This was the first time that I've stopped in since the store changed from "Cheap Pete's" to "CP Photos & Frames." I was helped by a relatively new employee named Rishi. She was very considerate. It was the holiday season, so the shop was busy and many of the customers were in a rush. Still, she was patient with me and walked me through my options for the four pieces I wanted framed. We found a stock option for one of them, but the other three required custom work. If I had to guess, the name change was probably spurred by people accusing it of not being cheap enough. There were definitely more affordable options than I've seen elsewhere, but none of them look cheap to me, which is even more important. The selection was comparable to what I've been used to at this location and I enjoyed seeing the way that Rishi was enthusiastic about the work - helping her customers find appropriate settings for their artwork and treasured memories. I was walked through my options and she'd learned her stuff! She knew how to guide me through the many choices, balanced with the existing artwork I have at home to make sure the new pieces would be well matched. (Please note, well matched is not the same as exactly matched, something I wouldn't expect and don't require.) Even though I stated that I didn't need them rushed, I was delighted when I got the message that my custom items were ready for pick up several weeks before they were due. Upon my return, Hector and Rochelle greeted me right away and located my order, giving me a chance to review each item before I left. I'm a very happy customer! Also, while I was in the store the first time, there was another customer who took up an exorbitant amount of time with one of the customer service representatives, but then walked out without purchasing anything. She repeatedly said, "You must think I'm a pain," to which the associate responded diplomatically and patiently, but she didn't bother modifying her behavior or thanking him for his trouble. I didn't catch his name, but I've been that sales associate before and I just want to acknowledge that he handled it like a true professional. I know it can be thankless work sometimes being in customer service, but hopefully the gratitude of the customers who appreciate your efforts outshine the ones who don't. read more

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Francisco gave amazing service when I went to frame my mother's oil painting. The painting means a lot to me and I was grateful for his willingness to help me. I totally recommend asking for him the next time you go into the store! read more

Wonderful discount frame store! Franky was friendly and personable, despite being short staffed, as the production coordinator taking on multiple days working with just one other person for multiple days was abnormal! Unheard of even! No managers for 2 and a half months?!! Really going above and beyond! Def recommend asking for FRANCISCO! read more

I had an incredible experience with Francesco. He went above and beyond to help me figure out how to transport my extra sized painting, extending himself outside of his normal purview to help me. Very much appreciate him for going the extra mile on my behalf. Highly recommend. read more

We love this store! Great selection, excellent, knowledgable service, reasonable prices, easy exchanges, framing while you wait. We love that we can walk in with several things to frame and they work with us to tackle all of them. We always leave very pleased. An extra plus is that the store is on the far end of the center with easy parking. read more

Cheap Pete's is not cheap. For custom framing they're more expensive than some frame shops. Super wonderful man working there (from Spain) helped me. He was so kind and patient. Total price for custom framing without a mat was $300. I left with my museum poster and went back to where i've gone for 25 yrs, the cost there, for the exact same framing, was $120. read more

I had an excellent experience finding a low cost alternative that looks very custom. Kenneth, who was super helpful, chose an off the shelf frame and then cut a custom mat for me. He gave me some pro tips on how best to load my photograph into the frame. It looks great. Super service and a very reasonable price. read more

Elliott helped us. My wife and I were impressed with his knowledge and service: artistic, gentle and offering options. We selected a frame and he affixed our painting to it. A surprisingly caring and delightful experience for a hectic Memorial Day weekend. read more

Helpful, knowledgeable sales folks. Reasonable prices & options for what I needed. Wished they had some related, essential supplies, like acid free tape. read more

I recently visited this location to look for a couple of picture frames to hang some sentimental artwork that had been boxed up for years with the intention of "taking care of it one of these days". My first few steps in the door I was greeted by a friendly associate by the name of Kenneth who took the time to inquire about my project and then he walked me though the process of selecting the proper frames as well as discussing the many matte and color options available. Kenneth has the patience of a saint as well as the eyes of an artist, he answered all of my plentiful amateur questions, then he explained the color tones of the matte as well as how they are important to the final presentation when the artwork is placed on my walls. The entire process turned into an exciting project that originally began as just a search for some frames with no real thought on my behalf as to how to really do it properly. It was so refreshing to have such of a unique retail experience that began as just a simple project that turned into an engaging conversation about artwork that made me feel like I not only purchased some frames, but that I walked away feeling educated by an associate that truly enjoys their tradecraft. Thank you Kenneth and Cheap Pete's for such of an awesome experience! Shop local folks, it's the best way to support actual professionals rather than "Big Box Stores" who typically have someone "helping you" who could care less about you or your business. The team at Cheap Pete's are the real deal and they deserve your business. Go see for yourself ;) read more

