has anyone visited PSI?

[kovalcik]

For years I have made the drive from NH to (near) Pittsburgh, PA to visit family. Along the way, I drive pretty close to PSI but it has never crossed my mind to try and stop in. Has anybody stopped in to visit them? Is there any reason to plan a stop to their showroom? Do they offer demos, have different stuff in the showroom than in the catalog? Do they even have a showrooom? I guess I would save on shipping, but that is offset since I would have to pay sales tax in PA. Any thoughts?

 

[Edgar]

We were in Pennsylvania for our vacation last year & I had a few hours before we needed to be at the Philly airport, so I drove over to the PSI store. I can't say how it compares to the catalog, because I didn't spend enough time there to make an exhaustive comparison. It is a good sized store & well stocked though. I spent most of my time rummaging through the 3 large tubs of miscellaneous pen blanks at $1.00 each. That is certainly something you won't find in the catalog.

 

[firewhatfire]

I found it not worth my time to go back.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Their sales tax is extra painful since Philly adds on their own sales tax.

I'm going to have my next order shipped to you and you can drop it off on your way to Pittsburgh. Lol.

 

[walshjp17]

I stopped in once, and that's enough. Other than the $1.00 blank bin, just about everything else is available via the catalog.

I did have some trouble when I was checking out, as it seems not all the staff were aware of the "offers" in the catalog. I had to show one of the two staff behind the counter that the price he was going to charge me was higher than the catalog price.

And the issue of the Philly add-on to the state 6.5% sales tax is worrisome.

 

[Trees2Pens]

Been there...

I visit family south of Philly and stop in the store on the way home. The crew is great, experienced pen makers and friendly.

I find it interesting for discounted or discontinued items and close outs. The wood bins of also full of cut off that they sell by the pound.

And I get a hands on for a catalog item that I've been eye balling for purchase.

Finally, other than Philly cheese steak it's a treat.

John

 

[Chatham PenWorks]

It's worth a slight detour just for the chance to be able to see just about everything in the catalog in the flesh. I've picked up a few things that I never would have considered, had I not seen them in person, as they looked much better than in the catalog. I've also taken a few things off of my "to buy" list after seeing how crappy they looked in person. They also have a display case in the front with just about full of completed pens and bottle stoppers, and rippers...... It's nice to be able to handle a finished piece to see if it's something you might want to make, or carry for sale.

Plus, there's always some components and/or blanks on clearance.

 

[Smitty37]

Their sales tax is extra painful since Philly adds on their own sales tax.

I'm going to have my next order shipped to you and you can drop it off on your way to Pittsburgh. Lol.

Tell me what you want andf I can probably get if for you Tax Free.....

 

[Smitty37]

I visit family south of Philly and stop in the store on the way home. The crew is great, experienced pen makers and friendly.

I find it interesting for discounted or discontinued items and close outs. The wood bins of also full of cut off that they sell by the pound.

And I get a hands on for a catalog item that I've been eye balling for purchase.

Finally, other than Philly cheese steak it's a treat.

John

The best Philadelphia Chees steak I have ever had was from a little place in the Pocono's

 

[MarkD]

I bought a cyclone dust collector from PSI a few years back and had to pick it up at their warehouse. I got to see a portion of the warehouse and see where they prepare the orders to ship. I also visited their retail store which is nearby. At the time I hadn't started turning pens yet. I might be more impressed with the retail store now then I was at the time.

 

[Chatham PenWorks]

I stopped in once, and that's enough. Other than the $1.00 blank bin, just about everything else is available via the catalog. I did have some trouble when I was checking out, as it seems not all the staff were aware of the "offers" in the catalog. I had to show one of the two staff behind the counter that the price he was going to charge me was higher than the catalog price. And the issue of the Philly add-on to the state 6.5% sales tax is worrisome.

Just 6% tax. It's outside of Philly.

 

[Chatham PenWorks]

For years I have made the drive from NH to (near) Pittsburgh, PA to visit family. Along the way, I drive pretty close to PSI but it has never crossed my mind to try and stop in. