Frequently asked questions...
If you don't see the answer to your question here, just contact us and we'll tell you what you need to know.
1. You send an email, telling us what you need. Include an image or logo, whatever you have. And when do you need it by?
2. We reply swiftly, giving you a price estimate.
3. If you don’t have a design, we can make one for a small charge.
4. Once the final design is approved, including some ‘tweaks’ if necessary, we confirm the delivery date.
5. You send payment, then sit back and relax while we begin working on your order.
6. During the making process, we send you photos of the work, so you can be confident about the finished result!
7. When your order is completed, it's safely delivered to you by courier.
Original models for giant puppets: Once these models we made were approved by the client, the 5 metre tall elephant and tiger puppets were created in our studio.
Our workshops are just outside Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, but many of our clients are in the UK and Europe, Canada and the US. We ship worldwide. We used to have a workshop in London too, but a while ago we decided to consolidate our forces in the Netherlands, which has allowed the business to grow in both size and capabilities.
WHAT IS YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
If you prefer to have a conversation to learn more please feel free to call us.
For enquiries in the UK 0778 3368251
or the Rest of Europe/ Worldwide +31(0) 646 480125
I SAW A COSTUME IN MY LOCAL FANCY DRESS SHOP FOR £50. WHY DO YOU CHARGE MORE?
Because all our items are custom made, using high quality materials. We don't have a factory that churns out thousands of identical, low grade products, nor do we want to have. With us you can choose exactly what you want, and we put all our skill into making your unique vision a reality. Using our many years of experience, we can offer advice to help you acheive the best possible results.
PRICE GUIDE
Of course, each order we take on is different, and varies in complexity from a single item to a complete theatre production with props, scenery and costumes. But as a rough guide-
Masks and headdresses from £285
Props from £350
Castle walls and effects from £60 per half square metre
Scenery from £1200
Promotional cat suits, grid girls etc from £180
Logo printing/ embroidering from £40- £80
Full Costumes from £850
Character and Mascot Costumes (Bear etc) £1000-3500 depending on complexity.
WHAT ABOUT DISCOUNTS?
We can sometime give quantity discounts- for example with a set of identical costumes for a dance group or promotional campaign. Discounts are only valid when all items are ordered at the same time.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY ORDER?
You can pay by bank transfer (either our UK account or our Dutch account, depending where you are based). You can also pay by credit card via Paypal.
WHAT ABOUT VAT AND TAXES?
If you are a European company and have a valid VAT (tax) number, you don't need to pay VAT on our goods. If you are without a tax number, you will have to pay tax at 19%. That's the law!
HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING/ POSTAGE?
We charge what it actually costs to ship your order rather than charging a flat fee for everyone. Postage is calculated once we know your delivery address and the size/ weight of the shipping. Insurance is included in shipping costs. All our goods are sent with a reliable carrier, so we have a 'track and trace code' for every shipment.
WILL YOU SEND ME FABRIC SAMPLES?
No, because we're located close to the fabric district in Amsterdam we do not keep many fabrics in stock. We buy what we need once your order has been placed.
HOW WILL YOU GET A GOOD COLOUR MATCH TO WHAT I WANT?
If you send us a swatch or give a Pantone colour reference, we can find the closest match.
SIZING FOR COSTUMES
We can make costumes to your exact measurements (we’ll send you a unique measuring chart.)
OR
Costumes/ mascots can be made to our ‘standard’ size, which comfortably fits most people. This is most useful for promotional costumes, where it’s likely that the costume has to fit more than one person.
SOME OF YOUR COSTUMES ARE VERY LARGE, ARE THEY HEAVY TO WEAR?
Our costumes are designed to be comfortable to wear over an extended period. Large character costumes weight only 3-7 kilos, the weight is evenly distributed, and the head or headdress is well balanced so it's easy to move in and comfortable to wear.
WHAT IF MY COSTUME DOES NOT FIT?
We guarantee garments will fit as long as we are provided with accurate measurements. In the unlikely event that the garment does need a small adjustment, we will gladly alter it quickly at no cost to you.
HOW LONG WILL MY ITEM LAST?
From our customers we have heard that our durable costumes and props are tough enough to stand frequent use for a number of years. We also supply washing/ care instructions with every item.
And if you want to take a peek at what we are working on this week, see our facebook page!
If you don't see the answer to your question here, just contact us and we'll tell you what you need to know.
Ordering From Tentacle Studio... is quick and easy, just follow these simple steps...
1. You send an email, telling us what you need. Include an image or logo, whatever you have. And when do you need it by?
2. We reply swiftly, giving you a price estimate.
3. If you don’t have a design, we can make one for a small charge.
4. Once the final design is approved, including some ‘tweaks’ if necessary, we confirm the delivery date.
5. You send payment, then sit back and relax while we begin working on your order.
6. During the making process, we send you photos of the work, so you can be confident about the finished result!
7. When your order is completed, it's safely delivered to you by courier.
Original models for giant puppets: Once these models we made were approved by the client, the 5 metre tall elephant and tiger puppets were created in our studio.