I guess part of #adulting means making several trips to frame stores, am I right? I recently moved to San Rafael (and have also just started collecting items to decorate with) and Cheap Pete's has been my go-to stop when I need a frame for some artwork. Every time I've come in, I have found the perfect frame for my art piece within minutes of walking in. We even needed some oddly-sized posters framed and a very friendly employee situated at the desk in the back of the store helped us find good frames and cut some custom-matte borders for us so that they would fit in the frame and look nice. The only reason I am knocking off a star is because of how weird they are about helping you frame your items. They have signs around the store telling you not to do it in the store, and to ask for help from an employee if you need it. Every time we've asked for help assembling the frame, we've been told some version of "no." The most recent time, we were told it would take 3 weeks just to have someone unwrap and place our artwork in the frame, which is ridiculous. I also don't find the prices to be that cheap, considering the word "Cheap" is literally in the name of the store! read more

Definitely not cheap. And very little selection when it comes to custom framing. I hate to say it, but the internet is full of really high quality custom framing at half the cost and twice the selection of mattes and frames. Saddens me really. I wanted to shop local and the staff was really friendly. But $700 to frame a poster in a basic frame? And $100 off if we didn't use a matte? Sorry. read more

Their pricing is 40% higher than the high-end framing spots in Marin. And Cheap Pete's has a very limited selection of frames to choose from. Maybe an OK spot for low-end, smaller standard sized items? But I had a bigger gicleé to frame and thought I'd save a buck. Not here! read more

Whaaaat?! Why haven't I tried Cheap Pete's before?!? During my incessant rounds of our local vintage stores, I'm constantly running across paper ephemera that I can't resist. Given its vintage nature, much of what I find does not fit standard mats and frames. I've struggled mightily to avoid the expense of custom framing, even down to cutting my own mats, which are exactly as ragged-looking as you are probably imagining right now. I thought I would have to do the same today but this location of Cheap Pete's came through in spades. Prequel: Buried behind a bunch of dusty junk in a shop in SoCal earlier this week, I found a thick paper sheet with cut-out pieces for a model of the S.S. Normandie. I only paid a buck for it so I didn't want to blow too much on matting and framing. Also, even though it looks old and probably is, I'm certain it's a reissue and not one of the originals from the 30s. Still, it's something I felt deserved to be framed and displayed. But, it's a funky size with inconsistent margins. I happened to be in the North Bay today and this Cheap Pete's came up in my Yelp search. I stopped by and within a couple of minutes a very nice young lady came over to help me. She efficiently took over because I looked pretty darn lost. She knew what I wanted better than I did, steering me away from frames and mats that were more expensive than what I needed. She did a few test runs and switcheroos, whittling down my cost to the minimum I would need to achieve my framing goal. What impressed me most about my time in the store was that I felt like I was getting service that was just as good as another customer who was custom-framing a valuable and very pricey print. Her total came to almost $300 while mine was a measly $50 plus tax, but never was I made to feel that my one-buck piece of non-art was less important. Bonus: Mat cut on the spot! I had no idea this was a thing, anywhere. For those of us who thrive on instant gratification, this cannot be underrated. If you do stop in, look for the dark-haired girl with the facial piercings. I'm sure you'll get good service from anyone there, but she made my experience so great that I wanted to call her out specifically. If she reads this, thanks, nice young lady! read more

CP Photos & Frames - Thought I would have to get this custom-framed due to the odd size and uneven margins but they helped me find a much less expensive solution - Framing Near Me - San Rafael, California

