Hobby Lobby — Local services in Albany

I like the store in general and we use some of their products with our business. Their prices are competitive though you have to be careful, some items are very cheaply made. We mainly buy the decorative trunks. The ones in the store are usually very nice and it's great that you can buy them separately (you can only get the whole set of 3 online) but you have to be there quick during the 50% off sale to get more than a couple so we order them online. They're a descent price when they're half off AND they look ok/work properly (i.e. the lid closes and at least semi-lines up with the bottom).

Lately it seems that I have to order at least DOUBLE what I need because the ones I'm getting are SO CRAPPY I have to call and send them back for a refund/exchange. This last order we made we ordered 8 sets of trunks (24 trunks total). Out of those 4 SETS and one piece from another had problems. THATS MORE THAN HALF!!! Now I'm not talking a few paint drips, a lid that won't fully close. I can work with that. I'm talking about large blobs of stain (of OTHER colors of paint than the box is painted- such as dark walnut stain blobbed on the white boxes), hardware that's torn off or missing, lids that are so tweaked the lid doesn't line up with the box by around 1/4-1/2" inch (not something that could happen during shipping with how these are packed, the "packers" are SENDING THEM like this!!!), tons of fibers sealed into the lid of the product like someone wiped it with a cheap rag before the lid was dry, large smears of glue all over the front that has discolored the stain....

When I call to report it usually everyone is very nice and understanding (I've had to do it almost every time- I'm NOT keeping something I even paid half price for as it's garbage when it arrives like this). However, this time the service rep was quite rude and even went so far as to state that "if they're arriving like this almost every time maybe you shouldn't buy them anymore". Nice huh? How about you guys PROVIDE A BETTER PRODUCT (I'll even pay more- ESPECIALLY NOT to have to do this every time!!!) I just want what I paid for!

If the pictures advertised showed this is how they are most of the time I would understand. However, they don't. I pay for a functional NEAT looking product, and unfortunately I haven't been getting it lately. I do offer to send pictures every time of the issues (they usually refuse), I keep them as per their request in case the manufacturer sends UPS to pick them up- when they eventually don't, we donate them. If I didn't need them for our business I wouldn't buy them anymore :/ Now I'm experiencing a small panic attack every time my Hobby Lobby order arrives (since I know I have to spend at least half an hour on the phone fixing the problem) :/

They do make descent products (most of the time) for a good price so we'll continue to provide them with at least some business. However, I'm very much doubting it will be as much and most likely not online as I can't see what I'm getting...

They have a lot of things that folks need / wonderful selection and all that / but their prices are absolutley too high to take seriously.

For instance, as a test I have personally looked on the bottom of a variety of chest, outside plant pots, various frames, and an array of other items to see where they came from. WITHOUT FAIL,every item can be found online from 1/4 to 1/2 the cost when buying from any other reseller. Many items can be found at other local stores at far less cost as well.

So many times I hear from others about having tonplay their game of 30% and 50% off sales - but even then I find that they only get close to what other retail venues sell at their regular pricing. Personally, I like walking into a location to find items priced in such a way that I need not have to hunt down coupons and having to hope that way I need is reduced down to what the rest if the planet would consider to be normal pricing.

It must be a lot of overhead to force all of that God music on the customers whether they like it or not as I cannot figure out why their pricing needs to be so high. Certainly it can't be for all of the non-existant extra personnel they have manning the registers so you don't have to stand in line.

If they actually had folks in place to help you get out of their quicker I could alomst under the higher pricing. ALMOST!

Like I said - lots of great stuff but no reason to...

I adore shopping at Hobby Lobby! They always have amazing prices and so many goodies to choose from. I would highly recommend visiting Hobby Lobby if you're in need of anything for crafting, projects, art, toys, floral, household decor, party supplies, small furniture, and so much more.

It is way too easy to spend more than planned. There are markdowns are all over the store. I suggest giving yourself plenty of time to browse. There are hidden clearance priced items located throughout the aisles. Just look for the orange stickers! My favorite time to shop in Hobby Lobby is during their 90% off sales. I could definitely get myself into some trouble with these bargains.

I prefer going to this establishment over other hobby and crafting stores. I do wish that Hobby Lobby offered crafting and art classes. It would be an excellent way to learn and find...