FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Do I Find The Item(s) That I'm Looking For?
There Are Three Main Ways To Search The Site For Items:
- If you aren’t exactly sure what you're looking for and would prefer to browse, you can start by clicking on one of the main categories (Adult Costumes, Kid's Costumes, Costume Accessories or Costume Makeup) in the menu at the upper left hand side of the site. From there a "Sub-Menu" opens up displaying all of the different genres (sub-categories) of the main category. At that point, click anything that sounds interesting to you in order to be taken to the main page of that genre. From there you can click the bar that says "View All Products In 'x' Category" in order to see a listing of all products in that sub-category. You can then sort that list by Name (alphabetical by product title) or Price (from low to high or from high to low). If at any time you become "lost" just click on a new sub-category in the menu or hit the "Home" button in the black bar at the top of the site.
- If you already have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for and would like to jump straight to specific categories or products, just type a descriptive keyword* into either of the search boxes (one at the top of the site labeled "Search", or one at the bottom of the right hand column labeled "Quick Find") for a list of all products related to your keyword(s). After you type in your keyword(s) just hit "Return" or "Enter" on your keyboard to begin the search. You will then see a page(s) listing products that match the word(s) you’ve searched for. You can sort your results by Name (alphabetical by product title) or Price (low to high or high to low). Click on any product name or photo to see complete product details and options, such as available sizes and colors.
- Finally, you may also use the Advanced Search option. Click the "Advanced Search" link at the bottom of the "Quick Find" box in the right hand column. This will take you to the Advanced Search page where you may refine your keyword* search to specific categories only.
*Keywords may be separated by AND and/or OR statements for greater control of the search results: For example, "Pirate AND sword" would generate a result set that contain both words. However, for "sword OR boots", the result set returned would contain both or either words.
Exact matches can be searched for by enclosing keywords in double-quotes: For example, "pirate sword" would generate a result set which match the exact string.
Brackets can be used for further control on the result set: For example, Pirate and (sword or boots or "eye patch").
At this time, we only have a small percentage of our inventory photographed and added to our online catalog. So, if you are unable to find an item that you are looking for, please don't hesitate to Contact Us and have us check into it for you.
How Can I Tell If An Item Is In Stock?
We try very hard to maintain reasonable stock levels of every item offered on our site. The primary exceptions to this rule are "Special Order" or "Custom" items which are always clearly marked as such near the bottom of the product's description.
If you absolutely need to receive your order by a specific date, it is probably safest to Contact Us directly so that we can confirm the stock levels of the product(s) that you are interested in.
How Do I Determine If An Item Is The Correct Size?
If there are different sizes available for an item, you will be asked to choose a size when you add that item to your cart. Please note that different manufacturers can definitely vary their sizing slightly. In order to assist you in making the correct choice, please refer to our General Sizing Charts.
If in doubt between two sizes, we normally recommend ordering the larger size. An exception to this rule would be bodysuit costumes (like superheroes), which are meant to be tight fitting.
If you have any questions or concerns about the sizing of an item, it is probably safest to Contact Us directly so that we can help make sure that you get the correct size the first time.
How Do I Use The Shopping Cart?
When you click the "Add To Cart" button in a products detail view, you will see that it now appears inside the "Cart" box near the upper right hand side of the page. In this box it shows the quantity of each item added and the total price for all items in the cart. If you want to go to a more detailed view of the cart, or modify it's contents, click the "View Cart / Checkout" line at the bottom of the "Cart" box. From this page you can review the details of each item and adjust the quantities of any item by entering a new quantity in the "Qty" box and then clicking the "Update Cart" button. To delete an item from your order, click the checkbox next to "Remove this item?" and then click the "Update Cart" button.
If you would like to go back and continue shopping, click the "Continue Shopping" button and you will be returned to the last item that you viewed. If you have finished shopping, you can click the "Checkout" button and you will be taken to the Login Page where you can either Log In (if you are a returning customer) or begin creating a new account (if this is your first time purchasing from Platinum Costumes).
For more information on creating an account please see the answer to How Do I Place An Order below.
How Do I Place An Order?
When you have finished adding items to your cart and are ready to place your order, either click the "Checkout" button at the top right of the page or the "View Cart / Checkout" text at the bottom of the "Cart" box.
The next page will allow you to review the details (size, color, quantity, etc.) of your items, and we request that you do so carefully. When you are certain that you have added the correct items to your cart, please click the "Checkout" button underneath the last item in your cart.
You Will Now Be Taken To A Page That Asks You To Choose Between Two Options:
- Option 1 - New Customer
If this is the first time you have made a purchase from Platinum Costumes please click the "Continue" button in the box underneath the words "New Customer" to go to the "Account Information" page.
On the "Account Information" page you will enter all of your contact info (Name, Email Address, Physical Address, etc.) and choose a password. This password, in conjunction with your email address will be how you log into your account in the future. After you have filled out the information click "Continue". If all required fields were completed correctly you will go to a page that confirms the creation of your account. At the bottom of this page you will also click "Continue" to be taken to the "Delivery Information" page.
