I love this place. They have tons of supplies, from traditional media to kids supplies. Clay, various types of paper, oil, watercolor, acrylic, paintbrushes, tons of sketchpads and books, portfolios, canvas and stretcher bars, pastels....this is the best arts supply store. I love it, I practically live here. They always have what I need, when I need it. I've been going here for years, and it's always good. I don't know what the hell everyone else is saying. They must be going to a different place, becuase ASW is not bad. It's an art supply store, meaning it can be pricey. Guess what: that's how it is. If you want cheap, then go to AC Moore and buy some bad quality supplies. ASW is priced the same as any other excellent art supply store. The staff know their stuff, and they are awesome. If you are a new artist, or a student, I recommend this place. You will find what you need. read more

amazing, everything I need in a small location. and a cute dog there, too. I hope they expand, a great store.

This store is an enigma. Sometimes you'll find exactly what you're looking for and even much more, and sometimes there is nothing even remotely useful up for grabs. It mirrors the overall integrity of this store. For starters, with yet another persons' disgruntled review, the prices are tricky and misleading and are most often not wholesale whatsoever. Furthermore, receiving any sort of discourse about that fact often leads to an exciting visit from yelp reviewers' most frequent complaint; Bill the store owner. He might emerge from the back office where he aggressively conducts his customer support, or appear behind you peering out from the shelves of misc art supplies. Weather he is hovering over a transaction or fuming about the place, the environment is super tense and unhelpful for any kind of shopper. Admittedly tho, a number of the other staff seem to be commonly driven by creative endeavor, or if not, atleast a curiosity for varied art supplies. A unique feature of this store is the opportunity to request the allocation of difficult to find resources. But again, good luck ever making use of any of what this store claims to offer with such crude unfriendliness as a standard here. In conclusion, a visit to Beverly Art Supplies Wholesale* might just be in your favor, but more often than not you're going to leave here empty handed and kind of pissed. Definitely worth stopping by tho for a grab bag and a gamble *discounted if you'll withstand their creative spin on customer service read more

Very happy with Art Supplies Wholesale. I ordered Crayola Twistable Slick Stix on Dec. 1 late at night, and received them on Dec 4th. The price was very reasonable in comparison with Amazon and Walmart's higher prices. And Art Supplies offered a choice in package content size that neither Amazon nor Walmart offered. Thank you ! read more

Love this store. The selection is enormous. Never had a negative experience. I've recently begun working with colored pencils on fabric. The selection of pencil brands is by far the best I've seen. They carry the greatest selection and the prices are pretty good. Whenever I've asked a question I've been pleased. Far more knowledgeable about their products than any chain store. It's an interesting shop, sure to spark your creativity and inspire curiosity. As a fiber artist I find something new and different every time I go. read more

Not a fan. They carry a minimal amount of items on the shelves. Prices are not wholesale. They carry a lot of "school kid" type supplies along with an assortment of overprices professional grade supplies. The staff are often borderline rude their phone service SUCKS and if you happen to step foot into the store they watch you like a hawk. Not watch you in a welcoming kind of way but in a "is she going to steal stuff kind of way." I'm well over 30 reasonably well dressed and don't look like a shoplifter. Not a fan. read more

Best Art Supply Store Ever. I never go in here without dropping at least a C Note, but it's ALWAYS worth it. Everything, and anything you want. Seriously. I think they would probably have Chinese food and hookers in the back if you ask for them (not that I've tried that while drunk and in a crisis before my junior year screen printing final). Big Love for the basement dwelling shop keeps and the tiny shopping carts. Thank you, ASW, for always making things right. read more

I ordered a gallon of liquitex gloss medium and varnish from this company online. Prior to my purchase, I spoke with a representative to confirm the details of the order. When I received my order, it was liquitex gloss medium (no varnish - a different product that doesn't work for my art). I've used the liquitex gloss medium in the past and it hasn't worked in the same way as the gloss medium with varnish. The photo on the listing shows the label for gloss medium and varnish, and is a different color than the label on the bottle I got. I called the company and was told that the gloss medium and varnish had been discontinued, so they had sent me a supplementary product. When I asked to return the product, they refused to issue me a refund. I'm extremely unhappy, as now I have a bottle of a medium I can't use as a result of false advertising. read more

basement art supplies store. parking is behind the building. staff are attentive and friendly. good variety and stock of different supplies.

