Frequently Asked Questions - General Alterations

 Truthfully, every customer is different and there is no way to quote without seeing the fabric and construction of the garment. 

We do have a $25 minimum. If you don't think you will meet that, we suggest bringing multiple items to save everyone time!  

We now require a 50% deposit on alterations over $200, this will be applied to your final total. Custom alterations or additions may require a deposit for materials. 

 Cash or Check are always preferred but electronic payment is accepted with an additional 3.5% fee.

Please be sure to be prepared to pay at your final fitting. You will not be able to take your garment home with you if there is an outstanding balance on it, and all deposits are non-refundable. 

If your organization has an account with us, we can invoice the company! Just mention the account and instruct our staff your company is footing the bill!

 Fittings are optional but recommended if you want the alteration to be perfect. However, fittings over 15 minutes may incur a fee of 20% of the total bill.

You are welcome to pin it yourself at home with safety pins, or give us a guess but we are not responsible if it doesn't turn out just right! 

Trying the item on at home, after the alteration is complete, is recommended. We do offer a 7 day guarantee if you want to wait until you get home.

 YES! We do not alter:

• Curtains - Our esteemed colleague Barb may do it for you if you ask nicely! Otherwise we can refer you to “Custom Draperies By Patrice” (231) 360-7859
• Upholstery Projects - We can refer you to “Upholstery Alternative” (231) 922-9925
• Canvas Work - We can refer you to “Grand Traverse Canvas Works” (231) 947-3140
• Delicate Antique Fabrics - We simply don't want to be responsible for damage.
• Shoes - We can refer you to “Gauthiers Shoes and Repairs” 231-946-7810 or “Leathers by David” (231) 941-7022

If we decide your item can not be altered up to your and our standards, we will contact you and offer a refund. We do want to permanently damage or end up with an unwearable result and would rather decline the job.

For formal dresses, we will ask you contact our parent company, The Modern Modiste at (231) 264-7474 of www.ModernModiste.com  

After you book your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation. That email confirmation will list what you will need to bring with you, but we will ask you to bring your shoes and any undergarments with you. If you do not yet have the final shoe selection, a comparable height shoe is also fine.

Please wash any new garments to be sure they have pre-shrunk before altering.

 We will attempt to get in touch at least 3 times before garments are considered unclaimed. Unclaimed property becomes  our property 30 days after final attempt at notice. 

Any garment not picked up for 30 days after the final notice may be donated to charity or sold.

After the 30 days, if we still have it, items may be released at full discretion of our staff after the final balance has been fully paid.  

We alter items in order that they are received. The timeline depends on how many garments are coming in, staff availability, and complexity. We try to stay within 30 days but that is not gauranteed.

If you need your garment quickly, you can pay an additional rush fee to be placed at the beginning of the line. The rush fee is subject to the ticket total and at the discretion of our seamstresses.

Absolutely, and you’ll be surprised what a difference finishing touches can make on the final look and feel of your garment. We can steam or press for a surcharge.