How to Buy a Halloween Costume Online

If you're looking for the most outrageous costume - or just a bunny costume - you may want to try an online source. Costumes, accessories, masks and makeup are all available on the Web, so browse away!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Halloween Makeup Kits
• Adult Halloween Costumes
• Wigs
• Masks
• Infant Costumes
• Kids' Costumes

1. Access Web sites that sell Halloween costumes by entering the words "Halloween costumes" into a search engine such as Google, Yahoo!, or MSN.
2. Check how the costumes are organized on the site. Sometimes they are arranged by size ("toddlers" or "adult women"); sometimes they are arranged by category ("Star Wars" or "Teletubbies").
3. Check sizes. These are sometimes specific ("women's 8 to 10") and sometimes very unspecific ("child," "adult" or "one-size-fits-most").
4. Find out what comes with the costume. It's wise to call the costume company before you order if you're not sure whether wigs, makeup and accessories are included.
5. Order the costume. On most sites, you can fill out a secure order form online using your credit card. Some companies will also accept orders by phone, fax or mail, and payment by check or money order.
6. Order accessories needed to complete the costume if necessary. These could include wigs, makeup and props (such as a sword for a pirate costume).
7. Calculate shipping and handling charges. In most cases, shipping costs are based on the price of the costume you purchase, with a minimum cost of about $5 to $7. The more you spend, the higher the shipping costs will be, and in some cases the size or weight of the costume will add to shipping costs.
8. Check the return policy. Some companies will accept returned items that are unused, while others have a no-return policy.
9. Look at the shipping policy. Some companies guarantee that you will receive the item within a certain period of time (two weeks, for example). Others offer no guarantees, but give you the option of paying for next-day or second-day delivery. Note the extra cost for this service.
10. Submit your order if you are satisfied with the final cost and the policies as stated on the site.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you order your costume well in advance of Halloween.
• Many online costume companies require a minimum order of at least $15.
• Some companies do offer international delivery, but shipping costs are much higher than those for domestic delivery.
• Sales tax may also be added for residents of certain states.
• Costumes are sometimes pictured on Web sites along with the wigs and accessories that make them complete, but these accessories are not necessarily included with the costume and may cost extra. Understand exactly what you're getting for your money.