Anyone else frustrated with Light Impressions?

I'm looking for a new source for quality pre-cut mat boards. I ordered 18 x 24 mats and glass from LightImpressions.com in early April. When the order arrived 3 weeks later the mats were shown as back ordered. Each time I've called customer service I'm told that they should deliver in 3 to 4 weeks. Today I was told they had no definite time for delivery.

How do these people stay in business?

If anyone has another reliable source for quality mats, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
Chuck

Yikes, OK, it isn't just me... I ordered mattes and a mounting roller kit in February. The mattes were the wrong size when they arrived (and I needed them for a presentation the next day), and the mounting kit was out of stock. Guess what? The mounting kit is STILL out of stock, just called yesterday. It's no big deal except that they charged my card for the full order back in February.

I like their products, and I really want to like the company, but I think they need to shake up the org chart a bit and get some leadership in there.

I just ordered some pre-cut mattes for 13x19" prints from Blick Art Supply, and they came QUICK and seem decent, haven't put together a framed pic yet. Still hunting... I remember someone in the PNWNP forum talking about American Frame, maybe we should search them out.

Light Impressions service has fallen into serious decline. This unfortunate circumstance has been the norm for at least a couple of years, and perhaps longer.

While it's a bit more expensive, I purchase supplies from a local vendor. Doing so allows me to look at the materials before I lay my money down. Also, purchasing local helps my hometown economy.

I have heard good things about American Frame.

--P

Light Impressions has done the same to me many times for general supplies, once it took 6months to get tape for my tape gun.

TalasOnline has many of the same hard to find archival items as light impressions. They may be a tad more expensive, but some of that stuff is hard to find. American frame does an excellent job with mats and plexi. I finally broke down and bought a speed mat cutter and now order my mats in full sheets in bulk, but you need the volume to justify that.

I purchase supplies from a local vendor.

We really need to be doing that, good point. I've gotten some custom mattes at Hobby Lobby which were a lot less expensive than I had anticipated. And they also sell that amazing Museum glass that really cuts down the glare.

I complained about this problem on Twitter and their VP ended up contacting me assuring me that things were going to get fixed. This was over a year ago and I haven't used them since but it sounds like much the same issue.

Light Impressions: another good business killed by typical corporate behavior and management. I quit them a few years back when they went stupid and eliminated all direct accounts with artists. If I have to pay full price, it'll be to a company who knows what they're doing.

I recommend Valley Moulding in Southern California, but you'll need a resale license to do biz with them.

I've been very happy with framedestination.com. With the standard slow shipping I always get my items in 5-7 days (and that's all shipping - they ship it the first business day after ordering). Custom cuts are no problem.. limited selection, but if they have what you want, it's a great resource.

Slowest Vendor - Ever. Never got anything in less than five weeks. And that was three years ago.

I gave up on Light Impressions over a year ago. I had much better luck with Documounts in Oregon. They handle all my custom mats now and even offer rapid turnaround (for a fee), if needed.

Dave

Another vote for Documounts. I've been using them for over four years. Turnaround time with standard shipping is about two weeks, and they are very reliable. They have a wide selection (the best I've seen), reasonable prices, discounts for volume and good customer service.

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I agree with the philosophy of buying local, unfortunately price becomes an issue at some point. At the same time, at least I know I'll receive the product. I'll also look into your other suggestions for online products.

I'm writing a letter to Gabe Bristol, the president of Light Impressions, explaining why I won't be a customer any longer. Probably won't change anything, but it's worth a try.

Unfortunately, there service and stocking practices are the same for everyone. Really bad. I've ordered several portfolio presentation boxes from them. They were back ordered for months. The last time I triaed to order one, I specifically asked if they had them in stock. Of course, I was then told "no, but we should have them in 2-3 weeks." I was ok with that, but they wanted to charge my credit card immediately, before they even had the item in hand to sell to me. I canceled my order and will no longer do business with them. At least with a local vendor, you know what you are getting, and when.

The service at Light Impressions sucks. I ordered something in March, it is now July and still no order delivered - what's with that?