East West Sari Music & Gift

It is unfortunate that I can’t give less than one star but this place is just that disappointing. We bought a cricket bat, carrom board, leather ball etc (costing $ 255 total. He made a hand written receipt of it). The bat itself was $ 124 and when the owner sold it to us he said the bat was good to go and was very good quality. We even bought a leather ball at that time from him to play. When we played with the bat for the first time it got cracked after just 3 balls, the wood cracked in multiple places. It had literally multiple cracks going deep to the sides of the bat and wood chipped from the front. This was like in the first 5 minutes of its use. When we went to get it exchanged the guy working in the store told us the owner is not there and doesnt know when he will come back. He even said that there is no way to check if the bat is from there place as they dont keep receipts and throw away the receipt book every week (I dont even know how they do their taxes if that is true).
So after 2 hours of wait when the owner finally came in, he just refused to acknowledge that we were there and didnt even come to us to talk about the issue. His attendant had already informed him about the issue on phone. But he didnt even display an ounce of customer service by coming to us and talk, rather he just ignored me like I was not even there. So when I ourselves went and tried to talk to the owner and exchange it, instead of providing any sort of customer service he went into an explanation of how we should have prepped it and knocked it with a mallet before use and it was our fault so he wont exchange it because if the other one also breaks then we would again be back.(that shows a lot about the confidence he has in the products he is selling). At the time of purchase owner did not tell us that we had to prep the bat in any way prior to using it. In fact he said we were good to go. After using the bat once, the wood cracked in multiple places. Its really sad how this store treats you well when you are shelling out large amounts of money to pay them but the moment there is a problem with the stuff they just sold you, they turn into a sleazy place that would rather than providing any sort of customer service or even talking nicely, they start talking rudely and put the whole blame on you just so that they can save an exchange. Well they lost a long standing customer in me and in my circle.
I would warn anybody from spending their hard earned money by buying any kind of products from this store because they dont respect their customers or taking any kind of responsibility of the low quality products they sell. Save your time and money, please order from a better store or online market like Amazon etc which provide credible services and respect your hard earned money in case your are not happy with your purchase.

I got prestige pressure cooker here as I can’t travel to India. Usually I buy from India. It was good quality and they have a 30 day return policy if cooker doesn’t work. I got a small jar for my butterfly mixer grinder earlier. It’s been working well. The sales person showed me by fitting it into a mixie they had.

I had the worse experience stepping into this store. I was planning to buy an Indian brand (Preethi) 3 jar mixer. I decided on the model by seeing their website. Since it was close by my home, I though of buying in store. I asked the price of 2 models to a middle aged man in the store. He said it was 180 and 170 and he can make it for 150 and 140 (just random numbers he came up with). I immediately opened their website and found that it was priced as 130 and 120 respectively. I asked him why is the price difference and he told that online price doesn’t include shipping (Dumbo! Thats why I came to buy in store !!) and one more reason he said was if I buy online there is no warranty! I was really shocked to hear such a stupidest answer by a salesman!
This dint end here. I made up my mind not to buy in this store, but I decided to talk a little more. I just took a step away and was seeing other models and the most unethical thing happened at that moment! This guy went to the other sales person (there were 2 ppl and I think they both own the shop) and in a whispering voice told «the guy (me) standing there asked for online price, I told that includes shipping and no warranty and I increased the price. If he asks you tel the prices are 140 and 150». I was able to clearly hear that conversation! Never ever in my life I have seen such an unethical sales person! Hearing that I dint talk a word, I just walked out and I will never step into that store again!
P.S: Beware! They sell used mixers! There were no seal tape for the box and it was fully open and also I read so many complaints about this store delivering used products!

I just bought a cricket bat that retails for over $ 400. The equipment are genuine and prices are very reasonable compared to what you get around US or on ebay. The owner spent quite a bit of time showing me the bats and followed up each time I called him. I had a very good experience with him, even after reading some negative reviews, I decided to give it a try and I am very pleased with the service.

I went to shop Cricket bat from here, owner was not interested in showing them, pathetic customer service, owner is no good. Looks like he wants to earn easy money.

I just had the most amazing experience at East West. Sonal helped me select the best Saree, Blouse and Petticoat that matched my skin color, was party-​appropriate and catered to my need for warm fabric. (Important for the cold-​blooded creature that I am.)
I went to two other places before East West and was not impressed. The sales associates could rarely look me in the eye and they generally weren’t helpful in explaining sizes, prices or styles.
At East West, the pricing was clear. Blouse tailoring was included in the set, Sonal took meticulous measurements and I was very much a part of selecting my accessories. I was shown some of the newest fashions and what was popular these days. Ultimately I went with a color gradient saree that featured gold inlay. The current sale is phenomenal. (my Saree was marked $ 99.00-down from $ 299.00!)
I would highly recommend this place for anyone new to the bright styles of India. I’m so glad it was recommended to me by my wonderful coworkers.
They have men’s wear as well, so you can consider this a great one-​stop shop for choosing a new outfit for you and your S.O.

Found the right mixer for Indian cooking needs at this store. Got the right information from the friendly store owner who made shopping all the more an informed decision…
Just like many other Indians who are particular about the mixers they own, to go well for Indian cooking, I too was very particular about which mixer to shop for.
Wanted the perfect mixer for them authentic Indian cooking (grinding spices, chutneys, batters, et al).
After a lot of debate on this topic, decided to buy Preethi mixer (this being the most tried, tested and unanimously awarded winner — by most Indian families).
East West was the store which came up when looking for Preethi mixer in Bay area. Went in to buy Blue Leaf make of Preethi, but happened to notice another model — the renewed /​relaunched Chef Pro Plus from Preethi, when conversing with the store owner on the specs of mixer models.
Was given the right information by the store owner on the various models.
With utmost patience, he showed us the various jars which accompany each make of the mixer and the different blades.
In particular, liked the fact that he was not pushy and he provided the right details on the differences of each make.
Bought my mixer from the store and the mixer is functioning smooth for now. Store provides 2 year full warranty on the product, which comes handy if there might be a situation which arises, with repeated usage of the product.
Note: Be sure to check the product before leaving the store. The initial carton which was given was not in a sealed condition and looked like someone had tampered with it or returned it after using. Check if you are getting a sealed box. We got another box after sensing that the initial mixer looked like it was not new (unsealed condition, with blades looking dirty/​used).

