Repair a footwear can cost up to Bs 8 million (3 monthly salaries)

Given the high cost of footwear in shoe stores, repair used has become an option.

Between Bs 300 thousand and 8 million bolivars can cost to fix them with the shoemakers who set up their stalls in the streets of downtown Puerto La Cruz.

The most economical cost only covers pasting and sewing simple models. In the store that Joel Zamora has been riding for 10 years, the figure can reach 600 thousand bolivars. He indicated that for three months he has not dedicated himself to changing soles because the material is expensive.

"Most people do not want to give what is. Both the sole and the thread and the stick are very expensive, "he said.

On the other hand, in other places, sewing footwear can cost up to one million bolivars.

"Everything depends on the type. The same happens with the soles, "said the young Frank Mendez.

In his place of work he makes the mounts between Bs 5 million and 8 million bolivars. He commented that the amount is raised by thick materials, such as those that use safety boots.

While the change of tapas can vary between Bs 400 thousand and 700 thousand bolivars.

Given the shortage of cash, Méndez said he has no choice but to accept transfer and mobile payment.

"Yes, I hope the money falls into the account to deliver the shoes. I also tell clients that I give 15 business days to make the withdrawal, after that date I am not responsible for repairs, because that is money that one needs and is devaluing, "said the young man from his post at the avenue 5 de Julio.

There is always demand

For the shoemaker Luis Enrique Rincón Gómez, who is 13 years old diagonally to the old Tijerazo, the demand has remained.

"There are always people who want to renew their shoes because it's cheaper than buying them again."

For the simple seam, Rincón charges from Bs 400 thousand and if the client wants it to be double, it doubles the figure.

While the cost of changing soles is similar to that charged by their colleagues of trade.

"I adjust to all forms of payment: point or transfer. However, I managed to make the client satisfied. I do not demand cash like some, because I have a motorcycle or bicycle to move, but if there were more in the street it would be great, because one needs to buy cheaper food, "he said.