Frequently Asked Questions

Please be aware there may be some limitations to altering your garment. Usually, a hem or simple tailoring job to ‘take something in’ will not be a problem. However, sometimes ‘taking something out’ may pose issues. This may be due to some aspect of the fabric implications or a method no longer used for example natural fabric fading creating a new visible change.

We recommend having a discussion with an alterations specialist used to dealing with specialist items and vintage clothing, such as a tailor. costume designer or a trustworthy seamstress for the qualified advice. If your grandma used to sew - she may know! Please be aware that due to the nature of the craftsmanship of vintage items - you may be told nothing can be done.

While we want these clothes to be seen and worn, we understand sometimes a ‘bow in the wrong place’ can ‘put you off’ wearing your wonderful piece. We recommend trying to leave the garment as close as possible to the original. This will assist in retaining its monetary, historical and artistic value. If for example, you remove a bow or extra button we suggest you sew it in to the inside (not longer visible) so that if another chooses to restore it to its original glory - they may do so.

Take a look at our Blog Post here!

We ship throughout New Zealand and to Australia via New Zealand Post. Shipping to the United States is paused at this time due to excessive tariff and freight costs.

Rural addresses in New Zealand require additional shipping, which you can add to your cart here: purchase additional shipping

We charge a standard fee to allow for New Zealand Post price changes, and we always refund (rounded up to the dollar) any shipping cost charged but not used.

Yes, you can collect your order from The Aviary, Auckland, by arrangement at no charge. You will need to collect your order between our standard opening hours (view here).

Under normal circumstances, your order should be received within 2-5 business days.

Under circumstances beyond our control such as strikes, Public Holiday delays, Acts of God or global pandemics, please allow up to 7 additional days due to any additional demand experienced by the courier companies.

In the first instance, we ask that you contact New Zealand Post and provide the tracking number to find out where the item is currently located. The details of the courier company and the Tracking Number was provided to you in the email from us titled 'Your order is on its way!'

If the courier can show you proof that the parcel was delivered, please check with your neighbours, just in case it was dropped at a nearby location by mistake.

We will accept returns or exchanges on a limited selection of brand-new items sold from our store, as outlined in the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act. Read our full Returns Policy here. 

Like the great majority of antique, vintage and second-hand sellers in New Zealand, all of whom operate under the same Consumer Guarantees Act, Painted Bird Vintage has also chosen not to offer refunds, exchanges or store credit on vintage pieces.

Instead, we put our energy into the other side of the decision: every listing carries detailed flat measurements, condition notes, fabric details and styling guidance, and we warmly encourage you to ask us anything before you purchase.

The Aviary is also open by appointment if you would prefer to try a piece on first. Our aim is that by the time you click buy, there are no surprises left.

Sale and Rescue items cannot be refunded, exchanged or credited, consistent with the Consumer Guarantees Act provisions for second-hand goods.

We do want you to be happy, so we may offer the opportunity for your piece to be sold on consignment. Acceptance is at our discretion, and our Consignment Terms and Conditions apply. See our Consignment Terms and Conditions for details.

Please get in contact with us immediately via hello@paintedbird.nz

If the order has not been posted (usually within 6 hours of purchase) we will refund you immediately.

Rescue pieces are sold as described, with their flaws noted, and cannot be refunded or exchanged.

Your piece may be suitable for sale on consignment, which allows you to recoup a portion of your costs while the garment stays in circulation. Acceptance is at our discretion. See our Consignment Terms and Conditions for details.

We follow the same approach as nearly every antique, vintage and charity seller under the Consumer Guarantees Act:
sales of one-of-a-kind pieces are final and all items are sold as is. You confirm this at several points before your purchase is completed.

There is also a practical reason behind this. Many of our pieces are sold on consignment, and once a garment sells, its consignor is paid. Accepting a return would mean unwinding a sale that has already been honoured on both sides.

What we offer instead is the opportunity for your piece to be sold on consignment under our Consignment Terms and Conditions, so you may recoup a portion of your costs while the garment finds its right owner. See our Consignment Terms and Conditions for details.

We work hard to give you everything we can before you buy: accurate photography, flat measurements, condition notes and honest descriptions, and we will happily provide additional photos or measurements on request.

Screens do vary, and colours may display differently across devices, which is why we encourage a question or two before purchasing rather than a disappointment afterwards.

In line with the wider vintage and antique sector, sales are final, but in some cases we may welcome your piece for sale on consignment, letting you recoup a portion of your costs while it moves on to its next vintage lover's wardrobe. See our Consignment Terms and Conditions for details.

Fit is the one thing we work hardest to settle before you buy, because like the rest of the vintage and antique sector, we do not offer refunds, credits or exchanges on pieces that do not fit. We endeavour to have every listing carry precise flat measurements taken from the garment itself, our measuring guide shows you exactly how to compare them against your own, and we warmly encourage you to ask for any extra measurements or photographs before purchasing. We will always provide them.


If you fall in love with a piece that turns out not to fit as you hoped, it may be suitable for sale on consignment under our Consignment Terms and Conditions, letting you recoup a portion of your costs while it moves on to a new owner.