Not outlet pricing. same or more expensive pricing as craig's frames online. or amazon basics. Fair price for a mat. The mats they show as examples are not beveled. The male sales person didn't explain this, waisted a-lot of my time not explaining this. Showed me bevel for $60 16x20 mat. He could not of cared less, No skill at what he was doing. Didn't ask how I wanted to do an exchange, store credit before I could reach the register. That got fixed. He was rude when I asked him to explain. Don't expect advise, not crestive staff. Overpriced too. Certainly not cheap or an outlet. Get your mat here, order everything else online. read more

I don't know why I haven't reviewed Cheap Pete's before but I think it's about time. I always get great customer service when I go in there today mr. Martinez was especially helpful. I was sort of on the run and late for getting ready to make a trip and he put together my items for me very quickly after buying the frames I was looking for. They always have a huge selection of affordable frames that will fit any need that you might have. Anything from metal to Wood to glass. They've been around for a long time and they're known at this location for their customer service. I give a shout out to a great team. And if you need a special project done they have several people that are very very skilled in the back to do window Matt and Mountain whatever else your needs might be in the artistic area. read more

Super helpful staff. Great recommendations for my painting frame. Large format canvas and we had lots of question.

Normally the Cheap Pete's in Walnut Creek is the store I get my frames and mats from. The WC store is closer and the parking is harder, San Rafael is further and the parking is much easier. The people who work at both stores have always been helpful. The prices are a bit more than they are at the large art supply store on University in Berkeley. But I like this chain more. They do send out coupons and they regularly have Groupons for 50% off anything in the store, not just custom framing. I am slowly replacing my Nielson sectional frame pieces. I reuse them several times a year, they have taken a beating over years and most of them are pretty battered. I had a Groupon that was due to expire. The WC store did not have what I needed; they checked the other locations and send me here. It was a very pleasant experience. They had what I needed, smiled when I handed them my Groupon, and thanked me for my business. I would recommend this store, and also do it yourself framing. read more

Kevin is a solid and good name. It's also a good name to throw around at this Cheap Pete's as their Kevin is very skilled at narrowing the selection of mats and frames down to an attractive array and a manageable number of selections. He has an eye for what will look good and, after having had three pieces of original art framed with Kevin's help, I feel like I'm in good hands with him. The finished pieces look great. To the best of my knowledge, Cheap Pete's trades only in paper-based mat material. Higher end places may offer pricey products like linen-wrapped mats but chances are that's not what you want in 98% of your framing situations. And then, if that's what you do want, you might not want it after price shopping. The last piece I had framed and wrapped in a linen mat ran upwards of $900. That experience should get you to Cheap Pete's stat. I'm honestly uncertain whether Cheap Pete's is less expensive than other framing shops, either upscale or downmarket. Custom framing adds up and though they might be a bit less than a place that specializes in framing of original art it's truly not much less. The pieces I've had done have run from $200 - $400 which may have been $20 - $30 less, but definitely not "cheap". If you're a DIYer, this might be where the cheap part comes in. They sell uncut mats, pre-cut mats, and a wide variety of decent looking pre-made frames. Recently, they've also added the ability to make prints straight from your cell phone camera, a nice addition. Cheap Pete's is one of the few places who honors your email address when you give it to them. In the past 6 months they've sent me only 1 email, announcing their new photo service, offering a free 5X7 photo print, and offering a $20 discount on a purchase of $40 or more. Thanks to the rarity of their emails, I actually opened it and used it. West Elm, Athropologie, DSW, and a million others should take note. Need framing? Give Cheap Pete's Kevin a try. read more

I once had a friend in the Framing business who me that it was a gold mine in terms of profit and mark up. So like any other alleged "Discount" opportunity, it's best to carefully watch the merchandise and what you're paying. Cheap Pete's can be economical or not, as I've found some nice off the shelf stuff and with other frames thought I could do better. I suppose it depends on individual style, quality, and price points. This is an easy place to get a frame for Gayle's picture on my desk. However, I don't think I'd bring the ketubbah here. read more

