Oblation Papers & Press — Local services in Portland

UPDATE: July 2021

Returned to Oblation to give them another chance. As always, they have a fine selection, but the prices remain out of this world. The employees in front spent a lot of time talking with each other when there were quite a few customers in the shop. Found what I was looking for (Traveller’s Notebook from the Traveller’s Company) for 30% cheaper at another shop. Oh well.

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ORIGINAL: January 2020

Truly surprised at my recent experience. Came in on the late afternoon of 1/27 to look at fountain pens. I picked out a turquoise Lamy Studio for $100. I asked if they had one in black, which I preferred. They did, although that one had a medium nib, so I inquired if I could have it switched out for an EF and the girl said no, policy was that they don't do that - you have to buy the extra nib, even though I will never use the M nib. OK whatever - that's not her fault the policy is like that, although I have NEVER been to a shop that was unwilling to switch to a preferred nib before buying.

I'm still under budget, so I decide to spring for the extra nib anyway. She rings everything thing up and it is a full $50 more than what I was expecting. When I mentioned it to her, she said, "Oh, sorry. Yeah, this one is higher." I get that some colors are more than others due to popularity, bit good customer service means being on the ball and mentioning the higher price before you ring it up. The black pen didn't have a price tag on it and she never hinted at the difference in price.

So, I left without a pen, and I'm not sure if I will return to Oblation, despite past purchases. The whole experience really left a bad impression on me. Oh well- I found the same pen for a cheaper price and the correct pen at another small...

Listen, this place has been here for ages and ages and nothing has ever changed. I don’t know why I expect it to.

I remember years ago when I used to teach at PNCA and I’d pop over for some paper for a project and be met with sighs and eye rolls, so I just quit going to oblation and made due with what the art supply store around the corner had.

Recently, I’ve found myself in the Pearl district and twice I’ve gone into Oblation and walked out with nothing. Once I did actually manage to make a successful transaction, though it wasn’t exactly a friendly or enjoyable experience.

This weekend we came in to buy ink for me, a converter for my husband, and a travelers notebook and assorted accessories, like a nice pen, as a gift for a relative. Annnd we walked out with nothing and won’t be back.

The store was not busy, and staffed with four employees. I, multiple times, tried to get someone’s attention to help me with ink (it’s not accessible to shoppers) and was brazenly ignored. Like they saw me and literally turned around back into their huddle.

I suspect they made what’s probably the stupidest mistake in Portland retail: assuming what people will spend based on their attire (there’s an Pearl District Look that we don’t fit) and figured we weren’t worth even a minute of their time and their staff gossip was more important.

Anyway, back online I go when I need ink, a new fountain pen, or an expensive gift for a special relative. I’m not going to beg a shop to let me give them money. It sucks because I love shopping locally, but I’m not going to make myself miserable in the process.

It would be one star but the inventory seems really nice, though they don’t let you look at it, so that only...

This post is based off their example of what small businesses bring to everyone. My girlfriend and I were able to visit Oblation in person back in August, and it was a fantastic store to visit being some out of towners. It was very warm, the staff was inviting, and we could see the product they sell being made in the back. We bought some trinkets, and my girlfriend fell in love with some cards and the location. Absolutley great place.

Fast forward to a few weeks before Valentine's Day, I decided to place an order of some cards she had seen in person that I took pictures of. USPS in my town is garbage, and lost the package after saying it was delivered the week before Valentine''s Day. Very sad day, wouldn't be able to make it for Valentines, and girlfriend would'nt know the difference but it was going to be special.

Reached out to Oblation, and with the knowledge they were a small business and not a large scale operation I didn't have high hopes on getting it rectified before Valentine's Day. Not only could I feel how much they cared when communicating with them, but working with me days before Valentine's Day and during the middle of a snow storm in Portland showed the heart that goes into small businesses like these. They could have said sorry and moved on, but they were willing to replace the product and work with me on getting here in time. This store is a prime example of what small businesses can strive for when it comes to adding to their community. My heart felt thanks to the staff at Oblation, Alici and Alena, for being so amazing. Oblation has gained a life...