks

  • Food and oils

  • Makeup and lipstick

  • Fake tan and tanning products

  • Perfume and body oils

  • Hairspray

  • Glitter and body shimmer

  • Cigarette smoke

  • Candles and open flames

  • Pets

  • Wet or muddy environments

Many designer fabrics are delicate and require additional care.

Avoid sitting on rough surfaces including concrete, brick, timber decking, rocks or gravel where possible.

 

 

Jewellery & Accessories

Please exercise caution when wearing:

  • Rings

  • Bracelets

  • Watches

  • Necklaces

  • Earrings

  • Handbags

  • Belts

  • High heels with embellishments

Sharp edges and embellishments can easily pull delicate fabrics, lace, mesh, sequins and beading.

Damage caused by accessories may result in repair or replacement charges.

 

 

Alterations

Garments must not be altered in any way.

This includes but is not limited to:

  • Hemming

  • Pinning

  • Sewing

  • Cutting

  • Taping permanently

  • Using fabric glue

  • Removing padding

  • Removing straps

  • Adding alterations

Any unauthorised alteration may result in the customer being charged the cost of restoring or replacing the garment.

 

 

Respect for Our Garments

Our garments are premium designer pieces that are shared among many customers.

We kindly ask that every renter treats each garment with care and respect so it can be enjoyed by future customers.

Customers should avoid any activity that is reasonably likely to cause unnecessary damage.

 

 

Minor Signs of Wear

As our garments are genuine rental pieces that are professionally cleaned and worn by multiple customers, minor signs of previous wear may occasionally be present.

These may include minor fabric softening, small internal repairs, light wear to hems, or other insignificant imperfections that do not affect the appearance or wearability of the garment.

These minor signs of wear do not qualify for refunds, compensation or store credit.

If you have any concerns regarding the condition of your garment, you must notify us within 8 hours of receiving it and before wearing the garment.

 

 

Wearing the Garment

The rented garment is for the sole use of the individual named on the booking.

Garments must not be:

  • Shared with another person.

  • Loaned to another individual.

  • Sub-rented.

  • Used for commercial purposes.

  • Used for photoshoots, promotional campaigns, or business purposes without prior written approval from The Dress Hire Society.

Requests for another individual to wear the garment may be considered at our discretion if approved in writing before the rental commences.

Unauthorised use may result in additional charges and refusal of future bookings.

 

 

Responsibility During the Rental

The renter accepts full responsibility for the garment from the time it is collected or marked as delivered until it has been safely returned to The Dress Hire Society.

The renter remains responsible for any damage, loss or theft occurring during this period, regardless of whether the garment is in their possession or has been loaned to another person without approval.

 

 

Reporting Damage

If any damage, staining or accident occurs during your rental period, you must notify The Dress Hire Society as soon as reasonably possible.

Early notification allows us to arrange repairs or professional treatment promptly and may reduce further damage to the garment.

Failure to report damage does not remove the renter's responsibility for any associated repair, cleaning or replacement costs.

 

 

Acceptance of Responsibility

By placing a booking with The Dress Hire Society, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Garment Care Policy and agree to take all reasonable care to protect the garment throughout your rental period.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in additional cleaning, repair, replacement or other charges in accordance with these Terms & Conditions.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, The Dress Hire Society shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or economic loss or damage arising from or in connection with the use, hire, delivery, collection, or return of any rental garment.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Missed events or functions.

  • Missed photographs or photo opportunities.

  • Emotional distress or disappointment.

  • Travel or accommodation expenses.

  • Loss of income.

  • Courier delays.

  • Weather events.

  • Public holidays.

  • Natural disasters.

  • Road closures.

  • Mechanical failures.

  • Industrial action.

  • Events beyond our reasonable control.

  • Loss or damage occurring after a parcel has been marked as delivered by the courier.

While we take every reasonable care to ensure garments are professionally cleaned, inspected, and dispatched in excellent condition, customers acknowledge that rental garments are pre-worn and may display minor signs of normal wear that do not affect the garment's overall appearance or functionality.

Nothing within these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits any rights that cannot legally be excluded under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, or any other applicable New Zealand legislation.

Where our liability cannot legally be excluded, our maximum liability shall be limited to the amount paid by the customer for the relevant rental booking.

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