I had moved into what is certainly my final home, and it was sweet, but pretty small. I agonized over what pictures and photos to keep and what to eliminate, and finally chose 6 pictures, (paintings or prints) by my absolute favorite artists. Then I asked an artist friend where to get them framed and matted and she told me about Cheap Pete's in San Rafael. I did this over about 8 or 9 months, as I could afford each stage of the job. I have now completed my collection with old lovely photos of my mother and grandmother as well, and the folks at Cheap Pete's did an exquisite job. Including listening to me, to begin with!! (And let me tell you - there are tons of businesses out there whose people DO NOT LISTEN to customers!! (Don't ask me why; it makes no sense!) Then they helped me choose exact mats, frames, glass that matched my aesthetic ideal. I love these pictures, and having these fine-quality pieces on my few walls in my sweet home. Oh, and they did a few odds and ends extra without charge, and they finished each time ahead of schedule!! Pretty darn terrific! (I noticed that when you click on 5 stars for the rating, the word "great" pops up. For me the 5 stars signifies Terrific! read more

I'm impressed with their framing service. I have a beautiful original water color painting for 14 years that I've started to tire of and I didn't know why. I thought it might be the old style glossy black frame surrounding the art. The painting is not matted as it has a "floating" look that took it off the back so it was completely by itself. The frame and glass made it super-ass heavy, always an issue when hanging it on any wall. So, when I recently moved it gave me the chance to re-evaluate. Jeremy (I think) helped me with the right matte and frame. Within 10 minutes we figured out the best matte was an off-white color giving the art full attention and a simple, slightly grainy, black, pre-made 32" X 26" frame to not attract any attention. $107 and a week later I got the results. Daaang. Looking good. It now pops like it did when I first bought the piece years ago. And if you just need a frame, chances are it is here waiting for you. read more

CP Photos & Frames - Cheaper Peter - Framing Near Me - San Rafael, California

I was hesitant to go here, because I'm somewhat picky with my framing needs. However, someone, from a custom frame shop (who shall remain nameless), suggested Cheap Pete's. What a pleasant surprise! Isaac and Hector both have helped me. No one could have done a better job. They have a great eye for color combinations and are very patient with questions and help. read more

This is the best place ever! So knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. They are also very reasonably priced. I will never buy a frame anywhere else ever again. read more

Really really top excellent service. They helped me measure my art, and cut matting for me immediately. I'm really impressed with the good service, professionalism and knowledge. read more

I stopped in today, on one if the busiest shopping days of the year, and I was helped immediately. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. I was having 2 inches cut off of a poster so it would fit in a frame, and he measured it rather than immediately cut what I had asked, one inch on the top and bottom. He showed me that it would be more centered if we cut off different measurements, and I went with his recommendation. The cut was perfect for the frame and I'm glad I listened! Additionally, while I was waiting for my poster to be cut, I was asked if I had already been helped. Great customer service! They gave me a poster tube rather than try and fit it back in the plastic sleeve I had brought. And to top it all off - he said no charge! They will definitely be getting my business in the future and I would recommend them to others. read more

I got really lucky with timing and had a great employee who helped me with picking frames and mats. He was very patient and had a really good eye. My pieces wouldn't have been the same without him. My clients were super happy with the work. read more

Cheap Pete's isn't so cheap. And I couldn't find a guy called Pete working there - so that's total false advertising right away. That said, they have a pretty great selection of frames and framing products, including the rather handy Filmore Frames. (Perfect for... the poster you picked up a couple months ago at the Reverend Horton Heat show!) Staff are friendly and helpful, but one was a little condescending when I mentioned I had a mat cutter at home, so I just wanted a premade frame with some mat. All in all though, a decent spot to handle your framing needs. Be forewarned though - it shares the same parking lot as a hellacious Trader Joe's, so oft times you'll circle for a while waiting for a spot. read more

I had a very good experience there recently. I bought my boyfriend a photo for his birthday that was already in a matte. I needed a frame and am sorta on a budget these days so I set off for Cheap Pete's since I had heard so much about it. I knew exactly they type of frame and color I wanted since the photo was of an ocean scene. I found one that was pre-made, had the weathered look I was searching for to match the photo and was pleasantly surprised at the cost of the frame and non-glare glass. It was an 11 x 14 photo and the frame I got was a solid wood frame. The cost was $40.00 for the frame and glass. I wasn't happy with the service over all... the man who waited on me just kept pointing to where I might look for frames and it was on my own hunt that I found the one I wanted that wasn't even in the area of his finger point. However for the price points and I wasn't being a big spender and after reading a few reviews of my fellow Yelpers I wasn't expecting great customer service and therefore I wasn't disappointed. I asked about custom framing because silly me thought that "Cheap" would apply to all services and I think their custom framing prices are outrageous and the time frame of 2 weeks for their operation is ridiculous. Perry's in San Anselmo is much better in cost and delivery schedule. read more

