(Effective 21/08/2025)
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the provision of dressmaking, bridal alterations, eveningwear alterations, and associated services by The Crafty Seamstress (“the Service Provider”, “we”, “us”, “our”) to the client (“you”, “your”). By engaging our services, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Engagement of Services
1.1 These Terms apply to all services provided by the Service Provider unless expressly varied in writing and signed by both parties.
1.2 Acceptance of a quotation or payment of any deposit constitutes acceptance of these Terms.
1.3 All custom dressmaking services require the client to enter into a formal written contract, in addition to these Terms. Work will not commence until the contract has been signed and any required deposit has been paid.
2. Consultations, Quotations and Scope
2.1 All consultations are by appointment only.
2.2 Written quotations are valid for fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of issue, unless otherwise stated.
2.3 Quotations are based on the information and requirements provided at the time of consultation. Any subsequent changes to the garment design, fit, materials, or scope of work will be deemed a variation and may result in additional charges.
2.4 We reserve the right to decline work where, in our professional opinion, the requested service is not achievable to a satisfactory standard or within the required timeframe.

3. Appointments and Fittings
3.1 You agree to attend all scheduled fittings on time. Late arrival may result in the appointment being shortened or rescheduled.
3.2 Failure to attend scheduled appointments without at least forty-eight (48) hours’ notice may incur a missed appointment fee.
3.3 We accept no responsibility for a garment not fitting as desired if:
a) you fail to attend required fittings;
b) there are changes to your body measurements after fittings have commenced; or
c) the garment is altered elsewhere after our work has been completed.

4. Pricing and Payment
4.1 Due to the time, skill, and precision involved, custom dressmaking and bridal/eveningwear alterations generally incur higher charges than standard off-the-rack garment alterations. In most cases, the cost of such services will exceed the original retail purchase price of the garment.
4.2 A booking deposit of $50 is payable to secure the appointment. If you proceed with the works as quoted, the $50 deposit will be deducted from your final invoice. If you choose not to proceed with the works quoted, the $50 deposit is non-refundable as it represents a genuine pre-estimate of the loss suffered by the Service Provider in the event of cancellation, including but not limited to administrative time and loss of reserved appointment slots.
4.3 The balance of fees is payable in full prior to or upon collection of the garment.
4.4 Payments may be made by Cash, Bank Transfer, Stripe, or NAB EasyTap.
4.5 Garments will not be released until all amounts due have been paid in full.

4.6 For services $400 or more, a 30% deposit of the total quoted amount is required upon acceptance of the quote/invoice. The $50 consultation fee is credited toward this deposit.

4.7 Bridal alterations with a deadline of 8 weeks or less will incur a rush fee of 30% to 80%, added to the quoted cost. The exact percentage depends on the complexity of the alterations.

5. Cancellations and Rescheduling
5.1 Deposits are non-refundable in the event of cancellation by the client.
5.2 Rescheduling is subject to our availability and must be requested with a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours’ notice.
5.3 Where work has commenced and the client cancels prior to completion, the client remains liable for all costs incurred and work performed up to the cancellation date.

6. Garment Care and Limitation of Liability
6.1 We exercise all reasonable skill and care in handling garments but accept no liability for:
a) inherent weaknesses or defects in fabrics, materials, or trims;
b) damage arising from pre-existing wear, manufacturing faults, or deterioration; or
c) changes in colour, texture, or finish resulting from the alteration process where such changes are a foreseeable consequence of the work.
6.2 All garments must be provided in a clean and odour-free condition. We reserve the right to refuse work on soiled or damaged garments.
6.3 Our liability is strictly limited to the re-performance of the services or a refund of fees paid for the service in question, at our sole discretion. We are not liable for consequential or indirect loss.
6.4 We hold appropriate business insurances to protect both our business and clients; however, these insurances do not override the limitations of liability described in these Terms.

7. Completion, Collection and Storage
7.1 You will be notified upon completion of the garment.
7.2 Garments must be collected within fourteen (14) calendar days of notification, unless prior arrangements are agreed in writing.
7.3 Storage fees of $20 per week may apply to uncollected garments.
7.4 If the garment is not collected within ninety (90) calendar days of completion, and after the Service Provider has issued at least one written notice to the client’s last known contact details, the garment will be deemed abandoned. The Service Provider may then donate or dispose of the garment at its discretion, and the client releases the Service Provider from any and all liability in relation to such disposal.

8. Variations Post-Completion
Any changes requested after the garment has been completed will be treated as a new service and charged in accordance with our standard rates.

9. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or failure to perform where such delays or failures are caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to illness, supply chain disruption, postal or freight delays, or extreme weather.

10. Intellectual Property
All sketches, designs, patterns, and related intellectual property created in the course of providing services remain the property of the Service Provider, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing. Clients are granted a non-exclusive licence to use the finished garment for personal use only.

11. Photography and Promotion
With your express consent, we may photograph garments for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, our website, and marketing materials. Consent may be withdrawn at any time in writing.

12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Western Australia. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Western Australia and any courts competent to hear appeals from those courts.