Stationery stores are few and far between so Payn's gets high marks for just existing. Beyond that this is a treasure trove of all things wonderful for those of us who still use pen and paper. I buy my journals here as well as ink refills. I appreciate the selection of quality cards (Halloween all year long) and stationery as well as other goodies for crafting. The staff is helpful and friendly. I recommend Payn's for small gifts and stocking stuffers come Christmas. read more

This store sells small quantities of the rare #11 and #12 envelopes (in which you can insert a regular #10 envelope without folding)! In fact, it looks like they carry every rare envelope size. They gladly gave me a discount for purchasing as many as 25 envelopes. Wow. I didn't have to spend a chunk of money buying a huge box of 500 (or 1000) from the big box paper outlets. Payn's Stationery is an excellent example of the best of local mom and pop stores. read more

Read good reviews about this place. It exceeded my expectations. Grace, the woman who helped me, was so kind, attentive, and awesome without being obsequious. I probably spent more than I would have at OfficeMax or staples, but it was so worth it! Also this stretch of Solano avenue is a far cry from the spirit crushing mega parking lots outside the big box stores. I'll be back. read more

I've been shopping at Payns for years, and have especially enjoyed the experience more in the past few years, with the new owners, who are a lovely couple, and always friendly, helpful, and gracious. I don't usually buy much because I live on a very fixed income, and mostly come in for packing envelopes of various sizes, bubble wrap, sometimes packing tape or pens, but they still give me a discount, without requiring a large purchase -- that's pretty wonderful in this day and age. One previous reviewer here said something about their prices being "a little higher" than other stores? This is puzzling to me, because in my experience, Payns' prices are actually average, or even lower than places like Office Depot, CVS, or Target. Very reasonable prices. I love the feel of the store, calm and clean, and they always have soft classical music playing, which I enjoy too. It's a nice store to wander around in. They seem to have just about anything you'd need related to office supplies, greeting cards, wrapping paper, small gifts, school supplies, and the like. I would not consider going to a chain office store for any of these kinds of supplies -- what for? When I can get wonderful service, in a lovely, calm atmosphere at reasonable prices right here at Payns! They are also in a great location, near La Farine, Starbucks, Peet's, Andronicos, and some great restaurants, making it all the more convenient to stop in. read more

There's no denying this place is a bit pricey - not because they over-price, but because they seem to be dedicated to stocking high-end stuff. If you're looking for bargain-basement notebooks and Bic pens, go to a Staples or something. However, if you enjoy the experience of using moderate-to-high quality stationery supplies that are a joy to use, at appropriate prices, I've never had this place fail me. They always have what I'm looking for, and quite a variety for what looks like a small store from the outside. I particularly love their selection of pens, because I'm always looking for pens with better line and smoother ink flow. Apparently I'm a stationery nerd. Five stars if they're what you're looking for, but I contemplate giving them four because they're not for everyone. Aw heck. They're a gem. read more

(If I could, it would be one quarter of one star!) As I scroll throug these reviews, I see that most of them are top notch. And yes, until today, I also loved this store. True, I never spent much time in there. I'd buy paper clips, some white scratch pads that are under $2 each, pens, memory sticks, paper, envelopes, etc. But today, I witnessed a melt down from the owner that I am having a hard time putting in words. I had bought two birthday cards a few days ago, got them home, addressed the envelopes like I always do with greeting cards, gave my wife both of them to sign and then I signed them, but when I went to put them into the envelopes that CAME WITH THE CARDS, they didn't fit. When I came in Saturday morning at 9 sharp, I asked for a refund. The older man insisted I had made a mistake and confused the cards. By now, each card was crumbled from trying to get them into the envelopes. I said, quite incredulously, "You're not going to give me a refund?" He laughed and said, "No." AT THAT MOMENT, THE OWNER, CAME RUNNING FROM THE BACK OF THE STORE, SHOUTING, "GET OUT, GET OUT! I'VE TAKEN YOUR ABUSE LONG ENOUGH!" Now, since I only come in once every three or four months, I asked, "What do you mean?" and he answered, screaming, "You come in, buy one pen and want two free ones!!" A few times in the past years when they were having some kind of promotion going on, I had received a free pen or two from the owner, it's because he OFFERED! I said this morning, I supported the store, rather than go to the Big Box stores, and he continued screaming, "Get out! Get out!...I don't need to take this on a Saturday!" Well, I got out, fearing for my own safety. I yelled to him from outside the store about reviewing him on Yelp, and he continued to scream......scream....scream! This man has a screw loose in the part of his head that controls "The Shopkeeper's Mental State As It Applies To Logic And Good Business". Maybe a screw loose in general? And you know the kicker? When I got home and looked at the copyright from both cards, it turns out I HAD made a mistake. My mistake. But since I have been told that my presence buying things over a ten year period resulted in him being "abused" by me, I guess I will go to the Big Box stores and hope that guy gets some mental help. Being "abused" by a customer that comes in and buys things is nuts! (Gosh, I guess my grandiose plan of defrauding this guy for two greeting cards that cost a total of $7.50 went awry! I'll have to plan a more intricate plot for the next small stationary store that I want to financially ruin! Drat!) There were no other customers in that store, I have no witnesses other than his co-worker. THANK GOD FOR YELP!! P.S. After thinking about this for a bit, I HAVE spent a considerable amount of $$ over the years in this store. Reams and reams of typing paper, at least seven hard drives or memory sticks(whatever you call them), and LOTS of pens, paper clips and white note pads.....over 50 of those pads in ten years. You call yourself abused when a customer asks for items that are offered by the owner? A certain amount of verbal abuse comes with the territory with all customers. When I would come in to buy my items, I don't think I ever said more than two words to any clerk there. I's find my stuff, take it to the counter, pay and leave. How do I feel about this shop owner? Underappreciated, aghast, amazed at his chutzpah, and so glad that no one else had to listen to his loud screaming, blustery red face and bulging veins, flailing arms and childish behavior. Good thing for our safety he runs a tiny stationery store and does not pilot a jumbo jet! Please let me know if you have heard similar stories. read more

