Ask Beijing Today

I just moved into an apartment with ugly and dirty sofa covers, and I want to replace them. A friend in Shanghai said I should be able to find someone who can come in, measure the sofa and sew new covers for 400 yuan excluding the fabric. Do you have any recommendations?

Some fabric shops and curtain and bedclothes makers offer the service. The price generally depends on the material you choose; whoever goes to your apartment can bring catalogues of fabric samples. Ask textile vendors on the third floor of Yashow market in Sanlitun.

You can also try Beijing Ai Ming Hua Textile Company, which charges 35 yuan per meter of a single-color canvas, including labor cost for sofa covers and curtains. You can call them at 6417 9233 and look for Xu Hanming, the manager.

Would you recommend buying a treadmill, since I never have time to go to the gym? How much does a treadmill normally cost?

A treadmill is not a cheap investment: it costs on average a couple of thousand yuan. First, make sure that you really will use it; many home exercise equipment lie unused. Second, is there enough space for the machine in your home to make working out comfortable?

I bought a pair of Giordano shoes at Ginza Mall, but I find them too tight. I’ve kept the original box and receipt, including the shoe stuffng, so do you think they’ll let me exchange them for a bigger size? Do Chinese shops have a return policy?
 
Since it’s a well-known brand in a high-end store like Ginza Mall, then you have a good chance of getting an xchange. Returns are usually accepted within 15 days and exchanges or repairs within three months. But all sales are final at clothing markets, even tourist draws like the Silk Market.

How much does it cost to use the parking lot under The Village?

It costs 5 yuan per hour. People who dine at certain restaurants at The Village can get free parking; you just need to have your parking ticket validated. Please check with the restaurants for more information.

I’m interested in the UGG boots I saw at the Silk Market. I offered the sales lady 70 yuan, but she waved me away. How much do you think is a reasonable price for them?

For a pair of fake-fur UGG boots, you can offer about 150 yuan; the higher the heel, the pricier it gets. Real-fur UGG boots starts at 350 yuan. 

(By Wei Ying)