Arrogant, uncooperative, stuck in the "it's the policy" mode. Don't even think of paying for your merchandise with a LOCAL check and attempting to return or exchange. The store has a 1960s policy of making you wait 14 days, yes 14 days for your check to clear. It hasn't taken 14 days for a check to clear since the days of the Pony Express. More like 14 hours, at most. On top of that they have a 30 return policy for in essence you have a window of 16 days to return merchandise. Needless to say they have lost my business. read more

Ben Franklin holds the monopoly because they're the only craft store around. The reality is that I go there when I have to get something in a jiffy that I can't order because I don't want to have to wait for it to arrive. I've repeatedly been treated poorly by employees. Good luck if you ever need to return anything. A couple of months ago my little girl and I went in to return a purchase that was brand new and only bought three days prior for a birthday party that we ended up not going to for a child. The clerk who was sweet and friendly called the manager up. She was a rude young gal with a nasty accusative manner. She used a fine tooth comb to look over the purchase and while doing so she was especially nasty towards me. As I literally stood there quiet and speechless the entire time. She nearly acted as if we took some paint out of the containers! Total jerk! To accuse customers of being thieves is so idiotic! I left after receiving my refund and it sure took almost 10 minutes of ridicule to receive it! No joke! Four years ago I went in to purchase some fabric. I was treated poorly in the fabric department of Ben Franklin's. First I was ignored. Then when I asked for assistance I was treated in an aloof disrespectful tone by the elder woman there. She acted like I was a fool for asking intelligent questions about the product. I seldom leave there feeling positively. It's a good thing I have self esteem and a decent view of myself because if I didn't Ben Franklin would depress me. The vibe is off there. Money money money and overcharging is what the vibration is in there. Negative for sure! I wish someone wonderful would open up a similar store and even if they charged a puffed up amount like Ben Franklin does I'd never return to BF for life! Small towns can suck. And no, I don't travel so there's no hope of another craft store in another town. read more

Ben Franklin is a great craft store with new product coming in everyday. They always stay up to date on what's trendy and cool. They also offer great classes. If you have questions the department heads are unbelievably knowledgeable. They also have a sale once a month on the last Wednesday. And lastly, if you're a knitter/crocheter, they have the best selection of yarn and needles I've ever seen! Go be crafty! read more

I'm going to be honest. I'm a sucker for arts and crafts stores and pretty much any given place will make me happy if it carries the materials for the typical DIY projects and has a helpful, knowledgeable staff. Check and check for Ben Franklin Crafts! All the salespeople we talked to on our search for random things were helpful and interested in our project. And we found everything we needed for very reasonable prices. Loved it. read more

Awesome place to get all of your craft needs. Well informed staff and a fun place to just hang out.

Is it weird to be this enthused about a craft store? Their fabric selection is phenomenal! Their displays are really inspirational and they are certainly stocked in everything you'd need for a fabulous project. They are right up there with some of the best fabric stores I've been to and they keep beautiful gifts and decor in stock. I make it a point to go to Ben Franklin whenever in Grass Valley. read more

Great selection, typical craft store prices, overall very knowledgeable staff. The only reason I'm not giving them a full five stars is because when I asked one of the young girls who works there why there wasn't any Wi-Fi in the store, she looked at me like I was crazy and said in a rather snotty tone "we don't have... WI-FI." She then rolled her eyes and walked away. Now, as a Mom of four, I wanted to slap her right then and there for showing that level of disrespect, but I held my tongue, my back hand and my temper. The funny thing is that the only reason I wanted to use my phone to go online was to check in on Yelp! So there ya have it folks. Don't try to use Wi-Fi in the store and for Christ's sake don't ask anyone why you can't! Other than that, shop away. read more

I spend a lot of time here, mostly in the yarn department, which is excellent (and even more appreciated now that the only other yarn store in town is closed.) But several times, I've ordered a special order which they lost, and once I came in months later and found the yarn I'd ordered in the bins. When I mentioned that I'd placed a special order for that yarn but had never received it, I was practically told that I should have re-ordered it (I had...) That has happened more than once, so as good as their stock is, their behind-the-scenes systems need some serious fixing. Likewise, as often as I'm in there, they still require my ID each time, and their return policies date from before Noah's Flood - you have to wait two weeks before you can get a refund if you paid by check. Hello??? I've had a few things framed there. They have a nice, if small, selection and did a good job. They also have an extensive selection of pre-fab frames. So they are well-stocked, and their staff is friendly, and they have interesting classes. But they need to update their operations to remain competitive, especially now that there's a new Michael's in Auburn. read more

I seriously cannot go in here too often without leaving with tons of excess little things that I really don't need. Somehow I was able to walk in here one day last week and walk out without buying anything - but! I was on a mission. :) I love this store. They have great sales and a great selection! Honestly? I like it better than Michaels. read more

