Refund policy

Returns & Refunds Policy (Archive Aus)

This policy covers rental hires (dress hire bookings) and any retail purchases made through Archive Aus (“we”, “us”, “our”). It’s written in line with standard practices used by Australian dress hire businesses, including local operators, where hygiene, event-dates and limited inventory mean change-of-mind refunds are generally restricted and returns must be handled strictly.

1) Dress Hire Bookings (Rentals)

1.1 Hire period & returns

Your hire period and return date are confirmed in your booking confirmation email.

You must return the item by the required return time/date (including lodging via post/courier where applicable). Late returns impact other clients’ bookings, so late fees may apply and can be charged to your payment method or deducted from your bond. 

How to return (if shipping):

  • Follow the return instructions provided with your booking.

  • Keep your lodgement receipt as proof of return (we may request it if there’s a delay).

1.2 Cancellations & date changes

Because hire items are reserved for specific dates, change-of-mind cancellations are not treated the same as retail returns.

  • If you need to cancel or change your booking, contact us ASAP at hello@archiveaus.com.au.

  • Depending on how far in advance you contact us, we may offer a store credit (often minus an admin/cancellation fee) rather than a cash refund, which is standard across dress hire businesses. 

  • Cancellations close to the hire date may not be eligible for any refund, and may only be eligible for credit at our discretion. 

If you purchased any optional cancellation protection (if offered), the terms of that protection apply.

1.3 Fit issues / change of mind

We strongly recommend reviewing measurements and reaching out before your booking date if you’re unsure about sizing.

Fit preferences, change of mind, or ordering the wrong size/style do not automatically qualify for a refund due to the nature of rentals and date-based reservations. 

1.4 Damage, stains, loss & excessive wear

All hires are inspected before and after each booking. Normal wear is expected, but you are responsible for:

  • Major stains, rips/tears, missing tags/components, burns, makeup marks, odour, or unreturned items

  • Any damage beyond normal wear and tear

Where applicable, we may charge a repair, cleaning, replacement, or loss fee, including using your bond or payment method.

1.5 Late returns / failure to return

If an item is not returned by the due date, late fees may apply per day until the item is returned, and if deemed non-return, replacement charges may apply. 

1.6 Delivery delays (if shipped)

We dispatch bookings with the goal of on-time delivery; however, courier/postal delays can occur. If an item is delayed, contact us immediately so we can assess options (replacement where possible, credit, or partial refund depending on the circumstances and once the item is returned).