GreatArt Avis 

I emailed several times about my bday discount but got left on read. Finally I bought without a bday discount code.When I saw my parcel was dispatched, I clicked "track shipment", there was nothing but showing merely the content...I don't even have a delivery order no.I was quite fed up with your service indeed

Ordered paper on 26 March and two weeks later still waiting for order and any response from the company.

I really do not know why Great Art has only been given a few stars. Its a fabulous store for artists. Its stock covers just about every art form that you can think of. The staff at Shoreditch are really friendly and helpful. I use Great Art wooden picture frames which really do complement my art work.
I am so looking forward to Great Art opening next week as I will be on their doorstep the minute they open.

This is the second time I'm ordering something from Great Art and this will be the last.
I understand this is a difficult time, but what I went through and the lack of understanding is beyong crap.
I ordered a few items for about £100. I already knew their delivery was long and it's stated as such when you order, so I waited. The delivery didn't come on the expected time. I contacted them, they said the carrier had delays and it will be with me in 3 days.
I waited and still nothing.
So I contacted them again, they said the carrier lost the parcel, so I can either have another delivery or get a refund. I opted for the refund. That was on the 10th March 2021.
Still nothing, no refund. Until one day, on 18th March I got a parcel delivered. I didn't realize first it was from them or I would have refused it.
So I contacted them again... note that it takes one week for them to answer to emails. They asked me if I wanted to keep the parcel again !! They insisted !!!
I said no. I asked for a refund and I expect it.
Since it takes so long for them to answer it took another month to exchange the following:
- me: please refund
- them: we can't if you have the parcel you need to resend to us before we can refund you.
they agreed to arrange a collection but I had to give them the dimensions of the parcel.
- me: you were suppose to refund on the 10th of march and we are already days after.
so I gave them the dimensions and the parcel was collected on 1st april.
I had a call today with them and they don't understand what mistakes they made saying that it's not their fault, but the situation as they can only read emails choronologically, or the carrier lost the package, or I had the package and they don't refund until they get the package back etc... they do not take responsibility for their actions and do not offer anything actually outside of apologysing.
What kind of customer service is that ??? I really really never seen anything like that before.
I got them on the phone today, and they said I got the refund sent 2 days ago even if I chased them daily for the past couple of days, they didn't tell me the refund was put in place. I checked my bank account and I got nothing, we are the 9th April !!!!
it has taken a full month for them to apply the refund, unbelieavable. and I still have to check I effectively have it. they say it takes a long time because it's paypal. they don't even have a bank account :-(
seriously !!! what a nightmarre dealing with them
I do not usually write reviews but people deserve to know.

Although the product I ordered was fine, unfortunately the time it took to be delivered was wholly inadequate. I appreciate that we are in unusual times and that this will effect service. However, I have waited over the specified amount of days for a delivery on the only two occasions I have used this service, which compared to other art suppliers falls well short of expectations. To compound my frustration, no courier tracking facility is available so I have no general idea of when my order will arrive. All this as meant I have had to go with a different supplier to avoid delays to my work production. I have passed this information on to artist colleagues of mine and am in the process of highlighting these issues on social media.

Second time I've bought from them and I'm very happy. Technology was a bit of a problem but called the shop. They got back very quickly to me and placed my order over the phone. Young man was very helpful and pleasant. Would have no hesitation in going back to them at all.

I have been using GreatArt for about 5 years and have never had a bad experience, in fact, I'd say they've all been great. In store the staff are knowledgeable and helpful, the sheer range of art supplies (of different value, not just the expensive stuff) is great for when you fancy trying new things. I have also ordered online, it can take longer than people are used to with the likes of Amazon doing next day delivery, but it always comes within 1 week which is good enough if you plan ahead. Will keep coming back for sure!

After a hiccup earlier this year, Great Art continue to deliver a great service. I've been buying from them for nearly twenty years and have only encountered one problem, as mentioned, in February this year. Keep up the good work, Great Art!

Amazing store, with knowledgeable friendly staff.

Always a pleasure. Great staff

I have shopped with Great Art for over 2 years; Initially in the Shoreditch store and more recently, due to the pandemic, via the website. The range of products is phenomenal, the quality of their own brand “budget” materials in some cases outdo premium brands that I have purchased in the past. The staff are all knowledgeable, and I believe artists themselves, which really makes a difference when you need guidance. I’ve been along (pre pandemic) to some instore drawing classes and also student nights, where different offers are available (and free pizza has been available whilst you browse!!! Always a winner!).
I did have an issue once in store where the wrong code was put through the till but on emailing the store they were quick to investigate, refund the difference, and they even sent me a complimentary brush case for the inconvenience. Delivery times for online purchases can be lengthy if you’re running low on something unexpectedly, however, these are clearly stated on the website and I think during these strange times, a slight delay because of couriers etc should be expected. Click and collect has been offered to counterbalance this slight inconvenience.
I always end up spending a fortune, which is testament to the store for having such a good range, knowledgeable staff and providing an excellent shopping experience. It’s such a pleasure to walk into an art supplies shop that has everything you could possibly want to get your creative juices flowing, especially when over the last few years high street stores have been dwindling and the offer has been lacklustre from other retailers.