5 stars for the selection of office supplies and other nifty gadgets, though I have not been to Payn's in about 8 years due to no longer residing in the Bay Area. It's a good place to shop for anything you might possibly need for your office or in terms of school supplies--considering an experience I had there where I ran into someone who said they remembered me from when I was a wee little 3 year old tyke (at that time I was 12 years old, so it had been 9 years since this person had seen me) and then started talking about things I did when I was 3 years old. Awkward and embarrassing, I must say...though I would go back there if I were ever spending a day on Solano Avenue, which is one of the great places in the Bay Area that I miss. read more

Do not go there. They announce you that it is $5 to get a document notarized. I needed two of them, identical, they charged me $20, just because there was two names on the document (which they just checked once). This is absolutely dishonest. read more

I love this place. We came in for the notary service and were helped with so much kindness and patience. We also came away with high quality art supplies that I never expected to find. From now on I'm only shopping at Payn's on Solano for specialty items. read more

I don't think this place has changed in decades. I feel like I'm going back in time when I go to this store, so I must go back in time often because I am in here a couple times per month. I mainly come here for my business supplies, partly because I like the owner who is helpful and kind, and partly because they always have what I need. Their prices are reasonable and I feel better about giving my $ to a place like this rather than a huge super store. read more

This is the place. Friendly, clean, laid out so it is easy to find what you want. Paynes has local artists' works, and unusually beautiful and unique cards. read more

This store has so many wonderful goodies. Unique wonderful greeting cards. I buy boxes of all occasion blank cards here. The Art Books, Coloring Books for Big kids, and Art supplies are great. An amazing collection of pens. They keep a stock of handy portable things I need often, a slim pen pouch for my car, travel hairbrush/mirror sets. Sonny and his staff are the kindest, considerate, most wonderful people you could have the pleasure to meet. Please tell your friends about this store. I want it to stay busy (selfishly). I enjoy buying things a couple times a month. It's right near Starbucks, Pete's, and several nice lunch places. read more

This store is great! I realized I've been walking by Payn's Stationery on Solano Ave in Berkeley for decades without ever going inside. Turns out they have a nice cross section of affordable fountain pens, inks, and all kinds of paper and notebooks. I spent an hour there and the staff was friendly, informative, and helpful. I'll be going back for sure to visit these nice folks. read more

If we want a neighborhood, we need to keep these gems protected with our dollars and sense. I know I spend less here because I don't have to purchase mega-portions, but I suspect I would save on mega-portions too. I wish they would stay open a few extra hours in the early days of September. The rush of school on-set had me wanting to shop after dinner, but I moved things around... Do they notarize at Staples? $5!!! He can't bring himself to charge more for such a thing. When's the last time you read something like that? read more

I adore this place for many reasons but the primary one is that it is a real old fashion store with everything you need for the desk, office or household that pertains to writing, small business, bills etc, plus lots of gift items. I went in to buy my dearest friend gifts for her 70th B Day and left with a box full including the beautiful bow to put the gifts in. I also bought a beautiful wallet checkbook card holder. And more than anything it is NOT a box store where one has to buy packets of 6 or more, you can anything by one. And of course there is the relationship with the staff. Thank you for being here. read more

I love this place, a wonderful little neighborhood store that I can walk to when I need office supplies, art supplies, greeting cards, or just want to have a fun browse. Everyone who works there is lovely, too. read more