The "Delivery Information" page is where you choose your preferred shipping method for this order. For more detailed information on shipping options, please see our Shipping Related FAQ Page. At the bottom of this page you will again click "Continue" to be taken to the "Payment Information" page.
The "Payment Information" page is where you confirm your billing address, choose a payment method and/or enter you credit card information as well as enter any coupon or promotional offer codes. When all fields are filled out correctly, please click the "Continue" button at the bottom of the page to go to the final "Confirmation" page.
The "Confirmation" page is your final chance to review all information related to your order before it is processed. Once you click the "Confirm Order" button* at the bottom of this page your order is confirmed and your credit card will be billed.
*Please note that you cannot make changes or revisions to your order after this button is clicked. For more detailed information, please see the answer to How Do I Make Changes To, Or Cancel My Order below.
- Option 2 - Returning Customer
If you have previously made a purchase from Platinum Costumes please enter your email address and password, then click the "Sign In" button in the box underneath the words "Returning Customer" to go to the "Delivery Information" page.
The "Delivery Information" page is where you choose your preferred shipping method for this order. For more detailed information on shipping options, please see our Shipping Related FAQ Page. At the bottom of this page you will again click "Continue" to be taken to the "Payment Information" page.
The "Payment Information" page is where you confirm your billing address, choose a payment method and/or enter you credit card information as well as enter any coupon or promotional offer codes. When all fields are filled out correctly, please click the "Continue" button at the bottom of the page to go to the final "Confirmation" page.
The "Confirmation" page is your final chance to review all information related to your order before it is processed. Once you click the "Confirm Order" button* at the bottom of this page your order is confirmed and your credit card will be billed.
*Please note that you cannot make changes or revisions to your order after this button is clicked. For more detailed information, please see the answer to How Do I Make Changes To, Or Cancel My Order below.
Coupons or Special Offers: If you have a BuyCostumes electronic coupon or gift certificate that you want to redeem with this order, type in the coupon number in this field.
? Credit Card Information: Enter the name on the card, your credit card type, number, and expiration date. Your shipping method (including cost) is listed towards the top of this page. We will keep your billing information secure and your credit card will not be charged until we are ready to ship your order.
After you have submitted the necessary information, please review all information on the “Review Your Order” page carefully. It is our goal to ship orders as quickly as possible, so it’s difficult to make changes once you have submitted your order. If you are satisfied with the information on this page, click “Purchase” once to complete your order and submit it for processing.
When Do I Make Payment?
How Do I Know That My Order Is Confirmed?
As soon as you place your order by clicking the "Confirm Order" button on the "Confirmation" page, you will automatically be sent an email that contains all of your pertinent order information, except for your credit card number (for security).
You should definitely save this email in case you have any questions concerning your order at a later date.
How Do I Make Changes To, Or Cancel My Order?
Platinum Costumes tries very hard to ship all orders immediately. Consequently, we cannot make changes to your order after it has been submitted through our website. Please double-check all of your address information, products ordered, and the shipping method you’ve selected prior to completing your order.
If an error was made when you placed the order, you will need to receive the order and return it for a refund. Please see our Returns Or Exchange Related FAQ Page for a complete explanation of our policies. Please note that we do not refund the cost of shipping and handling if you decide that you do not want an order after it has begun processing. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
I Do Not Feel Comfortable Ordering Online... Are There Other Ways To Order?
Your safety is extremely important to Platinum Costumes. All of our online orders are processed securely using 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) digital certificate technology. For a better understanding of what that means, please see our Security And Privacy Related FAQ Page.
However, If You Still Do Not Feel Comfortable With Transmitting Your Credit Card Information Over The Internet, You May Alternately Phone In Your Order To The Number Below:
(888) 904-9944
Our customer service desk is available to take orders or assist you in any way that we can, from 9:00am-6:00pm, Monday through Saturday (PST). Please allow 1-2 additional days processing for telephone orders.
If You Do Not Have A Credit Card, You May Mail In A Check Or Money Order Along With The Following Information*:
- Your Full Name
- Shipping Address (No PO Boxes Please)
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Item(s) Full Name And Product Number**
- Quantities Needed Of Each Item
- Preferred Shipping Method
In order to avoid missing any important information when you mail in an order, we recommend that you go through the process of placing the order through the website and then writing down all of the information that you see in the Cart.
Our Mailing Address Is:
PlatinumCostumes.com
1423 Marcelina Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501
Cashiers Checks or Money Orders are preferred (as opposed to personal checks) when mailing a payment, so that we are able to process your order the same day, rather than having to wait for your personal check to clear.
*We do NOT accept Checks or Money Orders between September 1st and November 1st due to the high volume of traffic and the necessity to ship most orders in time for Halloween. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
**You can view an item's Product Number by adding it to your cart, and then clicking the "View Cart" option.
Do You Have A Catalog That You Could Mail Me?
Platinum Costumes is in the process of adding all of it's inventory to the online catalog and does not have plans to produce a "printed" catalog any time in the near future.
At this time, we only have a small percentage of our inventory photographed and added to our online catalog. So, if you are unable to find an item that you are looking for, please don't hesitate to Contact Us and have us check into it for you.
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Disco Diva
Venus Goddess
Edward Scissorhands
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Platinum Costumes Site FAQ 