Great general craft store. They have a wide yarn and fabric selection. Basic selection in other crafts. Lots of ideas for new projects in display for inspiration. Friendly service. Ample parking read more

Returned a $10 item, never used, with price attached and cash paid receipt as item would not display as thought. Wanted picture I.D., as it was store policy. For whatever reason they think they need this is beyond common merchant sense. Shop there on occasion, mostly in the frame store. I have made 1 or 2 other items over the last 15 plus years and am sure I was never asked this in the past. I have never ever encountered this I.D. requirement before in either of the adjoining towns. I have been asked politely for name and phone number in at least one other area merchant. Something must have happened, or they think their policy gives them the legal right to ask for I.D. Someone should point out to them they are not the police who have that legal right. An I.D. has information on it that could be used fraudulently by an employee or whomever. I have rights too, not policies, one of which is to shop elsewhere where my careful business attitude is not at risk in todays I.D. Theft World, and is appreciated by me. read more

This Ben Franklin is by far is the coolest Art supply store around. I think anyone could find something in this store to buy. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The selection of so many different products is overwhelming in the best way. I ask for gift certificates for my Birthday and Christmas. If I'm blue my husband takes me to Ben Franklins and drops me off and an hour later he has to drag me out of the store but I go from blue to ultra happy after I leave.. Thanks for being there Ben Franklin you know how to cheer someone up in a huge way! read more

Wow. I wish I would have discovered this place sooner!! I always seek out art supply stores when my husband and I travel. We were visiting Grass Valley on Valentine's Day and came across Ben Franklin's. I was blown away by the selection of supplies they carry. Home decor, fabric, yarn, craft supplies, professional art supplies, scrapbooking supplies, mixed media supplies.... They carry items I haven't been able to find at some of the big chains in the Roseville area that I thought I could only get by ordering online. They are a little bit pricier then some of the bigger chains, but you can't beat the selection. I would rather pay a bit more then have to go to multiple stores to find the same items. It is definitely worth the drive from the Roseville area. I can't wait to get back there!! read more

A worker named Julia was extremely rude to me when I came to check out. When she saw me putting my stuff down she looked at me, rolled her eyes, and sighed. I heard her mumbling something but I couldn't hear what it was. Once when she was done ringing up everything she gave me a dirty look. She then proceeded to text someone on her phone. She gave me extremely poor costumer service and I don't even know why they hired her. She is by far the worse worker I have ever met. Thanks to Julia I will be doing my shopping at another store from now on. read more

Mommy and me art class is awesome. Great crafts and snack included. The instructor is wonderful with kids even tantrumers, like my son;)

Confused if the good reviewers have been outside of GV. the place is...whatever. Nothing special more expensive than if you went to Roseville I found that the staff was AWFUL. like candid camera awful. Especially one staffer in particular who told me he was too busy to answer a question. I think this place doesn't value customer service and is happy just being the biggest craft store in town. I'd urge them to train their staff and value customers more. Wait until a chain comes into town this place will be shut down because of their prices and horrible horrible customer service. read more

The lack of customer service is evident at this store. I used to frequent this store a lot and was never impressed with their customer service. Usually they have lacked it. However, just the other night when I went I asked Audrey D. for the teacher discount, she denied me the 15% discount. She stated I could only get it if I was in their system and I had to sign up on line. When Micheal, the other cashier, attempted to ask her if there was anything they could do, she rudely states,"it's the policy". (Turns out she lied) I told her that at Micheal's and JoAnns, all I have to do is show my school identification. She would not take it. The store had 15 minutes until it closed and she was obviously wanting to ring us up and send us on our way. We spent close to $80 on framing, and we should have received up to $12 off. I called the next day and spoke with the GM and he was unhelpful and lacked any customer service either. He did apologize for Audrey, but I seriously doubt he will do anything at all. Perhaps the store should realize they are not the only craft and framing store in the area. Micheal's is in Auburn and they are super! The store store is bright, cheery, the employees are super friendly and helpful and friendly. And teachers get the discount, HASSLE FREE. **In regards to Audrey lying, yes she lied'! THeir website states: "Come in to our store with your valid Teacher's ID or apply using the form below! " This is straight from their site at http://benfranklin-crafts.com/specials-coupons/teacher-discounts They lost a customer. read more

I'm looking for something specific and searched their website and didn't see it. Called, the person that answered the phone had such a strong accent I wasn't sure I was calling a local store - and asked if I had reached Ben Franklin Grass Valley - I was assured I had. I was transferred to Angela - who I was promised to help me. I asked my question 3 times and she kept talking over me - I have no idea if they have what I need or not - but - even if they did - I wouldn't get it there. Tried to save a few minutes by calling ahead and instead wasted a lot of time being frustrated by the first gal who I couldn't understand and the second gal who had no interest in answering my question. read more

