Lending vintage pieces for photoshoots

Vmode

Vmode

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Hi all,

I'm currently trying to get a collection of images together to promote my shop, and am organizing some collaborative projects with photographers & stylists to feature my pieces. I was wondering if anyone who has done this before can offer any advice on lending agreements etc. to help insure the garments' safe return!
I have worked with teams before who have borrowed my millinery work for shoots, but they are generally style samples that can be remade rather than one-off irreplacable pieces...

What's your experience?

Thanks!
Ava
 
Ava, I fill out a form with the details of the items they're borrowing and their details too - and then I get them to sign it, and I write down the date they will be returned (within a week). Then I take their credit card details, or if I don't know them, I ask them to pay for them and I refund when they're returned.

I generally charge for hires but of course, if you're getting a guaranteed benefit too, it's understandable that you'd waive it.
 
Make sure you get a date wheyou get your stuff back and something signed that they will pay for damaged items.

I am still waiting for the things I lent to W Mazazine Korea.... Very annoying it's been three weeks, now.....

One big tip is to make sure they know the clothing us fragile and to make sure models are not wearing perfume ect. and that if something does not fit don't force it on....
 
Thanks guys, I mocked up a quick release form earlier with the contact name + tel no, item inventory, date released and due back, and signature space, but hadn't thought of the card details!
I'm putting together care guidelines also so will add the perfume thang onto those, Yumyum :) Here's a simplified rundown, if there's anything you can think to add let me know..

-Due to the nature of vintage garments, and particularly those with delicate fabrics, they require more care than modern garments when handling
-Metal zip fastenings can be more sensitive than our modern nylon ones so zip the dresses up slowly
-The chiffon type materials can pick up surface marks easily, if they could be kept covered when not in use that would be great
-If you need to clip in the backs etc. please use a rubberized clip to avoid snagging the fabric, similarly when using any potentially 'spiky' accessories
-Please avoid getting any make up/powder on the necks/arms of the garments, this will incur a dry cleaning payment

(I once made an ivory headpiece with satin binding and lining, and it was returned BROWN underneath from the make up, so that's something I'm deffinately highlighting!)

A question regarding hiring pieces out, is the hire price based on a percentage of the sale value?

A.
 
My hire price is generally half the retail price, plus half as a deposit (total equals the full retail price, so essentially I sell them the piece and then refund half when it comes back in the same condition). My minimum hire is $70 per outfit, similar to costume hire shops but of course, am happy to negotiate under an array of circumstances.

I wouldn't worry about writing a list of conditions: just make it clear to them that they need to come back in the same condition or charges will apply. If you worry too much, you won't want to let them use your stock! I've never had a problem since charging (when I used to do it for free, getting the stock back was hard sometimes) although a few times someone has liked it so much they've just kept it/bought it. I don't mind that at all and it's easy if they've effectively already paid for it!
 
Be specific about how they try on clothing you have to tell them not to force garments on..... I have seen models treat the clothing like carp..... Tossit on the floor playing dress up ugh huh.

Nicole.... With w magazine they told me they only pay twenty percent on rentals....this is after they had my clothing....I think fifty percents more fair...
 
That's super helpful Nicole, thanks! One of the images from a recent Mod shoot is my avatar, pleased to say everything was returned speedily and in tip top condition :)

A.
 
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