Top's Art Supplies — Local services in Los Angeles

I have an active art business and I've been shopping here for my art supplies for years. I happen to live in the neighborhood and am not Korean. They are extremely customer oriented and they have just about everything I ever use. I haven't had to go to Blick for a long time now. Plus they are less expensive than Blick for the same products. I always call before I go to make sure they have what I need in stock. If anything happens and I need to bring something back they are really good about it except for products that are not returnable which they always let me know if that is the case. One time I was running a little late (10 minutes) and they were closing. I needed a product for a job that had to be finished that night. So I asked them if they could leave it outside the door in the back. They did since I gave them my credit card over the phone. They have also let me owe them on a few occasions. Like I said I have been coming in there for years so I don't think they would do that for someone they did not know. But at this point we are family. They like to see repeat customers and once you get to know them they...

This is a hard review, because although Top's does have good art supplies, and at reasonable prices; their customer service is atrocious. I went there to buy art supplies for a class I was taking. However, I would also return frequently to get supplies for art work I was doing for myself; they would ask me why I kept going when my class was already over. The tone they would use was very condescending. I had never before been asked by a store owner why I was buying their products. The kicker was when I went to buy white paint; I asked the owner if they had any in stock, then he told me in a rude tone that they didn't have any and rolled his eyes at me. Whatever happened to smiling at your customers, and charging them without asking them why they are bringing revenue to your store? Needless to say, since that eye rolling incident I haven't done...

Only really interacted with the Mrs. Boss, but staff has always seemed courteous. The bell at the door to get in is a little strange, but once inside, the store appears like a small store with a fairly large variety of product. I haven't used the parking lot yet, because I'm generally on foot with my dog. I've always shopped at Blick, but I'm happy to support local businesses/ mom and pop stores like this one. I also like Artists & Craftsman (which is a larger selection of painting supplies), but I know the Mrs. seems pretty flexible about ordering products you may need! Admittedly, I also use Amazon but so far I've had only pleasant experiences at this business! (Only hesitation was of my dog, who is far from petite, but IS well behaved). I'll be back...