Dromgoole’s Fine Writing Instruments

So, I’m probably not Dromgoole’s typical customer. I’m a new fountain pen enthusiast and my budget does not allow for an expensive (and BEAUTIFUL) fountain pen like a Mont Blanc, etc. HOWEVER, that did not keep the wonderful staff at Dromgoole’s from helping me in every way. Everyone from the store manager to the cashier were GREAT, super friendly and helpful.
I’m glad I decided to buy my first «real» fountain pen here (Lamy Safari… Dark Lilac *swooooon*). I did not feel less than at Dromgoole’s for purchasing a more inexpensive pen (though that’s relative; I’m sure there are plenty of people who would never even pay $ 30+ for a pen. But still, in a store where one pen can set you back THOUSANDS… but, I digress)
Bottom line is, Dromgoole’s is amazing. Don’t feel afraid to head in, like I once was. I look forward to going back!

I walked in knowing nothing of pens. I walked out with a great pen and bottle of ink for a great price. That is rare in a local shop especially a specialty shop like this. Obviously they cater to the luxury crowd but they took my desire for a workhorse pen just as serious, and showed no attitude towards my lack of knowledge. Incredible resource if you are local or visiting.

If I had an endless supply of money, I would spend at leas half of it here! Their inventory is incredible. Service, over the phone and in person, is above and beyond. Being in this shop inspires me to journal more, perhaps write a novel or two and even develop an unhealthy attachment to fountain pens.

Went there to sell a pen and I did but now that I think about it, I wish I would have went somewhere else! The owner was very rude and had lots of attitude but his daughter was friendly. Go somewhere else where you are appreciated!

I like expensive and luxury things. I think every businessman should have excellent a pen to sign of contract and others important papers. I got my pen in this shop, they have great services! The salesman was polite and could answer for my questions, also he gave good advice. If I will be needing a really good gift, I come back here without any doubts! Well done and my thanks!

I have gone in there several times and the service I have received is subpar. I like to go to actual stores, but I am beginning to rethink visiting this store. I have been buying my pens from
since I get much better pricing and service from them. This place does not seem to really care about me. I guess since I am not spending $ 1000 on writing stuff I am not important. They don’t stand behind what they sell either.

I went there for the second time today and the service and selection was as great as ever. The first time I visited I was very warmly greeted and upon request perused some vintage Parkers and Watermans and some new Pelikans and Montblancs. I didn’t buy anything that day but Larry gave me a complimentary copy of Pen World to take home with me! So nice. Today I took my girlfriend along who thankfully is also into fountain pens and we looked around for quite a bit. She bought a few bottles of ink for family and I bought my first Lamy (Safari blue medium) and another Rhodia Nº16 grid notepad. Larry told me about some of his customers that have massive collections who are using Safaris or ALs as their EDC pens as I will be. It’s nice to be able to have a pen you won’t worry about as you would with your good stuff. He even threw in the converter for free. I couldn’t be happier with the entire process. An absolute must-​visit for anyone in the Houston area!

I love this store. It’s everything useful to someone who is a big stationery and paper nut, like me. I also love Filofax planners, and their selection is pretty great. The business itself has a cozy feel, and it’s well organized. Their greatest claim to fame that I can see are their Mont Blanc pens, which thankfully, are not one of my obsessions!
They have lots of good supplies that are harder to come by; I have an excellent pencil sharpener by Exacto, thanks to their selection. They have pens that exceed most office stores in terms of type and variety. I was able to find erasable highlighter markers, which is super cool and not your typical item at an office supply store.
They also carry leather goods like briefcases, attachés, portfolios, desk blotters, etc — so you can easily find a gift for a business person. They also have many customizable things, like stationery, leather accessories, and other items I’m forgetting.
Service: I find their service to be very good. I felt like they let you browse to a reasonable degree without making you feel «under the microscope». But, when you call, I found that the guys who answer can seem gruff or unfriendly. This is not their intention, but it’s something that happened every time I call. I think this is just part of their old-​school feel. They don’t mean to be rude or cold, but they aren’t trained like Nordstrom employees or something, in that they don’t make a ton of sweet-​chat, and they aren’t going to be overly friendly on the phone. In person, they are serious but also helpful.
Prices were super reasonable, although they are a full retail value store. If you see something that is damaged or overly-​handled, you can possibly negotiate with them. I wanted a planner and asked if it was the only one in stock, because it did have some signs of handling. They immediately asked if I’d like a 20% discount, and I didn’t even mention it. So that was very nice of them! Also, they have a great return policy… little or no questions asked.

