I just wanted to share this with my artist friends out there. This is my opinion based on my experiences and may not reflect the experiences of others who have dealt with this company so take it as you will. I recently had a very upsetting business transaction with an online company called Clear Bags that sells bags and boards for comics, art prints, photos, etc. I needed bags and boards for the prints that I sell at conventions and they were recommended to me so I thought I would give them a chance. The very first time I ordered from them the order was incorrect. I ordered 11x17 bags and boards and received 8x10 bags and huge boards. When I called their customer service line I was told that these items are what I had ordered which seemed impossible but I let it go assuming I could just return them and correct the mistake regardless of who made it. Incorrect assumption. I was told that the boards could not be shipped back as company policy dictates that the chance for damage to boards in shipping was too great of a risk for returns (wait, didn't you just ship them to ME?) and that with the 20% restocking fee and shipping charges I would practically be paying them to take back the bags (anyone wanna buy sone 8x10 bags?). I ordered new bags because I needed them right away and cut the boards down using my matte cutter, lesson learned. Well I ended up selling some prints at Indy Comic Con and the Independent Show plus I drew a few more and I needed boards again (I still had some bags left) so I lazily ordered from Clear Bags again hoping that the first time was an isolated incident, I was wrong. I was oh so careful this time in the ordering and made sure I ordered the right thing for fear of a repeat of the first event. This time they sent me 11x14 boards. Again, I was told that the mistake was on my end. I emailed the company and received a reply to call them. I was told, "Of course you can return them but...." there is a 20% restocking fee, we won't repay the shipping fee to you or the shipping fee to return the boards because, again, it was your fault. As previously stated I would again be paying more than the original cost plus shipping to return the boards (anyone wanna buy some 11x14 boards?). Plus they had the audacity to ask if I wanted to reorder the right size.....really......really? Anyway, bad experience all around and I thought I would send this out as a cautionary tale for fellow artists. I found a new place called BCWsupplies.com that I'm going to try out. The boards are actually cheaper there and hopefully the customer service is better as well. Rant over.
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