I wouldnt call myself an expert at indian cooking, however, every indian household owns a mixer grinder, similar to a blender just better at powdering spices and making chutneys. Most Indians in the bay will own one too.
I broke the Mixie’s control knob, and had to come here based on people’s recommendation that they can not just replace the control knob but if required fix a mixie. I was quite impressed by all that the store carried with respect to it’s authenticity and also with respect to the staff being very knowledgeable.
I got the knob fixed, bought myself a cooker weight, its this whistle that you put on top of a cooker to help regulate the pressure in the cooker and also bought a small 3ltr cooker from here. Wanted to pick some tiffin boxes, but then put the thought of my head considering that I was thinking of whether I would use it or not.
But this is definitely the kind of store my mom would approve off to buy utensils and other kitchenware.
They seem to sell a lot of random stuff too. Like yardley talcum powders, cricket gear etc, but I guess it is but a true reflection of desi (South Asian) wants ;)

I wish there was a negative star rating that I could assign to them. I think calling them «cheats» would not be totally out of the line. Here is what they did…
My wife bought a couple of Kurtas (Mens). Before leaving she made sure after talking to the guy (Will call him Mr. A, since I do not know his name) that she would be able to get a score credit or exchange if the Kurtas did not fit me. He agreed and he charged her for kurtas in the Clothing section of the store. As expected, the kurtas were a litte too small for me. She went to return the Kurtas and as promised they gave her a store credit. I had been planning to buy a cricket bat for myself and I decided to use the store credit towards it. I went in the store, decided on the bat and gave Mr. A who is now standing with me in the «Cricket» section of the store, the store credit and some more cash. He counts the cash in his hands looks down at the receipt with store credit on it, and goes «we cannot accept it here». We can only accept it in the clothing area.
Pissed me off, bloody cheat!!!
Its him who is charging for the kurtas and its him who is charging for the cricket bat and all of a sudden it becomes a different store?
Stay clear of this Mr. A, middle aged, wears glasses and is about 5 ft 8 inches.
In my other experiences with this place… I keep buying grips for my cricket bat and he asks for different prices. He asked me for $ 5 once and $ 3 one other time. These items do not have any price tag on them. He asks for whatever he wishes. Its unfortunate that no one else in the vicinity keeps cricket stuff.
Would love to see him go out of business.

I came here with a friend looking for some Bollywood OSTs. They have a small, but current selection and the owners seem to be pretty up to date with all the titles.
The store itself is a mishmash of Indian items. Saris, DVDs, luggage, kitchenware, cricket equipment and more. It’s really quite random. I was excited to see some tiffin boxes, which I have a hard time finding.
All in all a decent place if you’re looking for a one stop shop of South Asian goods.

Service isn’t great, but what do you expect from an Indian store? The woman basically asks how much you want to spend then points at a rack, when you don’t look interested in her clothes she’ll offer some help. There isn’t a large selection. The prices are ridiculous, as the clothes are really outdated and look used. She tried to sell me a plain sari with very little embroidery for $ 100. Should stick to shopping in Berkeley or Artesia.

Worst indian store. I got a carrorm board here and when I tried to apply boric powder and play on it I found there were so many scratches it looked awful
I tried to return with the owner refusing outright saying that it is my mistake that I should have checked it carefully
PLEASE DONT GO TO THIS STORE, it is not worth
rgds
Prakash

I’d love to see a review of their appliances, specifically their wet grinders. Has anyone out there bought their appliances?
Also, why isnt this business listed under its Google map and its website name: East West Appliances?

This is a terrible place to shop. I hope all of us dont encourage such store owners in the bay area.
The owner is nice and happy guy when everything you are doing is to pay money and buy from his stores. The moment something goes wrong with the sale, he is terrible — bad customer service, bad refund policy, terrible way to fix things manufacturing defects.
Stay away!

Prices and selection are pretty good, but it is good if you know how to bargain when you go here because these people will fleece you for every penny if you don’t. I have taken friends here and purchased everything from Salwar Suits to Bangles and Shoes. I’ve had alterations done by their tailor, etc. etc. This place is not bad really. You just have to understand that when they lie to you… those dumb obvious kind of lies. Such as, «those rust stains are just on the lining» when you just pointed out that they very obviously show from the outside of the garment… or the dumb funny kind of lies, «those oil stains on that blouse come on the fabric that way, that is just the way the „china silk“ is made» (and then you point out the bolt of fabric the blouse was cut from and there are no stains on it), etc etc. Don’t take it as an insult to your intelligence, just take it as your signal to start bargaining. This is how it is done in little shops all over India (and the Silicon Valley :-).

My salwars are about 7 years old at this point, so I wanted to add a new one to the collection. This tiny strip-​mall shop had better quality (always flip the kurta inside out to make sure there are no long threads exposed from the embroidery. If they are, the thing’ll shred after one wash) and prices than the other stores I checked out. They also had churi-​style pants (they look like leggings, instead of overgrown pajama bottoms).
I bought a new salwaar for 39.99 including alterations which were ready in 3 days. Yes, the same thing in India would have been about half as much, but somebody’s gotta bring it over in a suitcase :)