Bittner the Pleasure of Writing

The art of writing starts here! Visited this little shop a few times and finally decided to buy a pen. Jorge gave me excellent customer service. He helped me pick a pen in my price range, answered all my questions, and didn’t mind my desire to try out every pen. I would definitely recommend this place for a serious pen collector, or anyone who is interested in buying nice quality writing instrument. They also have a nice assortment of journals, notebooks, cards, and wax stamps. Definitely going to stop my during my next visit to Carmel, CA.

Lovely shop. I love fountain pens so my cousin brought me here. I was ogling the Vanishing Points and they showed me different models of them from the ‘60s and the ‘80s to today! I walked away with my very first Vanishing Point with a custom ground italic nib and it has been a total dream to write with. The folks here are wonderful and really understand the need for pen people to drool and ogle over stuff. Top notch customer service– very friendly and super informative!

I have shopped at Bittner for many years. I only get to Carmel once a year or less, but Bittner is my favorite place in town. Detlef Bittner, the owner, knows everything about fountain pens, and even when I have firmly decided I do NOT need a new pen, he has the uncanny ability to put just the right one into my hand to try. The store is beautiful and fun to visit for anyone who loves paper and pens. The service has always been friendly and top notch. I look forward to my next visit.

«To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it’s about, but the inner music that words make.»
–Truman Capote
Exceptional service! Jorge is the person you want to see for your fine writing instruments. Not only does he possess the knowledge and understanding but he is kind. He will educate you, never pressure you into buying something you didn’t like.
I am enjoying my Visconti «Homosapiens»

Have bought 3 pens here over the years ranging from 100‑2500 $. Always a great experience dealing with these true and caring professional. Thanks guys!

Just a short update — the owner did contact me and express concern about our experience shortly after I posted this review in 2012. Several months ago (I think), he also wrote me to inform me that they had discovered a specific employee was being rude to customers and had removed this person from the store (presumably the same gentleman with whom we had our appalling experience). I haven’t gone back to the store, and don’t know if I will again — but it does sound like management is listening to the reviews and trying to improve the in-​store experience and employees. So I’m adding one more star to the rating for that.

I am a customer for many years.
Firstly, I found and purchased pens at BPW (my own nickname!) — cheaper then online. Then…you will not find a nicer guy than Detlef — he has true passion for the art of penmanship. Never a pressure to buy anything — he will listen, suggest, advise, and guide you, a wonderful man indeed.
Listen…if you are in Carmel, walking around, having a great day… stop by at Bittner, check out Detlef’s collections, and your day might get even better
A few hints — ask Detlef for his new favorite arrival, and he just might show you a cool fun toys — some under $ 40.
Great place all around, in my opinion, of course.

Do not take any pictures in the shop or ask about/​even mention finding any pens cheaper elsewhere. The owners will rip you a new one and make you feel like dirt for having any kind of personal interest in getting a good price/​maybe not actually buying from them.
I went to this place to pick up some Arches watercolor journal refills because it’s the only place that binds and sells them in beautiful leather journals. Naturally I started looking around at the pens, and took a few pictures to send to a friend who is a pen enthusiast. This is where things went wrong.
I was questioned about the pictures, and the owner let them slide when I said I was sending them to a friend. But when I looked up one of their pens that I wanted on line and mentioned the difference in price, I may as well have insulted her favorite child.
First I was informed that I should ‘Just go buy that pen online then’ which I guess is fine, really confrontational, but fine, I got the message. But she continued by repeatedly saying I was rude, I was undermining her business, I was using her and her business, I was rude, they can’t compete with online prices, how dare I, do you even know what over head is, rude, would have given me a discount but I can forget about that now, also rude.
After being successfully verbally beaten into a corner and only able to say ‘sorry’ instead of any other words, I desperately tried to pay for my watercolor paper refills and escape, but even then I wasn’t able to. While paying for the paper, she came back to demand if I knew why they didn’t allow pictures to be taken, and only repeated the question louder and louder while I stood there with a horrified trickle of ‘sorrys’ and ‘I didn’t mean to-‘s coming out of my mouth. I was then lashed again with the cost of their overhead, my soul-​sucking selfishness of trying their pens and not buying them, how rude, do I even understand what this shop is about you horrible human.
After paying I stopped her, apologized again (which she seemed to greatly enjoy) and then fled the store.
Their price quotes on the phone versus in the store also vary by at least %30. I’m never going back.