The sales clerk at this store had a very impatient attitude and he was absolutely not customer focused. They tried to sell me on the most expensive option for custom framing without asking me to consider other options. Do they think I'm a moron? Avoid this place! read more

There's really nothing cheap about framing, even at Cheap Pete's. We ordered 8 mats, and specified the exact dimensions. The clerk measured each one himself, wrote everything down then entered it into the computer. 6 of the 8 mats were cut to the wrong measurements by 1/2" - 1". They also charged us for glass that we did not order and did not receive. Moral of the story: 1) Look VERY CAREFULLY at your receipt. 2) Measure everything BEFORE you leave the store with your goods 3) Above all else, maybe just buy pre-made frames from them and go elsewhere if you need precision framing done. read more

Something happened with this store.. they must outsource everything. It is 3 times the normal price for anything. I ordered something to be framed and when it came back 3 weeks later i unwrapped it and it had a piece of brown stuff on it... on the paper and on the framed item.. I later went for a quote for cut glass.. it would take-3 weeks to make and it was 3 times the price of another place.. Don't GO!!! read more

I also found out that they can replace broken frames for under $10! Wish I'd known that before I went to Glass & Sash and spent $25 on the featherweight glass repalcement piece for my silver metal frame. read more

I have a few things I need to get framed so what do I do? Put them into the closet of lots projects and then pull them out one day and decide to get them framed? Great idea! Cheap Pete's has a good selection of do it yourself items to make your kids drawing look like it was done by Dali himself. Not just frames but the mattes, acid free backing, UV glare free glass and all the things you don't know what to do with can be bought here. I really like the frame selection because they have every size possible. They also will cut and thickness matte you want and have it done in a short amount of time. I brought most recently in for framing some paintings I had done while in Burma for my baby's bedroom. After talking for a bit with the "framing tech" he helped me work through matte color and everything. He suggested we walk throughout the store to find frames so i could do it myself, alas the paintings were an odd size and I have no idea how to frame professionally so we stuck with their framers. The staff was super helpful this time and every time I go in. They usually have a rack out front of the super sale items and they also have coupons that float in those circulars so look for them. Framing can get really pricey, so warn the person helping you what your budget is and they can help out immensely. read more

Update 5/3: I traded voicemails with the owner and have received a refund, albeit grudgingly. He backed his company, policies and employees rather than me, the customer, telling me how well trained the employees are, they've had this return policy 27 years and that they always tell the customer the pre-fab frames aren't returnable if the packaging is removed! Apparently this time it slipped the mind of the employee who helped me --- he did not mention this policy at any time, nor right before HE took off the packaging in the store! So a CYA moment for the employee, backed by the owner. Ick. Completely backs up my first review below about "cheap" customer service. My original review 4/28: Cheap in Customer Service and prices not that cheap - other art stores that aren't marketed as "factory" are similarly priced. I've been a customer for several years, but won't be anymore, because they wouldn't issue me a refund for a $100 frame I bought only two days ago because the "packaging had been removed." Really? The manager stated they wouldn't refund my money because I had taken off the wrapping of the pre-fabricated frame and because "they didn't make them here" -- meaning they can't issue a refund for items they don't make? What? Every other business refunds or exchanges for all items in their stores for returns for any reason. No one told me this was a final sale and that I could not return or exchange for any reason it -- or I would not have bought it in the first place. This was the main reason they wouldn't return it. And the manager wouldn't budge. I told her I thought this was a terrible customer service policy and they should change it and that I would unlikely be a continuing customer. She said "ok." When I bought the frame I did ask them if they'd like to keep the glass and use it for something else (saving them money). The guy that helped me told me I could just break the glass and throw it away at home but I said why would I do that if they could re-use it. So the guy took the glass away (after opening my package in the store without telling me it was not returnable after taking off the packaging!) with me thinking they were going to re-use it and I left with my 'not cheap' light maple $100 frame and backing. I was not certain this frame would work for what I needed and it did not (I found something at Aaron Brothers). When I returned today later to get a refund or exchange, I was told by the manager with an attitude what I said in the first paragraph of this review. Then she told me the guy threw the glass away and this is not what I understood was going to happen and I said I could have kept the glass and re-used it. The manager didn't even indicate the lack of me having the glass or the fact that they trashed it was a concern in not giving the refund. She flatly stated I could "have the glass back." Huh? I thought she just said they threw it away? I was floored at not only the absence of any customer service (even the thought of offering me a partial refund because of the glass), but also the attitude that they don't really care about my $100. I have seen the attitude over the past couple of years in this company but dismissed it. Now, however, they have finally lost me as their customer. read more

