Shipping suits from Hoi An, Vietnam

Before I forget: if you're ever planning on getting things tailored in
Hoi An, here are a few extra tips.

Ship what you buy. You'll likely do air shipping, which takes three
weeks. We were going to ship by sea mail but it takes four months. For
air mail it costs about 15 for the first 500 g and 5 for each
additional 500 g, plus 10% VAT and 3 dollars custom. We did ours at
Lan No 9, and she called the lady from the post office who comes and
boxes up all your stuff free of charge. It's the same as if you were
shipping from the post office and tonnes easier.

Plan extra time, and always tell them you're leaving a day before you
do. Jessica had a couple shirts made that would not have been finished
if we had left on the day we told them.

Water is free if you're making clothes - Lan has the coldest - take
advantage of this!

Prices are always negotiable, and you have to shop around and be
willingto walk away. Pick exactly what you want. Get a quote and
negotiate from there. Note that most places likely mark up at least
40-100% - the most expensive suit at thuthuy's originally cost 513.
Try discounted to 495, then 465. I walked away and came back later
that night. The price went down to 410, and finally 400. But remember
- this should be fun. If you're not enjoying yourself, just go to Lan
No 9 an she will give you reasonable prices and take care of you in
general - she's very motherly.

Before you go, feel free to look up styles you want and bring
pictures, etc with you. You can also bring your own material as well.

Make sure you specify pockets! You can't add them in after the fact
usually.

Don't give in to pressure tactics - if they're trying to get you to
order everything at once, chances are they don't do very good work and
don't want you to find out till after. Also always put as small a
deposit as possible - once they have your money there's no incentive
to keep you happy for some f them. NEVER pay in full.

Shirts - 10-15 dollars
Dresses - 10-15 standard
Jacket - 30-50
Suit - 40-90
Ties - 50,000 dong
Tshirts - about 50,000 dong
Double silk sleeping bag liners - 80-90,000 dong

Enjoy!

DOCNIC on the go...