Will NEVER buy from here again. I found ASW's website for the first time and decided to order 8 canvases. I paid in full (the freight price itself constituted 1/3 of my total order). When I received my shipment, I saw only 5 (out of the 8) items. I was confused, but later found out from calling the store that the missing items were "back-ordered." During my online checkout, I was never notified that I was purchasing items that were not even in stock. Since I wanted to get all 8 canvases as a set, I called back to tell them about my situation. I have never spoken to such unfriendly staff. The second I said "refund," the staff person switched to rude gear. He said that I would have to pay a 15% restocking fee, I would not be refunded the initial freight cost, and I would have to pay out-of-pocket to ship the items back to the store. If my calculations are correct (and I have much confidence in my basic math skills), I would actually be left somewhere with negative 10 cents. Basically, I'd be getting a "negative refund." I've never had this happen before. I've also never used "never" so many times in one review. To make matters worse, I found out that their prices aren't even wholesale. Yesterday, I saw Michael's selling canvases for half of what ASW was charging. At least I was able to cancel my order for the missing 3 items. There's just no way that I want to continue doing business with this store. I feel somewhat...scammed by this store. Definitely considering to file a complaint with BBB, but I'm not sure if it'd be worth the time and effort. Better luck to the rest of you! read more

Horrible Service! I've been coming here for over 10 years during my years as a student at Montserrat College of Art and I've spent 1000's of dollars over years. Progressively, the store has been on a decline. You can beat the prices online and avoid the arrogant staff. The owner and staff are incredibly rude and as a customer I have always felt that I have been a nuisance even being there. Today, as I was entering a store I overheard a young man in a wheelchair explain to the owner how an employee had cut him off as he was trying to park and that there was no wheelchair type parking for him. She did not apologize to him for the rudeness of her staff member. I watched her and some of her staff stare at the young man as he tried to navigate the really tight aisles. Some of them were snickering. I left feeling sick to my stomach, but with a small but needed purchase. I'll never go back. Stay clear of this place if you can. read more

This art supply store is as good, if not better than anything you'd find in the city. The staff usually can actually understand what I want AND find it! The only downside, is the unusually large size of their receipts! read more

SO RUDE THE OWNERS NAME IS BILL - I am a MassArt student and was told to order from here by one of my professors. I ordered a bunch of printmaking paper and Akua inks. I was very impressed by the way it was packaged because it was flat / supported for shipping. I was happy with it so I decided to order again. NOW THE SECOND TIME - I received the paper in a TINY cardboard box TIGHTLY rolled. UGH the paper is so curled now that it is UNUSABLE. I called the store and it sounded like the owner. He seemed bothered by my complaint and asked "Well what do you want me to do about it?". My response, "I shouldn't have to tell you what to do this is your company / customer service". Then, I received an unacceptable amount of attitude from this guy & I went on to explain how happy I was with the first order. I mentioned how I am a MassArt student and previously recommended the store to my friends & now this make me not want to. He was giving me so much attitude and aggression that I said "Fine just forget it this isn't worth it" and he said " FINE its forgotten then " and HUNG UP ON ME. I work at a Recording Studio in Boston and deal with all types of customers from pleasant to rude. I have always used "the customer is always right" motto. I felt as if I was doing something wrong by complaining about a damaged product. Stay away from this place by all means!!!!!! I called back after being hung up on and asked for the owners name and it is Bill. He was the one I spoke to before and then hung up on me after giving me his name. So unprofessional its sad. Read a customer service book Bill, it'll do a lot for you. You won't be getting any of my service / majority of MassArt's. I will be letting everyone know what kind of business this is. MASSART STUDENTS PLEASE AVOID !!!!!!!!! read more

Felt compelled to write a review since there were so many bad ones on here! The place is in a basement. Yes. but as an artist I love the character that it brings. They are small and [possibly?] family owned. So, no, don't expect 20 managers to help out with your ridiculous phone order. It's cute and has the essentials at reasonable pricing. I believe you need to order bulk to get the wholesale pricing. Give small businesses a break! I love this little art store. Give it a chance. PS. Originally had given 5 stars, changing to 4, because seriously, the staff are all so rude and make u feel uncomfortable. Just gotta go in with confidence and try not to pay attention to their attitudes read more