LOCATION
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?Our workshops are just outside Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, but many of our clients are in the UK and Europe, Canada and the US. We ship worldwide. We used to have a workshop in London too, but a while ago we decided to consolidate our forces in the Netherlands, which has allowed the business to grow in both size and capabilities.
WHAT IS YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
If you prefer to have a conversation to learn more please feel free to call us.
For enquiries in the UK 0778 3368251
or the Rest of Europe/ Worldwide +31(0) 646 480125
WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?
We often work on large projects for international companies, advertising campaigns and the entertainment industry, and sometimes private commissions for individuals. We are a professional company, and our prices reflect this, but when you commission Tentacle Studio, you can be sure of professional customer service, and reliable delivery, as well as the knowledge that you will receive unique, quality creations tailor made to your wishes. LEAD TIME
From order confirmation to delivery is usually 4-6 weeks, but we can sometimes provide an ‘Express Service’ for urgent orders.RENTAL & DIRECT SALE
WE'VE SEEN SOMETHING ON YOUR WEBSITE. CAN WE BUY IT?
Just about everything shown on the website is now in the hands of the people who commissioned it, but we can usually make something similar for you. Just ask! New! Our new online shop has items in stock and available for immediate despatch.
RENTAL
We have nothing available for rental. All our costumes and props are made to order or for direct sale.
Ram's Head Masks: we designed and produced 100 promotional masks based on the client's logo. Their web address was printed on the ram's horns!
PRICES
I SAW A COSTUME IN MY LOCAL FANCY DRESS SHOP FOR £50. WHY DO YOU CHARGE MORE?
Because all our items are custom made, using high quality materials. We don't have a factory that churns out thousands of identical, low grade products, nor do we want to have. With us you can choose exactly what you want, and we put all our skill into making your unique vision a reality. Using our many years of experience, we can offer advice to help you acheive the best possible results.
PRICE GUIDE
Of course, each order we take on is different, and varies in complexity from a single item to a complete theatre production with props, scenery and costumes. But as a rough guide-
Masks and headdresses from £285
Props from £350
Castle walls and effects from £60 per half square metre
Scenery from £1200
Promotional cat suits, grid girls etc from £180
Logo printing/ embroidering from £40- £80
Full Costumes from £850
Character and Mascot Costumes (Bear etc) £1000-3500 depending on complexity.
WHAT ABOUT DISCOUNTS?
We can sometime give quantity discounts- for example with a set of identical costumes for a dance group or promotional campaign. Discounts are only valid when all items are ordered at the same time.
PAYMENT
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY ORDER?
You can pay by bank transfer (either our UK account or our Dutch account, depending where you are based). You can also pay by credit card via Paypal.
WHAT ABOUT VAT AND TAXES?
If you are a European company and have a valid VAT (tax) number, you don't need to pay VAT on our goods. If you are without a tax number, you will have to pay tax at 19%. That's the law!
POSTAGE/ SHIPPING
HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING/ POSTAGE?
We charge what it actually costs to ship your order rather than charging a flat fee for everyone. Postage is calculated once we know your delivery address and the size/ weight of the shipping. Insurance is included in shipping costs. All our goods are sent with a reliable carrier, so we have a 'track and trace code' for every shipment.
COLOUR MATCHING
WILL YOU SEND ME FABRIC SAMPLES?
No, because we're located close to the fabric district in Amsterdam we do not keep many fabrics in stock. We buy what we need once your order has been placed.
HOW WILL YOU GET A GOOD COLOUR MATCH TO WHAT I WANT?
If you send us a swatch or give a Pantone colour reference, we can find the closest match.
COSTUMES
SIZING FOR COSTUMES
We can make costumes to your exact measurements (we’ll send you a unique measuring chart.)
OR
Costumes/ mascots can be made to our ‘standard’ size, which comfortably fits most people. This is most useful for promotional costumes, where it’s likely that the costume has to fit more than one person.
SOME OF YOUR COSTUMES ARE VERY LARGE, ARE THEY HEAVY TO WEAR?
Our costumes are designed to be comfortable to wear over an extended period. Large character costumes weight only 3-7 kilos, the weight is evenly distributed, and the head or headdress is well balanced so it's easy to move in and comfortable to wear.
WHAT IF MY COSTUME DOES NOT FIT?
We guarantee garments will fit as long as we are provided with accurate measurements. In the unlikely event that the garment does need a small adjustment, we will gladly alter it quickly at no cost to you.
AFTER SALES SERVICE
HOW LONG WILL MY ITEM LAST?
From our customers we have heard that our durable costumes and props are tough enough to stand frequent use for a number of years. We also supply washing/ care instructions with every item.
DO YOU DO REPAIRS AND REFURBISHMENTS?
Yes. Sometimes after a few years it is necessary to refurbish items, and we can do that for you for a reasonable price. We don't normally do repairs or alterations on other people's work.
And if you want to take a peek at what we are working on this week, see our facebook page!