Purchase Policies

We have a few policies that must be considered when you make a purchase.  

By completing a payment—whether online through TidewaterDancewear.com or via invoice—Client confirms they have read, understood, and agree to all Tidewater Dancewear Purchase Policies and Terms and Conditions, which are publicly available on the website and form a legally binding agreement.

• Purchase Policy and Terms and Conditions

• 1. Purpose of this Policy and Terms and Conditions: This information  sets the professional terms of purchase, the policies that govern the purchase and the conditions under which Tidewater Dancewear (“Designer”) creates an online sale or a custom dance costume (“Garment”) for the Client. It defines expectations for design, communication, revisions, sourcing, payment, and timelines to protect both parties and ensure a clear, efficient process.

• 2. Custom Costume Non-Refundable Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is due at project start. It reserves production time and compensates for immediate design and sourcing work. non refundable deposits apply to the final balance as seen on the invoice but are not refundable for any reason, including cancellation,termination, client indecision, or delays caused by post-approval changes. 

• 3. Design Process and Revisions: Client receives an initial AI rendering based on discussions and artistic direction. One (1) design change is included at no charge. Each subsequent revision/iteration is billed at $40/hour, payable before fabric purchase or further work. After any revision, Client must provide written approval of the final rendering, confirmed by email. Once received, the design is finalized and moves to sourcing/construction.

• 3A. AI Concept Images and Real World Variations: Any AI-generated image or digital rendering provided during design is a conceptual visualization only. On screen colors, proportions, and embellishment detail will vary from real materials due to monitor calibration, lighting, texture, and dye lots as well as actual tangible products being in existence or not. AI is fallible and does not translate directly to patterning or construction and the AI image is not a promise or a prototype. The Designer will interpret and execute to the best of their professional ability at the time of production. Differences between an AI image and the finished garment are not grounds for complaint, discount, or refund.Any AI-generated concept is a visual suggestion, not a technical blueprint or guaranteed likeness. It is understood as a creative reference only, not a physical sample or contractual representation of the finished garment. 

• 4. Sourcing and Material Substitutions: Designer sources fabrics, trims, and embellishments through verified suppliers; tasks include inventory checks, jobbing yardage, color/hand evaluation, and coordination of notions, threads, elastics, and trims. If an item is unavailable/backordered/discontinued, Designer will notify Client and substitute the closest appropriate alternative in quality, tone, and intent. Exact matches cannot be guaranteed. 

• 5. Approved Supplier Policy: Designer purchases only from an approved list of vendors to protect quality and financial security. Designer will not transact with unverified sellers. Client may not provide their own fabrics or trims. Any attempt to do so results in immediate termination of the contract; deposits are retained for time already invested (communication, renderings, sourcing).Any attempt by Client to supply their own materials constitutes breach of contract. Designer will terminate the project immediately and retain all deposits and payments to date for time and costs already incurred.

• 6. Time Logging and Unseen Costs: Pre production labor (design, communication, renderings, supplier correspondence, sampling, testing, pricing, and schedule planning) is logged as professional time and covered in part by the deposit.

• 7. Design Finalization and Fabric Purchase: Upon Client’s signed approval of the final rendering, Designer purchases materials and begins preparation. Any design change after materials are purchased constitutes a new project under a new agreement. All prior deposits and payments are retained and non-transferable.

• 8. Production Timelines: Completion dates depend on final approval date, material availability, and the active production queue. Revisions, delayed approvals, or late responses by Client automatically extend timelines; Designer is not liable for delays caused by such factors.

• 9. Refunds, Cancellations and Termination: Absolutely NO refunds for any reason during any and all processes during the commitment.  NO REFUNDS. All deposits are non refundable. NO REFUNDS After production begins, Client is responsible for the full project balance. Designer may terminate a project for non payment, policy violations, or unprofessional conduct; funds paid to date are retained to cover work performed and materials committed. NO REFUNDS All sales are final, no refunds, exchanges, chargebacks or PayPal disputes, no Paypal escalations, Legal actions initiated contrary to this agreement will be defended to the full extent permitted by law, with Designer entitled to recover related legal costs including costs of travel to dispute, all legal fees and transport fees to abide in court ruling decisions.  NO REFUNDS Due to the nature of the garment being a custom piece there are absolutely NO REFUNDS.  This is standard policy across the entire network of custom costumes and costumers for hire.  Absolutely NO REFUNDS. No use of loopholes or any herein omissions for any possible way to obtain a refund.  There are no ways to think up any possible scenario and  to be used as cause for grounds of refund.  There are absolutely NO REFUNDS allowed under any condition, circumstance, financial setback, buyer remorse or any other means.  NO REFUNDS PERIOD. no use of terminology such as "I didn't know there were no refunds" "I was not told there was a no refund policy' "I was not told by the manufacturer of the refund policy"  "I didn't understand the refund policy" "I didn't read the refund policy"  and any other and all other statements.  There are NO REFUNDS.  by this writing of statement of Purchase Policy and Terms and Conditions being readily available for view on the tidewaterdancewear.com website it is posted as knowldege and is considered legal and binding in all transactions.

• 10. Intellectual Property and Image Rights: All designs, renderings, photos, and construction notes are the intellectual property of Tidewater Dancewear. Client and any third party (including other designers) are strictly prohibited from duplicating, reproducing, reverse-engineering, or creating derivative designs based on Tidewater Dancewear concepts or images, whether in whole or in part. Designer may photograph and display the completed Garment for portfolio and marketing purposes.

