Originally Posted by
JPDM
Sounds to me like you did not bargain very hard. While I did not get anything done very recently, these price are more than double what I paid. Never accept the first price that they offer. Or gthe second....
With respect to other previous comments, Ya Xiu closed and re-opened under a totally different concept. Forget this place for a suite.
Regarding the quality. I had a few suits made and have been wearing them for several years now. Not quite as good as my late Italian tailor back home but I paid 1400RMB for a suit with 3 pairs of pants while my Italian guy was charging $2000 for a suit with 2 pairs of pants. If you are not happy with the fit or whatever else, keep giving it back for alterations until you are happy. You obviously need time for this.
When I took friends to tailors, I found that the result was best when you'd give them a suit that you like for measures. More precise than taking your measurements and quicker. I always had my suits made or alterations made overnight.
So while i dont shop in Beijing i have a great tailor in Shenzhen. I have been using him for years on my travels. I negotiated pricing the first time i was there but since then haven't really pushed him too much. Its more about the relationship. I am still getting a GREAT deal vs US pricing. He throws stuff in all the time (last time i was there he threw in an amazing dress for my wife). I know he's making ok money off me-- and i'm ok with that. Every now and then I need a favor and to knock something down a little bit and he will. But the prices i'm getting are well worth it and the quality is great. The one time something was bad quality (it tore my first time wearing it) he replaced it the next time i was there and threw in an extra sports jacket.
Could i get it cheaper by shopping around and playing the game? sure-- but instead i have a guy who takes real good care of me and isnt trying to scam me.