Al’s Sport Shop

I went in for a price quote on a 250 shirt order with my own design. I waited patiently for a reasonable amount of time before being helped. The issue I had was when the sales associate walked away from me without saying a word to help another customer. He then told me I had to wait, which I had already done. The customer he was helping could have easily been helped by the other associate who was at the register doing nothing. Very disappointed with this company and I recommend steering clear if you want good customer service.

I accidentally deleted prior review while editing. Be careful who measures for your kids jacket, and adamant when you pick it up and it is not fitting correctly. My son’s sleeves are at least 3 – 4 inches too long, and the torso of the jacket is huge and baggy, and way too long. Very disappointing for a 330 dollar jacket, as my son refuses to wear it because it is so oversize.

The BEST sports shop ever! I don’t care what part of San Diego County you live in, make the drive to Santee. Family owned, you feel like family when you walk in. Travis is awesome! They take care of all your sporting equipment needs and so kid friendly! Your kids feel like a champ when they walk out! Oh and very reasonably priced!

We needed soccer gear for our 3 year old son. Alas, we tried what perhaps would be considered a larger sports store first which was not a good experience — staff members were standing within feet of us but never once asked if we needed help or engaged with us in any way. So, we went to Al’s Sports Shop and had a simply wonderful experience. Why? Three key reasons: (1) They were ready for the new soccer season — they had plenty of gear for a three year old and had a special for buying cleats, shin guards and a ball; (2) A member of staff came to talk to us as soon as he was free and was knowledgable, friendly and very engaging with a 3 year old; (3) Slightly less tangible but the experience was fun — the staff seemed to be having a good time as well as us and they didn’t rush us. Bottom line: This is the only sports store I will be using in future.

Waited 4weeks for my son’s letterman jacket to come in to pick up and be informed they had them stocked. In shop. Was told by kid taking our order that they did not carry any of the patches my son needed and we would have to find some where to order them. I was also told they were out of his grad year and they would need to special order that. Kid misspelled name I corrected him and was told «don’t worry they will get it right» after 2 weeks went by I was called and told that the person that took my order made a mistake and the grad year was never ordered. Her excuse «oh his new» to, d we will TRY to get it to you. A week and ½ go by I call to be told my embroidery was done but not the patches… four days later (YESTERDAY) I get a call that jacket it ready for pick up. Get there jacket is filthy full of lint, threads and t-​pins. Patch on sleeve was not where we asked for it, his first name was misspelled AND his last name was way too small for the back. The owner/​manager just states «oh that’s too bad» the girl says «well we can fix it» I was very upset for 1 patch, our letter and the school year plus jacket $ 260. I told her I was very upset about the entire process and service and no longer wanted to deal with them. All the patches I was told to order on line were not the correct ones another wasted $ 60. Found an awesome place to fix everything for us AND the correct patches another $ 260, but I’m guaranteed the jacked in 4 days. I put off my sons senior pics he graduates in 6 weeks. This store didn’t seem to care or even feel bad that the messed up our jacket.

Erin F
I needed a large quantity of banners for our Pony baseball league, about a 1 – 2 month long process. I was immediately put into contact with Erin, their graphics girl and she was a pleasure to work with. Very professional, attentive and patient. She was right there whenever I had a question or concern. We made it through and the banners are done. It was a great experience from beginning to end. Thank you Al’s Sport Shop for a job well done.

Used Al’s Sport Shop a year ago to create a custom T-​Shirt for a secret Santa Gift. They were quick and on time, the T-​Shirt turned out great! and my friend loved it!

This place is an east-​county gem! Reminds me of the small-​town sports shop I knew growing up. They have local high school gear and great prices on sports equipment. Staff are friendly and courteous. Today I got my kid’s name on a t-​shirt in less than five minutes for $ 3.78. I am in LOVE with Al’s.

We shop here for all our kids soccer and baseball equipment and have had a great experience with great customer service. Support small business in Santee!

I believe in second chances, even when I’m forced to give a business a second chance. Well, I had to get names put on soccer shirts, again, and I really couldn’t bear to drive around just avoid Al’s. So I went there and much to my delight my experience was fast, correct, courteous and substantially different than my first visit. So, they deserve an update.
I will add that the owner sent me a very thoughtful email after my negative review and it seems like he out his money where his mouth. Way to go Al’s and thank you.

I waited 2 weeks to have logo silk screen to my shirt. Finally went down to the location and found out graphics artist hasn’t even started on the logo. The gentleman who help me with very apologetic and attended to my concern (thank you) what i would have liked is a courtesy phone call or e-​mail stating there will be a delay in having my shirts done. Unhappy about the customer service that was given when turning in my shirt. The only reason i went here is because of my past when going to patrick henry. I think it’s time for a team meeting an attitude adjustment from everybody there.

