Columbia Art & Drafting

This place was really good, until it turned REALLY BAD. I will never shop there again, and will tell everyone I can about my experiences there. I was burned 4 times by them. 1st BURN: Discount coupon made me feel like I had just fallen for a disguised bait and switch--nearly everything was already on sale so it applied to very little. 2nd BURN: Called to make sure they had what I needed in stock (a 2-part item) and was told they did. Drove from Vancouver only to find they don't even sell part of what I was told was in stock. 3rd BURN: Tried to return some foam core. Told not returnable--read the receipt. Read receipt ("...No Returns or Exchanges on Sale Items, Books, Easels, Pens, Markers, Papers, Boards, Spray Cans, Lamps, Portfolios, Presentation Cases, Projectors, Lightboxes, Special Orders, Used Items - No Exceptions) to find almost everything non returnable, esp. sale items, no exceptions! 4th BURN: Bought substitute (see BURN #2) and counter gal told me it was returnable if not opened. Wrong. One part of it was "on sale," therefore only partly returnable. PROS: Good selection CONS: Virtually "No Returns/No Exchanges/No Exceptions" Policy, Inaccurate Phone and Counter Info, Discount Coupon caused feeling of disguised Bait & Switch Scheme. more

Unlike many art stores, Columbia doesn't cater just to drawing and painting -- they have a vast, extensive selection of drawing and painting supplies, but I'm also able to stock up on bookbinding materials. If I were a sculptor, I'm pretty sure I'd find the stock equally appealing. They have frequent good clearance prices, and a student discount. Without the student discount, they're a little pricy, and I can't get *everything* I need here -- fancy papers are in short supply, and there doesn't seem to be any binding cord -- but they do have the specialty items that are rarely carried, and this is incredibly good. more