Alabama Art Supply — Attraction in Birmingham

I was a loyal customer until a recent experience. I ordered a Skutt Legend wheel from Blick and while preparing to pick it up in GA I thought to call AAS to see what the Ken's Club membership would offer for that wheel. I was quoted $1700 which was much cheaper than the $2000 I was paying out the door for at Blick and it was local to home. I double-checked it was the right price with the associate, said what I was doing, and would be in Monday when I returned from GA to pick it up.

I cancelled my order from Blicks, drove home, and went to buy it Monday. I call on my way to ensure it's ready and when I talk to the same associate, he explains that he quoted the wrong product. That's frustrating enough since I cancelled my order and drive to get something closer to home and support a local business, but the part that drives me away from ever shopping here again is the fact that they have the MSRP for the wheel at $4000 (regular MSRP is $2200) and the owner proceeded to try and sell it to me from $2400 only after suggesting I order the lower priced wheel from them as it was "in my budget". The irony here is that the lower priced wheel was the same as the original wheel I ordered and significantly less quality. To end it all, the owner said he'd rather have the merchandise rather than the money even if it hurts the relationship.

I am disappointed and would have had a long relationship with them had this been even...

While I love the boutique idea of this supply store, the staff was extremely dismissive and negative to my friend and I after purchasing a 5x5 foot canvas. This is the second time, which is why I'm writing a review. While I want to support small businesses, I won't be back. I was told to load my car myself ("you're welcome to just help yourself to it"), put off by a personal phone call, and had to endure continuous negative comments. I was also approached by someone from the store with the notion that this canvas could be delivered to me. Upon asking about this, the two gentlemen who worked there gawked at the idea. Just a really uncomfortable and unprofessional situation; generally unhelpful. The only reason I'm giving two stars is because they have a wide selection of supplies. Just don't expect any...

I met this guy named Randy, he was the most sweetest & helpful customer service worker I've ever had the pleasure of being around. He didn't rush me and when I told him I'd never been there and was new to painting, he took care of everything. Walked me around the place showing me what I would need now and even showed me what I could wait on to save money. I don't know if he has worked there a long time or what but he definitely knew his merch.and way around the place. He made the entire experience wonderful, not like going to hobby lobby and asking for help and getting treated like you have the plague. I will be getting all my art supplies there from now own, and hopefully Randy will be getting a raise, he definitely makes the store more special than ever it could be with out his warm...