• 11. Outstanding Balances and Payment Terms Invoices follow the agreed schedule. Unpaid balances may place production on hold, pause shipments, and incur late fees. Designer may seek full collection before accepting new work from Client. Any deposit that remains unpaid past 5 days will immediately terminate the contract agreement and any new commitment will be sent to the bottom of the production line and all estimated shipping dates and shipping schedules will be forfeited.

• 12. Post Delivery Acceptance All packages are traced and proof of delivery is given by the carrier by email and photo evidence.  Client must inspect the Garment within 24 hours of delivery and report any of the following: rips, tears, broken seams, exceptionally erroneous sizing not attributed to dancer growth or loss of weight, this must be reported immediately in writing or by phone call to 1-778-686-2081 within the 24-hour window. The lead contact to which the delivery was made is considered the person of authority to making this inspection and it is not the responsibility of Tidewater Dancewear and any of its employees if the garment was held past the 24 hour period and no inspection was made or given notice of issues mentioned in the list above.  If no notice is received within 24 hours of delivery, or if the garment is worn for rehearsal, fitting, if alterations are made, worn for performance or held or retained for performance and not worn, or worn for photography use, it is deemed accepted in full working and aesthetic condition and no claims will be accepted for review thereafter.

• The 24-hour window begins upon carrier-confirmed delivery. Failure to report qualifying issues in writing within that period constitutes full acceptance of the garment in satisfactory condition.

• 13. Professional Communication

• All parties agree to respectful, professional communication. Aggressive, hostile, defamatory, or harassing messages from the Client, family members, or representatives will result in immediate suspension or termination of the contract. All work ceases immediately, and all payments to date are forfeited and retained for time lost and disruption. Use of spousal or financial pressure, buyer remorse, or any tactic to obtain a refund is strictly forbidden.

• 14. Chargeback and Dispute Policy

• Client agrees not to file chargebacks, reversals, or payment disputes through any payment processor, financial institution, or third-party intermediary once work has begun. Unauthorized disputes constitute breach of this agreement and may result in recovery of all fees, damages, and legal costs through formal collection or court action. As all garments are custom made and the policy clearly states that all sales are final, there are NO REFUNDS, absolutely NO REFUNDS or exchanges on ALL items.

• 15. Shipping and Customs

• Once handed to a carrier, Designer is not responsible for transit delays, customs processing times, or import duties/taxes. International clients are responsible for all brokerage, duty, or tax assessed by carriers or border agencies. Risk of loss transfers to the Client upon carrier acceptance. Once an item has left the shop and is confirmed as shipped, Tidewater Dancewear is no longer responsible for the item and the sale is considered closed.

• 16. Late Payments and Production Holds

• Any unpaid balance places production on immediate hold; deadlines extend by the same number of days payment is late. Balances more than 14 days overdue will be sent to immediate collection, and the Client will be responsible for all costs incurred for the charges of collections.

• 17. Artistic Interpretation

• Costume-making involves creative judgment. Minor variations in embellishment placement, proportion, or construction are inherent to handmade garments. Designer retains final discretion necessary for durability, safety, and artistic integrity.

• 18. Alterations Policy

• Minor fit adjustments are common and expected due to dancer growth or measurement variance. Tolerance within ½–1 inch across body points is considered standard. Alteration costs are the Client’s responsibility. From the time measurements are supplied to the delivery date, the dancer may experience physical changes; Tidewater Dancewear is not responsible for discrepancies resulting from such changes or inaccurate measurements. Patterns are selected from standard professional pattern blocks that align as closely as possible with provided measurements; they are not drafted individually. Tidewater Dancewear does not reimburse alteration costs and does not accept returns for standard fit adjustments.

• 19. Studio Director Approval

• When an Artistic Director or authorized studio representative approves a design, that approval is binding on all participating families. Individual families waive any right to revisions, refunds, or replacements after group approval. All communications must go through the designated lead contact; Tidewater Dancewear will not engage directly with other parties on the same order.

• 20. Financial Responsibility

• Designer is not responsible for household disagreements, budget pressures, or buyer remorse. By signing or accepting this agreement, the Client is legally bound to make payment in full by the due date. Clients on a payment plan agree that all installments are payable as scheduled, even if items are added or removed. By agreeing to recurring payments through Stripe, the Client authorizes automatic charges to the designated payment method on each due date without additional notice.

• 21. Confidentiality and Reputation

• Client agrees not to make false, defamatory, or malicious statements about Tidewater Dancewear in public or private forums, whether spoken, written, or recorded. Fair, factual feedback through lawful review platforms does not constitute breach. Violation of this clause may result in refusal of future business and legal action.

• Growth Changes

• Tidewater Dancewear is not responsible for dancer growth before, during, or after the order process. There will be no refunds or exchanges for fit changes resulting from growth or physical development.

• Business Hours

• Our regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. PST. We respond to inquiries during these hours. We are closed weekends and all major holidays.

• 22. Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Legal Fees

• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. All disputes, claims, or actions arising from or related to any transaction with Tidewater Dancewear (“Designer”) shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of the Province of British Columbia, Canada.

• Client acknowledges and agrees that any legal proceedings must be filed and heard within British Columbia, Canada, regardless of the Client’s country of residence, and waives any objection to venue or jurisdiction.

• In the event Tidewater Dancewear prevails in any legal dispute, collection action, or enforcement proceeding, the Client shall be responsible for all reasonable legal fees, filing fees, collection fees, enforcement costs, court costs, and any other related expenses incurred by Tidewater Dancewear in pursuing or enforcing its rights.

• Judgments obtained in British Columbia may be registered and enforced in other jurisdictions in accordance with applicable international and domestic laws, and all costs associated with such enforcement shall be recoverable from the Client.