"They were not only unwelcoming and unfriendly, they were extremely aggressive."

Avoid! I ordered some items 'click and collect' by email on 18th March, then, a little concerned I may have left it a few days, I emailed again on the 25th March to say I hadn't forgotten and would be in today. The email was acknowledged.

Unfortunately, when I went along this afternoon to collect the items, I had the misfortune to be greeted by an extremely rude member of staff at the shop in Kingsland Road.

I said I was there for a collection and said my name; I was told that wasn't sufficient, and was asked what the items were, which I answered. The staff member then asked for an order number, which I had to look through my emails for. They were clearly rather irritated by me and did not hide their impatience.

Once I had found the order number, they went off to collect the items and on returning still seemed extremely 'put out', to put it mildly; I asked why they were being impatient with me, when I had emailed to say I would be in today and that I thought I had been considerate in doing so? The staff member merely said 'well, that wasn't me' and told me that the items were put back into stock; they also said the sign on the door said that I should have had my order number ready.

I was made to feel as though I was being a nuisance, and that I was in some way causing a disruption. They were not only unwelcoming and unfriendly, they were extremely aggressive. I was rather shocked by their stance towards me.

A small point, the emails confirming the collection could have said items will only be held for 24hours... or 'please have your order number ready', nevertheless this does not in any way excuse the behaviour shown towards me this afternoon.

I only hope there is some training Great Art can give the person concerned so that nobody else has to spend an afternoon feeling they have been treated badly, and left wondering why, as I have today.

What should have been a simple, pleasant transaction was instead deeply unpleasant. By way of contrast, a collection I made earlier in the week from Atlantis was an entirely different experience - charming staff, welcoming and efficient. I know where I'll be going in future.

Since I started selling my artwork 3 years ago I have purchased so many canvases, binders and paints from Great Art. I love the quality of their own brand, Gerstaeker. There have been some hiccups with deliveries lately but they have been dealt with by their very friendly staff. (A special shout out for Luke! )

What I love is the choice and the prices on the Great Art site. A wide range of printmaking products with excellent cutting tools!
Can be hard to contact if a problem but only had a problem once and they dealt with very well.

Lovely selection of products at good prices, which is hard to find in the UK, pleased I’ve found this company. They quickly refunded the part of the order that arrived damaged. All good, thanks

No refund after returning goods
I sent some items back 02/03/21 using a label they provided. I have been told twice the refund is on its way but it's now 24/03/21, I'm very worried about it. I have had no replies or updates saying why.

UPDATE: Paypal have finally stepped in and refunded me. Thank god for paypal.

I ordered some ink on 1st Feb 2021 expecting delivery within 8-10 working days. Having heard nothing by the 16th I emailed to ask for an update. I received the following-

“We are sorry for the delay which has been unfortunately caused by our carrier.
The great news is your parcel is on the way and is currently awaiting dispatch from the sortation centre.
Unfortunately the courier is experiencing a technical issue with their tracking link/information. We are working on resolving this as soon as possible so you can track your parcel as soon as possible.”

By 8th March I still hadn’t received anything, and had to contact again. I got another email response- “I have chased your order with the delivery company from the sortation centre and unfortunately they have lost the parcel.” I was offered a refund, or for the parcel to be sent out again.

The ink finally tuned up this week (16th March).

Very disappointing service especially as this has clearly been an ongoing issue that should have been made clear on the website.

I have previously ordered supplies from Great Art without issue.

Ordered on 1st of March, after 10 working days still no item recived. Called several times, left voice mails - no answer back. Sent emails, yet no reply .
Finally managed to speak on the phone to someone who was actually blaming me for wanting my order to arrive on time. How dare I have such expectations, do I not know what's happening in the world with covid and brexit. Sorry... my bad. Very poor customer service. AVOID this company at all cost.

Hello,

I ordered on the 28th of February and still nothing, I tried calling and nothing again. I will be leaving the uk so the order needs to be shipped asap this is mega unprofessional. It said on the website 7 to 10 days for shipping. will the orders ever be sent. I can understand that you might run into some issues but at least send an email to notify the customers because this is really worrying.

Thanks

AVOID - much better to support CassArt or JacksonsArt instead.

Order placed 22/2 and still not received by mid-March! (btw I've since found out that despite the .co.uk address orders are sent from Germany)

Customer service also appalling. Tried contacting via phone (never available), email (no reply) and contact us (no reply).