So you’ve decided to visit the South Bund Fabric Market in Shanghai. To conquer the overwhelming selection, you need to go in with a solid game plan and stick with it. The photos of my custom-tailored clothes seen on this page were taken upon my return to Toronto as it was obviously too hot to wear cashmere in Shanghai’s 50ºC heat! Click here to read my blog post on the Fabric Market. Based on my experience, here are 10 tips for shopping at Shanghai’s Fabric Market.
Tips for Shopping at Shanghai’s Fabric Market:
1. Allow 2 to 3 days to create a custom order
That’s the minimum number of days you want to buffer into your itinerary. On the first day, decide what you want to make and place your order. On the second/third day, revisit the market for a fitting, make alterations and pick up your finished garments.
2. Negotiate your price
Never ever settle for the first price the shopkeeper gives you. You are expected to bargain at the Fabric Market. It may be easier to bargain when ordering multiple pieces from the same shop.
3. Bring cash
Bring enough cash! I learned this the hard way. Maybe only a handful of shops in the entire market accepts credit card. When you place your order, you need to put down a cash deposit – usually up to 45% of the total cost. Upon pick up, the remainder is to be paid in cash.
4. Shop around
Compare prices at a few shops. Many shops make the same items so it’s a good idea to see how hard of a bargain you can drive at the different shops. Don’t be afraid to walk away and return to the same shop.
5. Schedule time for a fitting
Tailors don’t always get the right fit on their first shot, even with your custom measurements taken, so allow time for a fitting. I needed to make alterations to the collar, pockets, sleeves and bodice of my dresses. Most alterations take no more than 2 hours to complete.
6. Make something off season
Warm cashmere coats are considered off season in the summer months and come with lower starting prices. The starting price for my heather grey cashmere coat was 1200RMB, which I successfully talked down to 825RMB.
7. Bring pictures of what you want made
Although each shop has a selection of sample pieces and catalogues on site, it’s best to bring in printed copies of styles that you want. These could be ripped-out magazine pages or internet print-outs. It’s best to include front, back and side views. I find it best to bring printed copies rather than to show the images on a mobile phone, so shopkeepers can pass along the pictures to their off-site tailors.
8. Bring favourite pieces to have duplicated
Have a favourite shirt or work dress? Bring in your favourite pieces to have duplicated in new fabrics and colours.
9. Ask for delivery
In Shanghai, I visited the Fabric Market 4 times in total to place my order, make alterations, place a second order and then to pick up. If you want convenience, request that your order be delivered to your hotel’s front desk. Many shops offer this service – either free of charge or for a nominal fee.
10. Place a rush order
If you need a quick turnover, some shops are able to make a piece in less than 12 hours (if you’re willing to forgo a fitting) and have it delivered to your hotel’s front desk. I placed a last minute order the day before my departure date and the dress was delivered to my hotel by midnight on the same day. What excellent service!
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Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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