Nancy H.
Yelp
I'm torn about this store.
I was a very loyal Michaels customer in Seattle, for 20+ years! But a few months ago I moved here to Vancouver and I needed a limited edition signed print framed so, of course, I thought of Michaels and came to this store. And my experience here was less than stellar.
As in the Michaels' store in the States, they have a large selection of options for custom framing: frames, glass, matting, hardware, etc.
That's where the similarities ended, really.
The framing tech we initially worked with seemed somewhat new, but there was a more seasoned lady working behind the counter, and the tech conferred with this more experienced lady often. My husband and I chose a specific frame and matting and had specific directions for the framing job. We were quoted a 2-week lead time "MAX". The cost was super expensive, but I believe when you're dealing with expensive artwork, it's important to get it right.
I didn't like having to pay 100% of the job upfront. I knew right away that, in so doing, I'd have no leverage for them to fix any potential problems. But my hands were tied and we wanted this job done ASAP (we were excited to get this artwork hung on our walls, as we were hosting a party that month and we wanted to showcase this piece). We paid the huge cost and left.
About ten days later, hubby and I were in the area so we popped in to the store to check on the status of the framing job. The tech behind the counter had no idea what we were talking about and, finally, after looking under the counter in every cubicle and behind in the workroom, and in every cupboard on the back wall, he finally returned to say that they got the mattes in but the piece won't be framed for another few days, and we should receive a call when it's done in about two days.
We left and waited for the call.
And waited and waited. Two weeks passed, then three. Finally a lady called me to say they got our mattes in (well, I had known that over a week earlier!), but "bad news", it was damaged and they'd have to re-order it. I was upset. I was quoted a lead time of two weeks and had paid in full upfront. I asked if they could expedite the order and the lady said no. I asked if there was any discount for the prolonged wait time and she said no. So in essence, I was screwed.
It took over two weeks after that call before our artwork was ready for pick-up. Yes, it was lovely and looked great. Was it worth the cost and the nearly 7-week lead time? No way. I was disappointed in the whole experience and the lack of customer service (they didn't even want to try to make the situation right for me, the customer). I'd not return here for future framing jobs.