Good service isn’t dead. I’m a beginner fountain pen user, I was a little hesitant ordering a pen online since I still had a lot of questions. I found out about this place through Unilocal so I went for a visit. I was greeted as soon as I came in and once I informed them about the reason for my visit they took me to the fountain pen I was looking for. They were incredibly patient. I am a very indecisive person and can change my mind several times in the same visit. This was the case here. After going back and forth with different colored pens, different nib sizes and different color inks I was able to leave happy, thanks to the help and patience they showed me. I’ve been back several times for their excellent selection of inks. They have a good selection of Moleskin, Rhodia and Leuchturmm notebooks. They also have great selection of cards for different occasions, and many, many other things. This is one of those places that has something for everyone. The store is always clean, very well stocked and every guest is treated with respect and allowed to freely browse. If you want quality items and excellent service you need to check out Dromgoole’s.

I went there after the lunch rush. A bit hard to get parking but that’s to be expected in Rice Village. They have a generous selection of bottled ink for sampling at the counter that you can try out with a dipping pen. I picked up some new ink and 2 cheap fountain pens to try out and the person helping me couldn’t have been more helpful. Will definitely visit again.

Now I get it, and you will too!
My husband has been crazy about fountain pens for quite awhile, and I did not get it. Fast forward some years and we stumbled into this lovely shop. Now I get it.
They have so many! Some of the best, coolest and most unique fountain pens (hundreds of them possible… So many). I wish we had found this place two years ago when we arrived here.
They also have many fine papers (of course!). Stop in line we did, you will get it too

I have a fountain pen that I’ve been wanting to like but the relationship is off to a tough start. I went in and Larry was totally honest and sincere and said that my pen is fine and he went above and beyond by giving it a cleaning and recommending a good ink. All this when I had given myself a $ 1,000 budget for a new pen.
There is a lot to be said for a business that isn’t about a sale and IS all about the customer.
Great store, staff, selection and they have a customer for life.

Let me preface this review by saying that I’m a complete fountain pen novice. Everything I know about them, I learned from Google. Still, I wanted to get a special one for my Dad for Father’s Day.
Overwhelmed with the selection available online, I thought it’d be best to go to a brick and mortar store for some expert advice. The first few places I went to in Houston let me down. I felt like the salespeople were either only trying to make a sale, without regard for my preferences and purposes, or they were just someone hired to stand behind a counter and that they knew even less about fountain pens than I did.
Thank god for Dromgoole’s! They’ve got the best selection in the city and the customer service was incredible! The salesperson really knew his stuff and he helped me pick the PERFECT pen. Dad loved it! I can’t recommend this place highly enough!

Fully stocked on beautiful pens, many brands of inks and notebooks, and various cards for different occasions. I personally didn’t ask for help, but overheard many. The enployees were very nice!

What an absolute treat! I’ve never been to this store but I instantly fell in love! The staff was very nice and they had all kinds of great trinkets and gift ideas. They were fully stocked with pens, ink, knives, items, calendars, planners, etc! This is my new favorite store!

The pens are high-​quality.
I’m a big pen aficionado, so this is a great store for me.
As other posters pointed out, it is a tad disorganized but that shouldn’t deter potential shoppers…

I always enjoy visiting Dromgoole’s. Never pushy and you are welcome to try everything… pens, inks. Wide selection over EVERY price point. Seem to have unlimited service after the sale too. Write on!

This store has outstanding service. I have purchased a number of items in the store recently and have only been treated with respect and courtesy. Larry in particular is terrific to work with. You can tell by the staff’s demeanor that they really are into pens. I definitely would recommend a visit.
There’s a very small parking area which can present challenges at peak times in the village.

I seem to spend way too much time typing on a keyboard, tapping on a smart device, and staring at a screen. Yet nothing feels better than a nice pen in my hand. In Houston’s Rice Village Area, Dromgoole’s is the place to go. Major brands are well represented, including associated stationary, accessories, and even some cool knives. It’s fun to browse, try out my doodles on scratch paper, and wear my pen jewelry proudly on my shirt pocket as I venture on.

My mother told my wife and I that we had to go to this store when we visited Houston at Christmas. I’ve been into fountain pens and ink for a few years, but my wife had never taken an interest until she saw Dromgoole’s selection of ink and pens. Now I have a budding penaholic on my hands!
The staff was friendly when we asked for help, but otherwise let us browse the displays and the wall of ink. When we had found a few we wanted to try they were super accommodating. We ended up trying out dozens of inks and finally buying a few bottles and a few inexpensive pens. We had no idea that they were closed until they had to unlock the doors to let us out. They never mentioned it or appeared anxious for us to leave. They even let in a couple more customers as we were leaving.
I super-​recommend this place.