Alchemists Workshops Reviews 10,764

I have been to this store on a few occasions now and each time i enjoyed my visit apart from my visit today.
I’m currently painting different war hammer models and the ones I'm doing require really small brushes to perfect the really small details.
I went into the store to buy a new paint brush for this task.
After looking around for a short while i found some choices but there were also packs of paintbrushes in UNsealed boxes (no tape, no sticker, no plastic covering). Before picking up this item i looked around for any signs or pictures that would tell the customers to not open boxes to check the brushes otherwise you’d need to buy it regardless. I carefully opened a box set of paintbrushes ensuring not to damage anything whatsoever to compare the brushes for the main reason of the brushes that are in this box are not displayed separately to compare to other brushes.
If you’re a model painter you will understand how important it is to get the correct sizing for what you’re doing and i only wanted to make sure i was getting the right brush.
After comparing the brushes and i was carefully putting the brush back in its original packaging carefully, a man starts to shout over at me stating i now need to buy this set no matter what since i had opened it and broken the seal (which is non existent). I didn’t intend on buying this product as i found it wasn’t better than the other options, this means i was forced to buy a product i didn’t want.
To be clear if there was any signs or any images of anything at all stating this store policy of if you check the boxed brush sizes you have to buy it anywhere in sight i would not have done this, i would also never open a sealed product that cannot go back to its original state.
It’s not like i opened a sealed product, it was a simple cardboard box with no seal in anyway shape or form - i will attach a photo of where i opened this product to show there was no seal, no adhesive no nothing!! - i am unable to post this photo on trust pilot however im appealing my review on the typical google reviews and it will be shown there.
Quite disappointing really, spending more money than i intended on spending and on a product that is useless to me too. If you want to enforce this policy on people make sure people are aware of it in the future to avoid making further customers uncomfortable and compelled to buy unnecessary items.
Another helpful way to avoid this would to make sure all brushes are clearly displayed individually for display purposes so they can be compared.
I have seen that this store will reply to reviews so to future proof my review i have never once seen any policy signs ANYWHERE in this store during any of my visits so if one will be put up just know this would’ve been added after my review has been seen.
I’m just thankful there are other stores in the surrounding area.
REPLY EDIT:
I’m disappointed to see the tone and content of the store’s response to my original review, particularly the suggestion that my actions constituted theft under the Theft Act 1968, which is simply incorrect.
The item in question was not sealed in any way: there was no tape, sticker, or protective covering and there was no signage or policy visible in store advising customers not to check the contents of boxed items. I handled the product carefully and caused no damage. As a customer, I believe it is reasonable to check the quality and suitability of an item before purchasing, especially when there are no display samples available for comparison.
I would also like to clarify that I did not ignore staff. I was facing away and did not realise I was being addressed initially. As soon as a member of staff approached me directly, I engaged with them. This appears to have been a simple misunderstanding rather than any intentional behaviour.
What I take issue with is how the situation was handled. I was made to feel uncomfortable and pressured into buying a product I did not want, and the suggestion that police involvement would have been appropriate is extremely disproportionate and unprofessional.
Having now seen how the store responds not only to my review but to others as well, I find the tone consistently defensive and at times extremely rude and aggressive whenever a customer comes forward and shares their experience. This shows me that this company is simply unable to handle any form of constructive criticism due to the amount of emotional outbursts from the mangers. This does not reflect well on customer service and would make myself and others not wanting to ever return to such a place.
I want to be clear that I would have respected any clearly communicated policy. The issue here is not the existence of a policy, but the lack of communication around it and the way the situation was handled.

I wish i could reply more, there’s so much to complain about there’s no more space!

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Order correct, fast delivery.

Good fast service packaging and delivery great
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Great prices, fast delivery and a surprise sweet :-D

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fast delivery, and came with a free sweet in the package as a bonus. 11/10

Ordering was easy and my item was delivered extremely quickly. The prices are really good, as well. I will be ordering from Alchemists Workshops again.