Review: Dick Blick Art Supplies - Great Products, Lackluster Service

This article reviews Dick Blick Art Supplies, a family-owned business that has been providing artists with materials for over a century. With a vast selection of over 90,000 products, including paint, canvas, and artist paper, Dick Blick Art Materials has become a trusted source for many artists.

However, while the products are of good quality and the prices competitive, customers have reported issues with the company's customer service.

In this review, we will analyze the pros and cons of shopping at Dick Blick Art Supplies. We will cover the company's background, product selection, and customer service issues.

Our aim is to provide an objective and impartial evaluation of the company's offerings, and to help potential customers decide whether Dick Blick Art Supplies is the right fit for their artistic needs.

Company Background

Dick Blick Art Materials has a rich history dating back to 1911 as a family-owned catalog business. Its first retail store opened in 1974 in Galesburg, Illinois, and the company launched its first website in 1997.

Over the years, Dick Blick Art Materials has grown significantly and processed a total of 10 million customer orders in 2012. One of the company's significant milestones was its acquisition of Utrecht Art Supply and Manufacturing in 2013.

Today, Dick Blick Art Materials operates over 65 retail stores in the US, offering more than 90,000 products, including paint, canvas, and artist paper. The company's product range includes almost 15,000 factory-direct items and over 8,000 Utrecht and Blick brand items.

The company prides itself on offering competitive prices and matching offers online, making it an excellent option for customers looking for the best deals in town. What sets Dick Blick Art Materials apart is its knowledgeable staff in brick and mortar stores. The company employs experts who can answer questions and provide guidance on the products it offers.

Additionally, the company offers free shipping for orders online that reach $35 or more, although gift cards, tax, and handling costs are not counted towards eligibility for free shipping. However, items delivered by truck are also excluded from free shipping.

While the company offers good quality products, its customer service is lacking, according to some reviews. Customers have reported slow shipping times, and the pictures and descriptions on the company's website cannot always be trusted.

Despite these issues, Dick Blick Art Materials remains a popular option for art enthusiasts looking for a vast selection of products at competitive prices.

Product Selection

The range of available art materials from this particular supplier is quite extensive, with a selection of over 90,000 products including paint, canvas, and artist paper. This includes almost 15,000 factory-direct items, as well as over 8,000 Blick and Utrecht brand items.

Customers can find everything from basic sketching supplies to advanced painting equipment, making it a one-stop-shop for artists of all levels.

In addition to traditional art supplies, Dick Blick Art Materials also offers a variety of specialty products such as airbrushing equipment, printmaking supplies, and sculpting tools.

The company prides itself on offering competitive prices and matching offers online, making it a great option for those looking to get the best deals in town.

Overall, the vast selection of products available from Dick Blick Art Materials provides artists with everything they need to bring their creative visions to life.

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Customer Service Issues

Despite being a cornerstone in the art supply industry, some customers have reported less than satisfactory experiences with the company's customer service. Several reviewers have complained about the lack of assistance and slow response times from customer service representatives. Some have even reported unprofessional behavior from staff members, which has resulted in frustration and dissatisfaction with the company.

In addition, shipping times have also been a point of contention for some customers. Many have reported lengthy wait times for their orders, with some waiting for weeks or even months to receive their art supplies. While the company offers free shipping for orders over $35, some customers have reported that this offer is not always honored, with additional fees being added to their orders.

Overall, while Dick Blick Art Supplies offers a vast array of high-quality art supplies, their customer service and shipping practices may leave some customers feeling disappointed.