Seidman Gallery Custom Framing

I had a very good experience with Seidman Gallery back when they were on Main St in Santa Monica. I came both for some posters to be framed for my workplace and for my personal artwork. I had something in mind for one of my paintings but one of the two ladies (Cathy?) suggested a frame that was on sale and was even more perfect than what I had in mind, so they were very helpful and found me a deal too!
I am surprised to read the bad review. I think what it is is they are kind of a mom’s and pop’s shop (literally, I think I recall them telling me the shop was in the family for several generations) and they don’t have patience for «i’m very busy and I need the job done right now» kind of attitudes. It’s more of a laid back place where you need to slow down your pace and take the time to know the owners. Only then, you become like family.

I would give this place zero stars if possible.
Long story short: this is a hard-​to-​find location with extremely rude customer service. Read on if you want details.
My boss asked me to get some art framed as a gift. I found Seidman on Unilocal because it had a single 5-​star review and was relatively close. When I called, a woman answered, sounding none too happy to be on the phone. I told her that I would like the art framed and matted today and I would like an estimated price range.
Her first question to me was: «Do I KNOW you?» I was caught off guard and wasn’t sure how to respond. I said, «I’m sorry?»
She repeated, «Do I KNOW you?»
«Uh… no. I found your place on Unilocal.»
She said, «So you want a rush job, is that what you want?»
«Yes.»
I heard her muttering as she passed the phone off to a second woman who was more pleasant. I told her what I needed, and she gave me a cost estimate and told me that it would take an hour to do the work. I left my name and number and said that I would be over as soon as I could.
I arrived at the strip mall a couple of hours later, which was honestly the soonest I could get there, and I called because I was having trouble finding it.
One of the women from before answered. I couldn’t tell which one because I got the same bad attitude that greeted me on the first call. When I mentioned who I was and that I was trying to find the store, she cut in very curtly, «You’re too late.»
«Really? When do you close?» I asked.
«5:00.» It was just after 3:45 PM at the time of this conversation.
I continued, «But you said it would only take an hour to do the work.»
Her voice rising, she said, «I sent my guy home already. We were waiting for you. You said you would be over in a few minutes. You never showed up so now you’re too late.»
First of all, I was never told a cut-​off time. I also wasn’t told that there was another employee waiting for my drop off to happen. I had never promised to be over in «a few minutes», only as soon as I could. Besides, she had my name and number and could have called me herself if there had been this magical cut-​off time and I was in danger of crossing it.
But to have the last word, she said, «Anyway, there’s nothing we can do about it now, is there?»
This woman was obviously enjoying the chance to dress down another person. And being well-​mannered, I don’t launch into expletive-​filled tirades when other people are being discourteous to me.
I said, «You’re very rude, you know that?» I heard the click of her hanging up before I could even finish.
So there it is: Seidler Gallery Custom Framing is a place that’s hard to find and it is managed by two very rude people who don’t belong in any sector of business, who act as if the customer is burdening them with work, and who are quick to blame the customer for their own lack of communication. I’m more than happy to take my business elsewhere and to dissuade everyone I know from having their work framed here.

The frame shop is at the rear of the gallery. Although I have never used the framing services, I walked by this gallery several times a week when I lived nearby. They consistently show very nice original art, some of which is by local artists: e.g. California landscape, contemporary florals, sculpture. I always lingered by the windows, admiring. Prices are not out of sight. We need more places like this.