I recommend Bittner pens. I have a collection of fountain pens, and if you collect pens as i do, you know that they are not inexpensive. Detlef was attentive, brought out a number pens, at my request and others that he recommended. I happily bought one of the pens he had recommended, and that i had seen on line before. However, there is nothing like holding the pen. I expected to pay more for the pen at a brick and mortar retail outlet, but i was pleased to discover later that he sold me the pen and the ink for less than I would have paid on line.
I will buy all of my pens from him from here on out.

If you’re looking for a wonderful experience when shopping for a special writing instrument, Bittner can’t be beat.
I make a trek through Carmel once or twice every year. I always make a point to stop in to visit with Detlef and marvel at his wonderful pen offerings. He always has something new to show me.
Beautiful pens and pencils — although I must admit I have an penchant for fountain pens, and have bought quite a few over the years from him.
I’m a firm believer in «you get what you pay for», and that there is something to be said for quality service, and a no-​pressure sales environment that is both open and informative. Buying a pen at Bittner is more than just a purchase — it’s a great experience. Detlef is the furthest thing from being pretentious — despite being in Carmel.
Granted, his offerings are NOT cheap — but once again — «you get what you pay for». Plus, a fine writing instrument can’t be bought online. There is something about feeling how it sits in your hand… how it feels when you put ink to paper. The weight of it, and the touch. This is an experience you can’t get online (and I’m someone who buys almost EVERYTHING online). Yes, the prices may be slightly higher — there is a store front to pay for — but once again, it’s a full service experience. So there you go. McDonald’s vs. Haute Cuisine.
Detlef has always spent as much time as needed going through at least half a dozen pens with me — letting me try out anything I fancied in the store without question, and giving me suggestions as well. His knowledge of writing instruments and history is incredible.
I apologize if this wonderful little store did not sit well with others, I’m not quite sure how or why. If you’re looking for a great experience in acquiring unique writing instrument for yourself or a loved one, I’d say give Detlef at Bittner an open and honest shot if you’re in the area and find out for yourself… I’d be willing to bet you wouldn’t be disappointed.

You can’t find a finer retailer of high quality pens than Bittner in Carmel. Not only is Detlef’s inventory of incredible breadth, from modestly priced ball points on up. If you only want to look at gorgeous writing instruments, Detlef, Bob, or one of the other welcoming folks will be generous with their time and encyclopedic knowledge. I’ve visited fine pen stores in NY, LA, and DC. None are better. Have a problem with an item? Detlef stands behind the product. I can only get to Bittner once a year or so. For three years running, I’ve been trying to find the perfect pen to replace my wife’s favorite (and very expensive) Cross pen. When she didn’t like the one I got, I was able to bring it back in its original packaging and Detlef and I, and my wive via texting and pictures, finally found her the perfect pen! In short, this is a European retailer with an unparalleled sense of service, an incredible breadth of knowledge, and an enthusiastic love for what he does. In case you’re wondering, I have no personal or commercial relationship with Bittner, other than as a very satisfied customer.

I have been shopping at bittners for years and have had some great experiences as far as seeing new and unusual and quality products
I have found some of the products elsewhere for A bit cheaper but I believe in paying for service and they seem very knowledgeable
So it is worth the extra to get what you want as you get to try it out in there store

When I looked this place up on Unilocal I was surprised to see that so many people had bad experiences. I’m a young guy and I just happened to be walking by so I popped in to try out some expensive pens. I had no intention on buying one and I even told the sales clerk that I wasn’t too keen on dropping $ 200 on something I might break or loose. Either way, I was treated with the utmost hospitality and respect. It was a great atmosphere and I would definitely consider buying from them in the future. I can’t really fathom why so many people were mistreated and it does make me a bit weary. Until I personally experience any sub-​par customer service, I am just assume that the negative experiences that some people had are rare
(though I’ve only been once). This place is a bit pricey but I like it.

