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I need to fill in some of my Copic markers. Both Dick Blick and Oozak have the Ciaos, which I prefer, for $3.59 each. Both offer free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Is either company better than the other in terms of shipping, customer service, etc.? Thanks for your opinions.
I've never ordered anything from Dick Blick, so I can't comment on that company.
However, Oozak is simply awesome. Rusty, the owner, sends emails to keep you informed about your order. Each item shows how many are in stock, so it isn't likely at all that you'd get stuck with a surprise backorder situation. When you order by 3:30 p.m. eastern time on a weekday, your order is filled and shipped the same day - and if for some reason Rusty can't keep that promise, he puts a notice in big, bold letters on the website. On several of my orders, I've received shipping notices within 90 minutes of ordering. If you create an account there, you may receive a lower price on your items (the amount can vary depending on the item).
My favorite Oozak story: Back when I was starting my Copic collection, my husband let me order one of the larger sets of markers for my birthday present. I set up an account, got the additional discount, and used our joint credit card to pay for the order. A few months later, my husband decided to get me another Copic set for my Christmas present. He didn't know that setting up an account would get him a lower price, so he didn't do that, but he used the same credit card for payment. DH received an email from Rusty a little while later. Rusty had noticed that the surname, address, and credit card number on DH's order matched my order from August. He offered DH the lower price since I had an account set up. The Copics have gone through several price changes since then and the discount isn't quite as much now, but at the time, it saved DH about $15.00. I don't know of any big business that would do that for a customer, and it helped make me a loyal Oozak customer.
I have not ordered often from Oozak but I can say personalized service speaks volumes in the retail world so I love ordering from those places. Thank you PH in VA for sharing such an awesome story!!
Oozak! Hands down. Sadly he is a one man operation but his service is awesome. He knew I began to order my copics and refills at the same time. On one order he had an error in available stock and asked if I wanted the marker without the refill! HOW observant is that! A tip to the wise. Earlier in the year his stock is good. End of the year not so good but he does keep you updated especially with new releases. I highly recommend him for any supplies he carries. He is amazing and SUPER responsive to questions. I got a personal phone call about that order. No one on earth does this but Rusty!
I ordered 4 bottles of Brusho from Blick because they have individual colors I wanted and the shipping was $11. Brusho bottles are the about the size of embossing powder jars. The box they shipped in was 18" long x 10" wide x 5" deep, filled with packing paper with a little baggie with the jars. Crazy high shipping and wasteful. From now on I'll only from Blick in an emergency.
I have ordered copics from both and have no complaints about Dick Blick. Loved the service. I do, however, always try to order from Rusty (Oozak) where copics are concerned because I love his CS. He was quick to remedy an issue I had. For all my other art supply needs, I go to Dick Blick.
I use and like them both for different reasons (mainly for the different products each carries), but if it's a toss up between the two for the same product, I would definitely prefer to give my business to Oozak/Rusty just because I don't see them as a big box store so I'd want to support that and Rusty and his company have the most AWESOME personal, outstanding customer service and his prices/deals/shipping are excellent and extremely competitive. I am a loyal customer of Oozak for sure ....
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Another vote for Oozak. Rusty is a very sweet soul.
Blessings
I agree, and shipping is so much better than Dick Blick. I made the mistake and didn't upgrade Dick Blick shipping, and waited nearly two weeks for my order after it shipped. Yes, Rusty is a sweetie.
Thanks everyone. I'm going to order from Oozak this weekend. I haven't gotten any coupons, but his prices are so good that I don't need one right now. I will try Dick Blick for some of my other supplies too. I really appreciate all of the feedback. It has helped me to make an informed choice.
I'm so disappointed and frustrated right now. I tried to order from Oozak yesterday; but by the time I went to check out, half of the markers I had placed in my cart were on backorder. Then I tried Dick Blick. Only one was on backorder, but free shipping would have required me to purchase $9 more in merchandise. Otherwise it would have been $13 to ship 9 markers! I don't think so. Anyway, I'm going to sit down later on and make a larger wish list and choose the ones that aren't out of stock on Oozak. As I said, it was a very frustrating and disappointing experience. If their prices weren't so good, I'd forget the whole thing. Thanks for letting me vent. :-(
Well, I ordered from Carpe Diem a week ago today, and my order still hasn't shipped. It shows as "Completed," but I haven't gotten any shipping notice, which I am supposed to get. I emailed them yesterday, and I am awaiting a response. Their prices are great, but I'm not very impressed with their shipping right now. I'll post when I have more info.
I found out from a Marco's Paper blogpost that there is a dock strike in Los Angeles that is causing widespread product delays from Copics to refrigerators. I had no idea about this until I read Greg's post:
I didn't think of that. They did reply to my email, saying that my order had been shipped on 2/11. I checked the tracking number, and it is supposed to be delivered today. Since it's still in California, I doubt it. Oh, well. When they get here, they get here. There's no emergency. I just hate waiting.
Dick Blick or Oozak?