Cheap pizza does a really good job of framing artwork, prince etc. I don't think that they are unbelievably cheap by any means but they definitely aren't more expensive than most framing stores. The people are really nice and the quality of the work has always been really good in my opinion. read more

Went here to get a few pieces framed for a show I was having. I didn't have a lot of time and, being an artist, not much money either. But it was a rush job around the holidays so when they said it would be $500 for 5 pieces I bit the bullet and went ahead. Fast forward 2 years, every one of those pieces has 'fallen' free of the mat and is not able to be shown or sold. What a rip- off! I thought it was expensive for a place called cheap Pete's but now I know that that means quality not cost. Go elsewhere if you want your framing to last. read more

I had a Groupon otherwise i might not have visited, but i was so glad i did. The service was outstanding. I went in not really knowing what i wanted, just that i had some pieces of art well overdue for framing. As i had never framed anything before, other than a glass clip-frame, or small pieces in small frames, i was a little overwhelmed by the process of choosing a frame/mat/sizing. The young lady (so sorry i forgot her name) who helped me was fantastic, and the rest of the staff very patient and offered opinions when i asked them. Although i spent more than i wanted too (of course!), my experience was great. I was even helped out to my car. I wouldnt hesitate to go back, in fact i have two more pieces to frame and am planning on it. Thankyou ladies!! read more

I've lived in Marin for years and always knew about cheap Peet's yet I never walked in until today. I had a very special piece of art that I made that needed to be framed. I had never had to frame anything before and I had no idea where to begin. Juan was awesome. He made suggestions, was patient and showed a genuine enthusiasm for helping me to make it look as amazing as possible. That's real customer experience. Thank you so much Juan and I know where I coming for next frame job. read more

Having received less than stellar customer service at another nearby framing place, it was recommended I check out Cheap Pete's in San Rafael. I rolled up my posters and headed in after work. Despite the fact there were only two or three employees working (one of whom was knee deep in assisting a customer with some custom work) the gentleman there provided me with WONDERFUL customer service. The kind that seemed really genuine, not the kind you often get at framing places (or at least at the one nearby) that comes with the feeling of an eye-roll and a sigh (and occasionally muttering). So let's break it down: - LOVE those prefab Fillmore frames! CP is the only place around who has them and they are perfect. - Awesome customer service. The guy there worked with me to find the perfect mats for two of my larger pieces and helped me with frames for everything else. He was really cool, nice, and extremely helpful. At one point he had to leave for a minute to ring someone else out, but that was a-okay with me. I mean I did go in there at 5pm with 6 posters. - Cheap? I wouldn't say it's super cheap. But I walked out with 6 frames and two custom mats for around the same prices as 4 frames and one custom mat at another shop. Let's be fair, framing isn't cheap! There I was, pulling the back off one of the frames when "CRACK!" I snapped the glass. Oh no! I emailed them through their website. Less than 24 hours later I received a response that they would be happy to replace the glass for free - even though I took full responsibility for breaking it. Two days later and I walked out with new glass in the frame (and two additional frames) without any hassle at all. Now my glowing review glows even more brightly! I don't know if they are the highest end framing place around, nor do I know if they're the cheapest (hard to compare with penny sales). But I do know I got fabulous customer service from this branch of this locally owned company and that's more than enough for me! Thanks, CP! read more