I love quality pens. And this store has an incredible array of pens in price ranges from under $ 20 to god knows (this is Carmel, after all). The cheapest pen I bought was a fountain click top from Pilot in a speed yellow. I adore this pen. It was around $ 140, I think, and though I own a dozen great pens, this is the one I reach for all the time. My second favorite was a gift from my darling dearest for my 40^th birthday. Absolutely gorgeous Namiki with a gold Chinese phoenix. The ink flows beautifully and the pen is light for the size of it. I have also purchased a vintage Mont Blanc from the 40’s, a re-​issued Pelikan that I can’t find right now (aaargh!) and some great gifts, including a pen made of lava rock and an adorable Dr. Seuss pen that the recipient carries to important meetings with executives and never fails to get a smile.
I have returned items to Bittner with no hassle and they have ordered things for me with zero problem. They also have some gorgeous Japanese inks, wonderful stationary from all over the world and Lovely French Leather Journals made from a place in France that has made them since the days of Joan of Arc.
For all those who have read the negative reviews and are tempted to write this place off… Hey, go anyway. Talk to the owner, Detlief, who is gorgeous and German and very sweet. This is not a place that’s stuck on status as many seem to believe. This place is dead set on the art of writing and on creating a beautiful environment for the serious pen lover. Wander around and see what they have. Enjoy the attention to detail of the store — it is a lovely place. If it feels right try some pens out. I have learned a heck of a lot about pens from Detlief and from Bob. The place is small and precious and maybe some of the vibe comes from their protectiveness toward the pens as they do carry some pricey ones.

I have purchased many pens (over a dozen) from Detlef and Bob over the past 2 years and enjoyed each transaction. They are knowledgeable and fun to deal with. They are not pushy and remember my name every time I walk into the store.
If you are just looking or seriously interested in buying exotic pens, it is worth a visit.

Ink a brother up!
Seriously, having purchased at least a dozen fountain pens from Detlef and Bob over the years I can honestly say they are knowledgable, trust worthy and sincere. Further, after seeing them at the various shows around the counrty I know they are very well regarded in the world of fine writing instruments.
Every transaction I’ve had with Bittner has been pleasant and handled with sincere appreciation for my business. Add in a little banter and laughter with Bob and it’s easy to see why this store is so successful.
Perhaps the gentleman that wrote the scathing review after not being hired should apply at Staples. On second thought, after reading his other reviews he’d probably be wasting his time and more importantly, theirs.

If you are a pen lover or know someone that loves pens, this is the place to go.

Strolling around Carmel for the weekend, I happened upon this shop. I’m a sucker for pen shops in general, but outside of Italy I haven’t found one of this quality. Great selection with all of the classics, lots of special editions, and lots of accessories. Soon after walking in I was greeted by one of the two guys working there (realized later it was the owner), and started chatting about some of the new arrivals. He was pleasant and enthusiastic, and showed me a variety of pens in a very low pressure way. I appreciated the time he took, even with a steady stream of people coming in and out of the shop. Ended up with a great new addition to my pen lineup.

Avoid this place, it is a gimmick shop for the unwary tourist. I should have walked out after my hackles were raised. I purchased a Montblanc pen and ordered a burl pen display case which was promised to arrive in several weeks. Still waiting for that expensive pen display case to arrive after several calls and promises from salesman «Bob» that the factory would be shipping it direct to us. WTH? We didn’t do business with the factory — we did business with Bittner! Totally getting the run around. Fortunately, we purchased by credit card so we have an immediate remedy. Your better off ordering online from a reputable source.

Was traveling with friends to Carmel and wandered into this store. I said to my wife she should look at a pen like my new Pilot vanishing point. The fellow (not sure of name) showed her a red one with gold trim. Sharp. She bought it, and I ended up getting another. A new color, white, with a fine point nib. Then some Rhodia paper. Good shopping experience and a good demonstration of the pens.