I have supported Payn's for many years and have always appreciated the help that Sunny (the owner) has given me. It is a great store and I have encouraged all my local friends to shop there and keep them in business. But on Saturday I went in and asked to see something in the window. The person who helped me (big, tall older bald man who would not give me his name) handed me a card and said this was the same thing. I said the one in the window looked different and he literally yelled at me saying something about problem customers. I said I would go elsewhere for my business. I will not shop there again on the days he is working. Really rude to me. read more

Great mom and pop business on Solano ave. Super attentive and helpful with all my needs with reasonable prices. I'd gladly go here over a staples in this area. read more

Quality products and good service -- what else can you ask for? They treat customers so much better than the average store. I came in here several times and bought the same type of Claire Fontaine notebook, and after a while the owner told me he noticed I liked them and had made sure to order a few more so they wouldn't run out. That kind of human touch is what keeps people coming back. read more

This place has always been a great store for hard to find office/stationery needs. It is now 1000% MORE AWESOME even than before. The new management has added lots of wonderful art materials, notebooks, quirky gifts, and assorted treasures. Put lots of money in the parking meter--you'll be in there for quite a while! read more

I'd been reading about Payn's Stationary store for awhile on a post on NextDoor,in El Cerrito.After the initial poster raved about this long time store,many people also lavished high praise from going there for years or just trying it from reading all the positive comments.I had forgotten about it,seeing it there many many years ago when I worked near there or walked on Solano.I probably went in once or twice but didn't remember.After reading ND,I got 2 friends to make a date to go there and then have lunch.It's Solano Ave,you got to do lunch.Ha Ha.It was before CHristmas and the store was full of special Christmas things,on sale calendars and so much more.I found a great pen for someone who only likes a certain type because of his arthritis.I also got a wonderful,cheap calendar and other things.My friends were also delighted in this store as I was and bought a bunch of stuff.My one friend got a wonderful unique Christmas decoration,an old fashioned looking sled,made of metal,that later she showed a picture of it on her mantel with all her other decorations,also a unique beautiful,Christmas stocking to hang and other things.The store is stuffed full of great stuff.It's hard to see it all but it was fun trying and pointing stuff out to each other.The woman who works there is from my ND.She was so patient and helpful,especially with me trying to figure out and remember what pen my friend had and would use.It ended up being perfect but she said,I'd have no trouble returning it or exchanging it.Actually the pen ended up being better then the one he had and was also the one,he had wanted originally.Since it was a Christmas gift that was great.The owner,who I found as nice and helpful as the woman,overheard us and knew it was a gift.He went and found a nice hard case,with a see through,that wasn't for the pen,and put the pen in it.It was such a nice presentation.The man who worked there also was very nice and helpful and answered questions about calendars and stuff.I definetley want to go back.I found the owner very nice professional,knowledgeable like the other 2 people.Supporting a long time,privately owned,old fashioned,although they have plenty of modern stuff,art supplies etc,is a great thing besides worth going there. read more

With so many mom and pop office supplies gone (Piedmont Stationers and Alko among them), I try to give all the business I can to this wonderful mom and pop with reasonable prices and a great selection. I love their notebooks, pens, pencil sharpeners, art supplies... I get a good variety of sizes on Black and Red notebooks that other places don't carry, and all the employees are so nice!! When my housemate spilled water all over my dayplanner, they very kindly helped me replace mine. That's just one example of how they go out of their way for people. I'm so glad that they are here and appear to be thriving. read more

Payn's is the best and is the kind of local business that keeps our communities strong and vibrant. And they have things you just won't find in the big-box office supply stores. I stop in every time I find myself on Solano Avenue. read more

What a great store! great selection and great prices. And yes they do also do notarize for a bargain price which you will never find anywhere for any less. Let's all keep shopping there! read more

Wow! A real, honest-to-god old-fashioned stationery store that carries an extensive variety of impossible to find stationery essentials like german brass pencil sharpeners (two kinds!) and lots and lots of unique office paper supplies from obscure kinds of tape to specialty folders. Topping this off is super-friendly and helpful staff! read more

Payn's is a neighborhood stationery store with personality and taste. If you care about your local retailer, shop here. If you care about finding nice things, shop here. If you want good customer service, shop here. read more

This is where I buy my "paper calendars" and my "in-my-purse" calendar. I also find very nice greeting cards for all occasions. I have been shopping here for many years!!! read more

I was just there this past Sunday. Much better than shopping online. I love that I can browse and get stuff the same day, also the selection of materials. I currently use Payn's for all of my stationery needs--pens, pads, notecards, notebooks, planners. I also appreciate their discounts for teachers and on bulk purchases. read more

always great service here. i hope they stay open forever. its so hard to find a great mom and pop shop that doesn't try to rip you off because of the economy. read more