Soho Art Materials — Local services in New York

To All New Customers:

It is unfortunate when a small store like this one does not understand the value of treating their customers nicely, giving them the benefit of the doubt and making exceptions for first time customers, as that’s how small stores are successful- they lost a new customer, who would have shopped there for many years:

I just moved to the neighborhood and visited this boutique art supplies store. They were seemingly helpful when I asked for advice on paint and brushes and stayed open for me to purchase them.

Unfortunately, a day after making the over $100 purchase, I had to return the items as I realized I couldn’t afford them after certain unexpected charges on my debit card processed.

BUYER BEWARE:

This merchant DOES NOT REFUND any merchandise. They do not care about loosing customers that would have been loyal to their store.

When I attempted to return the new items a day and a half later, I explained my finances were too tight to afford the array of items I purchased. One of the managers at the desk responded by telling me that all purchases are NON REFUNDABLE.

**I asked as a courtesy, seeing that I’m a first time customer, whether they could please make an exception because I was not made aware of their no return policy before making the purchase nor have I shopped there before to know that they have such a policy. The manager responded with “that’s our policy” and we can give you “store credit”.

*I reiterated that I was a first time customer and wasn’t made aware of their policy before purchasing all the supplies I did. Instead of giving me the benefit of the doubt, the Manager said “how do I know this is your first time here.” -which I found to be very insulting.

They believe that no other merchants ever disclose a “no return policy” prior to making the purchase. They’re defense was that the receipt at the bottom states no refunds, however, the customer does not receive the receipt until after the transaction is complete and there is no cashier screen to put the purchaser on notice of such policy. I told them that nearly every store has a disclosure they make you sign on a screen which is part of the receipt prior to swiping your debit/credit card, or at the very least verbally inform you that there are no refunds. However, rather than acknowling the truth of the Statement, the Manager made a false over generalized claim that no other stores or merchants “ever” disclose a no return policy prior to finalizing the transaction. A second manager hesitantly refunded me after all of this.

Based on this extremely unpleasant, difficult and disrespectful attitude of one of the managers at this store, I will not...

TERRIBLE costumer service, rude staff, horrible management! Before anything else, let me start by saying that I’ve worked in the arts for years! I’ve always been around artists, art lovers and collectors and have never treated anyone who walked into the gallery like this! I went in to buy some art material as a birthday gift to my husband. I was looking at Golden acrylics (which I already have and use). The employee who was "helping" me (white guy, short hair with a beard, in his 30s) kept telling me that they were expensive and kept pushing me to buy a smaller tube or a cheaper brand. Every question I would ask, he would remind me of the price. I should mention that I’m a brown woman with an accent. By constantly telling me how expensive this was going to be, I think he was implying that they were out of my budget without knowing anything about me! I finally picked up the paint I want and then asked him to show me the sketch books. They were wrapped in plastic and I couldn’t see what the paper thickness or texture was like so I asked the employee if he could open one of them so I could see. I decided it was good and asked him to give me one of the unopened ones (because duh, it’s a gift). He refuses, saying I MADE him open this. Arguing with me to get the opened one because he’s not supposed to do this! Note that I’m spending over $300 on materials here! I told him that his attitude is rubbing me the wrong way and I’d rather not spend my money there. Then he just takes all my shopping (aggressively) and walks away! I asked his name a few times and he just had his back to me, not answering. Finally, the manager walks in and I explain the situation to him and all he has to say is "we’re not perfect"!!! Unbelievable! Forget about "perfect", they don’t even know the very basics of costumer service or manners and decency! There are so many places to shop for art supplies, don’t waste your time...

EXTREMELY RUDE STAFF- ESPECIALLY THIS GUY CALLED ERIC. HIGHLY UNPROFESSIONAL.

I had an extremely disappointing experience with this company, not only due to their lack of professionalism in handling artwork but also because of their outright rude and dismissive attitude when addressing issues.

I was misled to believe that my artwork would be handled by professional art handlers, only to find out it was merely a standard delivery service with zero expertise in proper packing or transportation. As a result, my oil painting was severely damaged due to improper wrapping (WHO IS WRAPPING OIL PAINT IN PLASTIC?????). To make matters worse, the supposed "art handler" I was charged extra for refused to bring the piece to the site—and was reportedly rude to my assistant.

When I raised my concerns, their response was not only defensive but also condescending, implying that my expectations were unreasonable. I have worked with top framers, professional art handlers, and major galleries for decades, and I know what proper service looks like. Instead of taking responsibility, they attempted to shift the blame onto me and refused to acknowledge their failure to offer the necessary services.

A business that claims to be "professional" should know how to handle artwork properly and, at the very least, treat customers with respect. Unfortunately, that was not the case here. I would strongly advise anyone in the art world to AVOID this company, as their lack of expertise and unprofessional behavior make them completely...