TERMS & CONDITIONS

PLEASE NOTE: I do not alter garments that is not made by myself.

QUOTATIONS (valid for 28 days)

The initial quote given is in consideration of the information you provide at the initial consultation (design, embellishments etc). Should any changes to the design develop, the quote will change.
Your commission time-slot will only be secured once your deposit has been paid. I serve my customers on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Your place in my schedule cannot be secured without payment of the deposit.
Materials/fabrics will not be included in the quote.

DEPOSITS

As my schedule is very full, and often booked out months in advance, your place in my schedule can only be confirmed upon payment of the initial deposit. For bridal this is 50%. I work on a ‘first-come, first-deposit-paid’ basis. Payment of the deposit will confirm your acceptance of these terms and conditions. Unfortunately, the deposit is not refundable in the event of cancellation.
I will have no obligation to commence work on any item until I receive from you written acceptance of these terms and conditions together with the requested 50% deposit payment and any materials that you are providing.

WORKING TOGETHER

I take great pride in my work and strive to provide an exceptional product and service for my valued customers. I am thrilled that you have chosen me to make you a luxurious garment and I promise to do all I can to make your experience a positive and memorable one.
If you have any concerns about fit, garment design, or anything else during the process, please raise them as soon as possible during scheduled fittings. Once the garment is finished and you have paid for it, it is deemed that it fulfil the contract and you have accepted it as it is.
As part of my commitment to providing you with the best possible experience, I do not send pictures of the garment-making process over the phone. Instead, I encourage you to take pictures during the fittings at the studio. This adjustment is aimed at enhancing the overall fitting experience, allowing you to witness the progress firsthand and make any necessary adjustments in real-time.
I kindly ask that all adjustments and concerns related to your garment, only be shared with me during the fittings. This will enable my team to provide immediate attention to any modifications needed and ensure that the final product meets your expectations.
To facilitate efficient communication, I would like to reserve messaging via Whatsapp exclusively for scheduling appointments. This will help us maintain a clear and organised channel for arranging fittings and addressing any logistical matters promptly.

DEADLINES

I will do my utmost best to meet deadlines if you tell me about them at the initial consultation.
Completing your order on time may require you to provide me with certain necessary information such as the design, photographs, attend fitting sessions, or to complete scheduled payments on time.
If you have to cancel a fitting appointment, scheduling a replacement may be affected by other work commitments, and may affect any deadline.
Acceptance of urgent work is at my discretion and will attract a premium charge. I understand the importance of punctuality and refuse to disappoint once commissioned, therefore I will not accept urgent work if I do not feel certain of meeting your deadline.

REFUND POLICY

Unfortunately, I do not provide a refund if you have simply changed your mind about an item you have partly or fully paid for.
However, I will happily provide a refund, exchange or repair as required under South African Law.

CANCELATION POLACY

A 50% deposit is payable at the time of booking to enable commencement of work on your order, to the exclusion of any other potential customers.
Unfortunately, this deposit is not refundable in the event of cancellation.
I will happily refund any payments made over this amount minus our reasonable costs for:
a) work already commenced (including concept design, measurement and cutting) charged at our
standard hourly rate (R150p/h); and
b) materials purchased for your order.
However, completed orders will incur full payment.
Regretfully, forfeited deposits cannot be counted as ‘credit’ toward future orders.

MEASUREMENTS

I will take a complete set of measurements at the time of order and will make the garment(s) according to these measurements. My expertise in taking measurements for the creation of unique patterns is part of the service.
For ‘long distance’ fittings, measurements will be supplied by the client. Your pattern will be made to the measurements you provide and I cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of measurements taken. Please take measurements over the undergarments and/or clothes you intend to wear with your garment.
Where a weight loss plan, pregnancy, or illness/recovery is a factor, please let us know so that I may plan your garment(s) appropriately.
If a dramatic weight loss or gain occurs in between fittings, you will be charged for any extra time spent creating additional mock ups/patterns or making changes to your garment.

FITTINGS AND APPOINTMENTS

I see clients by appointment only. Fittings are held in my studio (located in Potchefstroom, South Africa). Fittings may be held at a location more convenient to you, but will incur a travel charge of R5.00 per km from my studio to your location and back. The fitting itself incurs no additional charge as it is already included in the service.
You must bring to any fitting appointments the underwear and shoes that you intend to wear with the completed garment. (I will advise you at the first meeting when it will be necessary for you to bring these items).
I will be able to conduct fittings between 9am and 5pm. Fittings outside these times can sometimes be accommodated, by special arrangement only.
Appointments last up to an hour from the appointment time. Longer appointments may apply for the fitting of multiple or complex garments such as bridal gowns or corsets. Expect several fittings; garment(s) take time, skill and patience.
Please come to your fittings alone, unless arranged prior.
Please contact me at least 48 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule appointments.

MATERIALS

At the initial consultation, fabrics and embellishments will be discussed. Luxurious, high quality materials are usually sourced by myself on your behalf as part of the service. Materials are purchased by the client, as it will not be included in the quote.
Where you intend to supply any materials, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are fit for the intended purpose. I reserve the right to refuse to work with unsuitable materials. I will be available to advise and recommend suitable materials (included as part of the service). If you insist on a fabric that is inappropriate, there can be no guarantee of a satisfactory final result.
If providing fabrics, you should buy no less than the quantity of fabric required for your garment(s) as advised by me. Inadequate amounts will affect our ability to complete the garment(s) as agreed upon in your contract.
Any leftover materials supplied will remain my property.

PATTERNS
All patterns drafted for your garment(s) will remain the property of Helena the Label and are not for sale.

PAYMENT AND CANCELATION

I generally accept payments in 3-8 instalments, depending on the total value.
Payment is accepted by one or a combination of the following means: Cash or Direct Deposit.
Once payment dates and amounts have been agreed upon it is your responsibility to make payments on time. Just as you are counting on the on-time completion of your order, I am counting on your on-time payment.
I understand sometimes things come up and you may need to change a payment date. You must let me know in advance so a new payment date can be arranged.
Due to my busy schedule, any delay in payment will result in your order being put on hold. A new completion date will be at my discretion as I cannot be expected to delay other clients’ orders. Orders can only be held for a maximum of three months before my cancellation policy comes into effect.
Payment in full is required before the garment(s) may be collected or dispatched. No exceptions. (Funds must land in my bank account prior to collection of completed garment(s). Please allow up to 3 business days for Direct Deposit transfer.)

GARMENT CARE, REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS

If in future your garment requires modification or repairs (due to general wear-and-tear or damage) I would be happy to assist you at our standard hourly rate. It is your responsibility to care for your garment and adhere to any care instructions as advised. If damage occurs because you did not follow our instructions any repairs are at your expense. If any damage occurs to your garment as a result of my craftsmanship it can be repaired free of charge, at my discretion. Every care is taken to ensure your garment(s) is of the highest quality. Please treat it with care and understand that as a garment of use, it will not remain pristine forever.