I bought Jerseys for my softball team 2 months ago and just last week the logo on the front started to peel off. and and it took almost a month to get them done originally. and some of the names were spelled wrong and I had to keep taking shirts back to be fixed. Poor service
Now I take 2 jerseys in to have numbers put on back and a week later I still did not get a call saying the numbers were ordered and when they would be done. I was told today that they don’t call customers to inform them of when your items are ordered., This place needs better customer service. I being in the sales business myself call my customers and inform them of their order status. I will go back to the other sports store in El Cajon where I was treated much better and received great customer service.

I like this place a lot. I come here to buy baseball equipment whenever I need it and I haven’t been let down yet. Their prices on many items are competitive, if not cheaper than the big retailers.

Recently I went to Al’s Sport Shop to seek out a plaque for my father in law’s urn. I was expecting to spend about $ 30.00 or so but wasn’t really sure what the cost would be. As it turned out the cost was $ 8.00 but that is not the good part. I was treated like I was their best customer about to buy tons of merchandise. They took the time to review options and ensure the layout would work. They made it so easy and produced exactly what I expected.
Thank you for your personal service during a sad time for the family.

I have always had great experiences at Al’s. They have always has the sporting goods in stock at surprisingly good prices. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

This place is terrible. I only went here because I remember them when I went to Patrick Henry. Their customer service is horrible and they are incapable of getting simple things right the first time. I wasted gas, time, and money dealing with their incompetence. Will never go here again and I hope their lack of business sense takes them under.

I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and now I shop for my kids sports equipment here. Great friendly staff. Prices are reasonable as well.

I have been waiting for our teams pants to come back and are frustrated that our team mom says they still aren’t ready. I don’t like that we were told one thing and they deliver something different. Broken promises do not make it easier to explain to my child why he still doesn’t have his pants for his baseball game tomorrow. Maybe they will be done by closing ceremonies. Will not be recommending Al’s to anyone I know in the future

Stopped by Al’s Sport Shop today to inquire about silk screening and embroidery. I haven’t been to Al’s since my high school softball days. Rob T. was extremely patient and helpful. This is a new project type for me and I asked a lot of questions! Rob spent time with me educating me on the products and services available. He gave me several options and explained what the benefits were to each. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of products they offer. It will save me time in starting my new business, to not only have my silk screening and embroidery done at Al’s, but business cards, car signage, and much more. Relationships are so important and I deal with people based on intuition and gut instinct. Rob made a great impression and I will be placing an order in the next few days!!!

Below are two emails, one from me and one from Don (Don is Al’s Sports banner and sticker guy). I’m not writing this as a bashing to Al’s Sports Shop, please read this review and then you be the judge.
First off, beware if you need anything by a specific date. Whatever date you are given to complete the job, you might as well add another 4 to 6 weeks to your order (and I’m not exaggerating, it was literally excuse after excuse). Also note this was repeat business with much more intended for the future.
After six weeks of no progress to my order (a tailgate skin originally quoted to be completed «in a few days») I went ahead and prepared the digital art myself. When Don finally printed it (another week and a half after I gave him the art) it was enlarged the wrong size. He blames the wrong doing on me since I submitted the art and that he had nothing to do with the layout. Okay… that makes sense, but instead of sitting down like two adults to discuss the situation he decides to resolve it by blowing me off. I still believe my art was laid out accurately but Don wants nothing to do with hearing me out. I received no response to eleven straight days of emails and on the twelfth day he finally replies. His reply admits to blowing me off and over what? Taking my email personally? Then he continues the email in quotes «you would be better off taking your business somewhere else».
If you would like to find out how accurate this review is, please reach out to Don yourself and ask him. Facts are I email him with issues to the enlargement and he takes it personally then blows me off. I’ve never been treated with so much disrespect in my life. If one thinks business is as easy as blowing off customers, it may be a while before this one goes away as I’ll be leaving this review on every source available to the Internet. Thanks Don.
(JIM’S EMAIL):
I didn’t notice until I already had it half applied, but the images were created about an inch to small all around when you printed it up (detailed description here). I’ve attached a picture of how it came out.
My measurements were right because even if you blew the images up another inch or so, everything would fit much like the samples I sent.
Not sure if I want to reprint because my application came out nearly perfect, it looks really good. If I do decide to have another one printed, am I to be charged another $ 100.00?
Please let me know,
Thanks,
Jim
(DON’S REPLY 12 Days Later):
All I can say is I am sorry for blowing you off, after I received your e-​mail about how the install went I took it personally that everything wrong with the print was my fault. Which I did print it, from the file you sent me. The worst thing I could ever tell a customer is «you would be better off taking your business somewhere else».
Thank you,
Don