Got a Question?
Check out answers to our Frequently Asked Questions below. Question not answered?
Collapsible content
Do you accept returns?
Yes! I want you to love your latest outfit from Ciao Bella Dresses. If it's not a love match, items can be returned for a store credit (any item) or refund (not available for sale items) as long as they are returned within 28 days of your receiving them and meet all return conditions
You can read more about our return policy here: RETURNS
How long does a refund take?
Refunds are processed as quickly as possible. Once an item is received, it is checked over to ensure it meets all return requirements. This will be done usually the day it is received, however it could take up to 3 business days depending on my workload. Once it has been checked, I will refund from my end. It may take another couple of days to appear in your account, depending on your financial institute
Can we come and try clothes on?
Ciao Bella Dresses is very strictly an only store. This is due to many factors including:
- Insurance
- Business registration
- Shire registration
- Time constraints
But most simply, I have created my business to suit my young and very energetic family. As I work from home, my house is first and foremost exactly that - my home. Not only is it my home, but that of my husband, my 3 children and a plethora of animals and I wish to keep it a private place for our family
My dogs also love people, yet not all people love dogs, therefore they would need to be restrained during visits, which is not fair for them
It also helps to reduce shrinkage - I have had clothing stolen by contractors, makeup marks left on clothes rendering them unsuitable for sale and people wipe food on them during markets, so just another reason to stay online!
Do you offer click & collect?
For the convenience of my local customers, I offer contactless collection from Dardanup West. This saves you money and time waiting for postage. When placing your order, simply choose local pickup then wait for an email to say your order is ready. This will include the pickup address and instructions on how to access your item. Orders will be ready within 3 business days, but usually much quicker!
Please be sure to collect your order within 48 hours of receiving this email OR let me know if you will be longer than this. As I get busier, the collection box can get congested so if you are away for a week I will move your order out to make space
You do not need to contact us if you are collecting within the 48 hour window
Please note that anything past the gate is private property so please ensure you collect your order as instructed and refrain from entering the property. We have small children who often ride bikes around the house, as well as pets, so unexpected guests may pose a risk to them. We thank you for respecting our privacy
Collection is contactless and available 24/7 including weekends, so this is the best choice for shift workers.
What if I need my order urgently?
My dispatch time is 1-3 business days and I usually do not pack on weekends as this is family time
However, when I can help, I am always delighted to do what I can to make sure you are dressed and in that pumpkin on the way to the ball, even if it is last minute (pending my workload and personal plans)
If your order is urgent, please email me to check if I can accommodate your request to get it out asap. Some days I am out of town meeting suppliers, or have a school event or an appointment, so may not be able to accommodate, and I would like to manage your expectations
But if I can, I will!
How do I know what size to buy?
The hardest part of online shopping!!!
Firstly, please look through your current clothing items that fit nicely, and figure out what the average size is. If you have mostly size 16 tshirts with a few 14s and 18s, then aim for a size 16 when buying tops. Same for the bottom. Please note that many people do not have straight sizing, and will not be the same size on top as they are on the bottom
Next, read the description on each item you are purchasing. I will share what size I am wearing, plus the size of any of the stock models in the photos. My measurements are available on each page also. I will state whether to stick with your normal size or to go up or down a size or two, so please adjust your selection accordingly
Please also note that majority of our items are easy fit and do not have any critical fit elements. This means that they are usually a bit more generous in sizing due to the shape, use of elastic or ties etc. I try to avoid stocking critical fit styles that only fit a certain body type, to make the styles I stock more accessible to more people
Sizing may vary between styles so please read the description of every item before buying
How do preorders work?
When I can sense that a style will be super popular, I will try to get ahead of the game and secure enough stock for everyone by opening a style up as a Preorder. Preordered items are items that are currently waiting to be received by Ciao Bella Dresses. These items are marked on the website as "preorder" and will have an indication in the description as to how long the wait is before they will be received. The waiting period is an estimate only.
Items will be prepared for dispatch or collection within 2 business days of being received by Ciao Bella Dresses. If preordered items get sold out, this gives me the opportunity to order more in to keep my awesome customers happy
Any orders with a preorder item in them will be sent once all items are in stock unless otherwise discussed with Ciao Bella Dresses. If you wish for items to be sent separately there may be additional postage fees. Please email shop@ciaobelladresses.com.au to discuss
Do you keep stock on hand?
I sure do! My house is full of boxes. Everything online is available for immediate dispatch unless marked otherwise (eg preorder)