Aartdevos Reviews 58

I am satisfied. Fast order fulfillment and effective customer service. One of the pencils was damaged and a new one was sent to me the next day. But it's a pity that there's not a larger selection of sketchbooks (e.g. no Canson mixed media).

Updated Nov. 11, 2024 - Alas, I should have reread this to remind myself of my last experience with this place, but the lure of the materials was too great. I can tell you without a doubt (and this time, I have a witness, as a colleague came with me) that nothing has changed. I was unfortunate enough to have the same person wait on me. When I asked if they had a certain kind of paper for printmaking in smaller sizes, he looked down his nose at me and said it only comes in 50x70 and if they had to cut it for me, it would cost me, holding out his hand and making a demeaning gesture with his fingers that suggested that I couldn't possibly afford that. He had no idea what I could afford or not.

Then, I asked about inks for printmaking and he took out a worn book and while I looked at tiny splotches of color on the page, he wandered off, not coming back to see if I was ready to tell him which colors I wanted until I finally had to ring the bell. He then acted like he hadn't seen me before.

He then proceeded to bring me the wrong colors and then try to make it seem like my fault. He didn't offer any advice when I asked for it and every time I asked for an item, he would ask what size I wanted, without offering me any information about what sizes were available.

In the end, despite the fact that I should have told him how rude and horrible he was and walked out, instead, I spent 1600kr on materials so that my local art group can be creative together later this week. If it hadn't been for that, I would definitely have left without buying anything. Oh, and he sold me the wrong paper, it wasn't at all the type I asked for and I was so shaken by his behavior that I didn't check it properly before leaving. Basically, his arrogance is utterly unwarranted, he clearly didn't know anything about the products he was selling. If I could give NO stars, I would.

Original review:

Over the years, I have shopped at Aart de Vos in Aarhus, every single time, I have been met with arrogance and snobbery. Their personnel really have the power to ruin your day.

It's such a shame because the shop has such potential to be magical, with narrow aisles and a huge variety of art materials that you can't find anywhere else. But standing between you and those materials are the most arrogant, holier-than-thou personnel I've ever encountered. It must be in the hiring criteria, because I've been dropping by occasionally for more than a decade and it never changes.

You can't browse and explore the materials, you just have to ask the person behind the counter. And if you show any sign of doubt or not knowing exactly what you want, you are met with disdain. And heaven forbid you'd like to look at, say, their selection of fine lino cutting tools. You'd better know exactly what one you want because that person doesn't have time to keep trotting back and forth, showing you the options. I mean, really, are you a real artist or not?

I hope this time, the memory of how terrible the experience of shopping there makes me feel sticks, so that I don't make the mistake of going back.

It's a weird way to treat your customers, as if you're better than them. They are, after all, the ones there to spend money and you just work there. Very puzzling.

Amazing service! The shop assistant made colour samples for me on paper, so I could find exactly, what I was looking for. I left with everything I needed. Will definitely recommend this shop!

Recently bought lots of paint supplies from here. They are incredibly helpful in the shop, and not just trying to sell you the most expensive products. The website gives you very detailed information about what they have in store.