Back to Resources & Information
Q: When do I ask for a quote?
A: Ask for a quote any time that quotes are open. We announce quote request openings/closing on the website, journal, and online galleries. Quotes for a particular batch close starting one week before commissions open.
Q: How do I ask for a quote?
A: Refer to this journal entry on the best way to ask for a quote.
Q: How does commission opening day work?
A: Commission slots always fill very fast, and not everyone who is interested will get a spot. Commissions are more or less first-come-first-served, although there are many exceptions. We give a lot of priority to commercial and film ventures. Some priority is given to people who have been in contact with us for a long time and who haven’t had a chance yet; also to people with costumes that we particularly want to make (this usually means artistic liberty costumes). Also, since we take limited numbers of some items, we can’t accept all orders in the order received (for example, if all full-body costume slots are full, I’ll take the next mask, gloves and tail set in line, even if it means skipping requests for larger items).
Q: What can I do to maximize my chances of getting a slot?
A: Not everyone will get a commission spot, period, so be prepared that you may have to wait until next time. However, there are some things you can do in order to have a better chance: First, contact us well in advance of commission opening day, get your quote, and stay in touch. It’s easier to remember people who keep in touch with us, and we know that you’re interested. Second, and on that note, don’t ask us to contact you to let you know what’s going on. Check the journal, look for updates, and email us on the day we open for orders. We don’t have time, and won’t remember, to track you down. Third, we favor unique costumes, especially those that give us some freedom. For the sake of variety, we’re not going to take more than one red fox or black wolf per queue.
Q: How do I place an order/get in the batch?
A: On the day we open for orders, send us an email at the appropriate time (either that’s midnight on the day of, or some announced time of day). Don’t send the request in any form other than an email (Instant message, Livejournal note, Deviantart note, etc are not accepted). In your message, be sure to remind us of what costume you’re intending to commission as that saves time. Be ready with your 30% down payment, and let us know what method you’d like to use to pay (Paypal, check, money order, and credit card are all accepted). If there are any slots left when we receive your request, we will send you an invoice. Send your payment within 24 hours.
Q: When do I send payment, and how much do I send?
A: On the day we open for orders, you will need to be ready to send no less than 30%. You may send more than 30% if you wish, but let us know how much we should bill. Do not send any payments until we confirm that slots are available and send you an invoice. Sending payment early will result in an immediate refund (minus Paypal fees), and will lose you the opportunity to get on the queue at all. Once we send you an invoice, please pay the full amount within 24 hours.
Q: What sort of payment do you accept?
A: We accept Paypal (please add 3%), credit card via Paypal (please add 3%), personal check, and money order.
Q: What payment plans are available?
A: You must pay at least a 30% deposit. After that, we can accept payments in increments of 10% (but no less than $100) per month. This is the minimum payment plan – we can accept any payments higher than this amount as well.
Q: I’ve made my down payment; when do I make my next installment?
A: We will send you an invoice for your next installment one month after we bill for deposits. So, if commissions open on the 10th of a month, we will send you the bill on the 10th of the following month, and so on. We will bill for the minimum by default. If you intend to pay more, just let us know so that we bill you correctly.
Q: How do I know whether you’ve opened for commissions?
A: Currently, unless we state otherwise, the queue opens passively at midnight US Eastern time on the day that commissions are scheduled to open. We don’t usually post an alert, so don’t wait for one. Should this policy change, it will be announced well ahead of time on the studio journal.