A true treasure of a store. The service has always been beyond exceptional. In the unlikely event you don't find what you need, they are quick to order online and deliver. The young manager expresses great care, attentiveness, sensitivity, and knowledge. It cannot be overstated how well they are conducting customer service during COVID. With the public's well-being as the utmost priority, they provide for your artistic needs with clinical observance of safety protocol. A simple appointment makes shopping efficient, personal (but not too!), and safe. I only wish other shops followed this superb model. We should all be so lucky to be treated with such respect. read more

Just left all my supplies in the counter and walked out. Every time I come here people are rude but this time it was unbelievable. It's like they are mad at you for being in their store trying to buy things. I've bought a whole lot here over the past years. I'm done. PS I wanted to add that this is my first yelp review and as someone who owned a small retail business for years I am very sympathetic to the plight of the small business owner. That is why I always think twice before writing reviews. But the situation is just extreme. I truly don't think anyone has ever been that rude to me in a store before. I believe it was the owner too, which makes me feel bad for the employees that they have to deal with that negativity on a daily basis. read more

Basically ... you go up to the counter with your stuff and feel intimidated. Sometimes you can hear the owners arguing in the back room. they are not the friendliest bunch. read more

I've been here once and I'll never go back. Prices are ok, but I've seen better. But overall, it's dark and unwelcoming. The staff has an attitude like you being there is inconveniencing them.. you want a real art supply store, check out Artists & Craftsman in Saugus. read more

Hanging up on customers who are seeking information is a pretty rude way to treat them. As I tried to place an order that would have totaled more than $350.00 and sought information, the owner of the establishment began barking, telling me I wasting his time, and demanding to finish up the transaction before I was sastified my questions were answered. When I tried to ascertain why he was so angry with me, the rude behavior continued. I will NEVER shop this place again, and will suggest my artist friends shop at Art Supply Warehouse instead. Very, very rude and totally uncalled for behavior. He doesn't deserve my business. read more

Horrible service! The place itself is so cluttered inside you can't even maneuver a shopping cart. I went in to buy supplies for school an hour before closing and I asked for help because I had a long list and I didn't know where stuff was. The man started reading the list, then since they only have 2 people working there apparently, ditched me and left me searching for paint for at least 20 mins. By the time he came back I hadn't even made a dent in the list. He helped me on and off for a while before I was brashly reminded by a girl that the store was closing in 10 minutes. I asked for help and she grabbed the list and ran off to another aisle grabbing things without even asking my approval. I've have since found that nearly everything I got is cheaper online or there is a better value online. I can't even return the stuff to get the better stuff online because they have a 15% restocking fee. Don't go to this store - seriously. The workers are so cold and let off a condescending vibe. I felt like I was more of a nuisance to the, than a customer. I asked questions multiple times and they didn't even acknowledge me. The store closed at 5:00 and their only concern was getting out at approximately 5:03. read more

My go-to store for professional quality art supplies on the northshore. Been going here for years and have never had any problem.

The customer service at this place is abysmal. I placed a large order and had one of my items substituted without receiving a call or an email to find out if this was acceptable. It was not. Had I been contacted I would have been more than happy to remove that particular item, or add something else entirely that would more fit my needs. To be fair - my account was credited for the difference in cost for this other item. However - when I called on a Saturday to express my concern and find out what happened I was told to call back on a Monday and talk to the owner (who was not in on Saturday) The person I spoke with on Saturday was very kind, and agreed that the substitution was not as high quality as the item I originally wanted and it WOULD NOT have a substitution he himself would have made. When I called on Monday to speak to the owner I was appalled at the lack of customer service and professionalism he displayed. When I called, I asked to speak to one of the owners. "One of the owners?" "Yes, I'd like to speak to one of the owners please." "There's only one owner." "Ok. I'd like to speak to the owner please." "Speaking." I asked him if he wanted my order number so he could look it up. He sighed as though he couldn't be bothered. "Yeah, I guess I could take a look at it." When I explained what had happened he was extremely sarcastic. I even went as far as to ask him if he was being sarcastic. It's Monday...it's early. I wanted to make sure. He agreed that yes, he was in fact being sarcastic. Along the lines of: "Oh my God...a substitution. How terrible! I bet they thought you had a class or something and were just trying to get the order out to you. All of my people are artists. They know what they're doing. Your item is just the same quality as the other items you purchased." Also not true, and even if it were true it shouldn't matter. It's not what I ordered and I was not contacted. I was told I could send the item back. (On my dime? Not sure, he didn't offer to pay for return shipping and frankly this guy was too rude for me to talk to anymore.) Once they had it back they would credit my account. All the while continuing with the superbly mastered sarcasm. I did tell the owner I would be leaving a review letting my friends know about my experience. I've never experienced such horrible customer service. Buyer beware. read more