Great custom framing. I've brought everything from small simple jobs to 4' x 5' works of fine art and they've done a great job. Both patiently helping me pick out a matte and frame and doing the actual framing work. Also appreciate their going out of their way to provide extra service above the basic job. Custom framing is an expensive, meticulous craft and they've done an excellent job with everything I've brought. read more

One of the great things about this area is an arts & crafts store, and Ben Franklin does a great job at that. Even if you're not into that, you just might be when you leave. They have endless things for every day hobbies and other stuff you might not have thought of to make a simple task shine. And even as a guy, I found a huge selection of material to choose curtains from, which I made myself. Too much to list here what else they stock, just go and ask one of their happy employees. Thanks to everyone there for the help! read more

I used to love the framing at Ben Franklin until recently. I took 5 signed artist's prints in to be matted and framed. The person who worked as a framer there, kept putting her fingers on the picture, which she should know will damage the picture. Other than that she was very helpful, but after spending the time to choose the mats, she let me know that the regular mats they sell there are NOT acid free and over time will ruin the picture. To her credit, she is the first person who has ever told me that information. It may pay you to shop at a place that will be interested in preserving your pictures not just putting a good looking mat around it that will damage it. read more

Best place on earth! Crafters, get ready to step in heaven!

The best place to get the creative juices flowing! Thanks for the variety of classes, especially for the kids!!

New to the area in June and wanted to do some crafts. I found Ben Franklin store customer service 100% . I have been in their stores many times and receive the service with may I help you, are you finding everything, if not just let us know. I can't tell you how I appreciate this kind of attitude. I didn't have to play hide and seek. Great job. read more

I purchased a Fiskars blade for cutting material. They did not have any in the fabric dept. so the lady walked me over to the scrapbook aisle. Showed me the Fiskars and I picked one up. Got home and got ready to cut some fabric and nothing would cut. Thought I was placing it into the rotary cutter wrong so tried it a couple of different time. Finally looked at the package and it was a scoring blade not a cutter. Called BF and was treated rudely, told I could not return unless it was in perfect package that could be sold again. Of course, mine is not in perfect condition. Sorry Ben Franklin, won't be seeing any of my money again. Something told me to go to our local Fabric Shop, and that's what I will do for now on. read more

Recently tried to return a 55$ (on sale) toy helicopter that I received for xmas. Was told by the manager it was past 30 days. Its a not flyable toy! Even had some friends try it who have better dronecopters, and was told it was junk. I even challenged the manager to try it, and she proclaimed she had tried them without success! "what do you expect for a cheap toy"...wtf? 55dollars is a cheap toy? Not where I come from! I am a small time customer there, probably only a couple hundred dollars a year, my wife and I combined, so I guess I'm not going to affect the company, as I will nolonger shop there.~Dan read more

This place was so OVERPRICED it was insulting. The reviews have got to be written by the owner. I read the other reviews and couldn't believe what I was reading. They must have talked their friends into writing a review. Most of the stuff I was shopping for was double the price and triple the price. If you don't want to be ripped off don't go to Ben Franklin's in Grass Valley. I was looking for a small Christmas tree that comes with lights for my daughters room and it was $89.00. The same tree on Amazon was $29.99. That's 3 times the price! read more

Customer service is great. The employees are very friendly. They have a really good variety of craft supplies. The selection of photo frames is huge. read more

For about 6 years I have been a customer of Ben Franklin's store in Grass Valley and I never had any questions or problems until one recent transaction. I was in need once again of having a frame and some artwork matted. I was wanting to match something that they had framed 4 years earlier and so I removed it from the wall and noticed that the mat was out gassing. It's a process where poor quality mats fog up the inside of the frame and also the glass and damage the artwork you are trying to protect. I really didn't think it would be a big deal as it was so obvious that it should not have happened on a wall where many other mats and prints were displayed without problems. I brought in my new artwork and thought they would take care of it at the same time as they were cutting the mat of the new one. I was negatively surprised by the lady that ran the frame department and how vicious she became toward me, at one point telling me it was because I had used a cheap frame and glass. When I pointed out to her that I had purchased the glass and frame there, she stated that I should have known better than to buy the cheaper frames ($90.00 including mounting). She acted like she had been personally trained by Attila the Hun. No, wait, let me take that back, as Attila the Hun might come after me for slander. It was then that I asked to speak to the manager, a tall, thin man with little personality who told me "how long do you think we would stay in business if we returned everyone's money or replaced products they were unhappy with". In closing I would like to say I was a professional photographer for most of my adult life and have a degree in that profession and I have ordered hundreds of mats during that time and have never seen out gassing on acid free mats, and have never even heard of out gassing from "cheap glass or frames". read more