I recently ordered a large 'Fredrix' brand canvas from Art Supplies Wholesale. I received it record time but the canvas was not as taut as it should be. I called to see if there was a way to tighten it myself. I spoke to Bill. He was so helpful and ended up calling the manufacturer to have another shipped to me ASAP. I received my shipment today and it was perfect. It was refreshing to deal with a business that really cared that I was not satisfied and did everything to make it right. read more

I live about a fraction of a mile from this store, and spend a fair amount of money there. I've been maybe half a dozen times so far this year and will be heading over there when they open today. I've been a customer since I moved to Beverly in 2003. Recently I bought something at ASW and compared the price to Amazon, and they were only a few cents more and I can have it within minutes of deciding I want it, I just drive a minute up the road. The selection is much better than a Michael's or AC Moore, you will find 'serious' art supplies as well as kid grade supplies for the teacher or parent. As for customer service, I don't think anyone has smiled at me in all the years I've been going into the store and there isn't any small talk but I go anyways because it's got quality stock and its convenient. I also never have any problem making a return. read more

Wholesale is very misleading as they are not a wholesale supplier. The owner of the store is incredibly rude and the most unpleasant person to do business with, he does not care one little bit about his customers. We stopped using them as they could not provide quality materials and they told us our standards were "too high" so if you've got low standards by all means use them otherwise stay away. read more

Love this place. I was really surprised to read the negative review because when I come in, I come in with three toddlers (and who brings three toddlers into a small store packed full of tiny things on shelves?) and the staff has always been incredibly friendly and helpful. I have always found it to be a great store run by great people. read more

Wish this were a better store since there aren't many. I'll give my business to Art Supply store in Saugus. This one needs better customer service and a better stock of oil paints....Out of Ultramarine Blue in smaller size every time I've gone. Ultramarine Blue is one of those colors you should expect to have in stock! read more

I should of read the reviews before I purchased....I ordered a bulk item from them because they were recommended on the Crayola website and their website said orders ship in 24 to 48 hours. I needed these crayons ASAP and thought this would be great. Ordered on a Friday, emailed Monday asking for status and was told they would ship tomorrow. Awesome they would make it in time to serve its purpose...Except I waited all day for a shipping notification and never received one. I emailed once again asking for a status and was told they did not have any in stock and they wouldn't be arriving until next week....I was beyond frustrated at this point. I asked them how long would shipping take since I paid a ridiculous amount in shipping and "handling". They responded it would take four days because it was too heavy to be sent overnight. I was more frustrated that someone that owns a business was so blatantly rude and had no remorse. The communication here was atrocious. So now I have 3000 crayons arriving Friday ( TWO WEEKS) after the original order date and will have no use for them as all my orders had to be out for the holiday this week. Do not order from then unless you have at least a month in advance to wait for your order in case issues arise! Also Crayola is launching an investigation into whether or not they should list them on their website, I think not. read more

Great selection of in-stock products for artists!

I love this store! Very utilitarian, no unnecessary frills. Extremely large selection and much better pricing than most other stores. In the rare case they don't have it, they can get it for you quickly. They also have a good website. read more

Not a wholesale distributor, very sarcastic when asked about it. First impressions are everything, so I won't shop there, if this is indicative of their customer service philosophy. read more

I have always loved this store as there are not many of its kind around. I have, however found the owners so incredibly rude that It is almost funny. Today I have had enough. I would like to see how they deal with customers they don't like. It is obvious that these people are very unhappy and impart each customer with a sense that they have done you a huge favor by just allowing you to shop there. Well I will not be asking for any more favors. read more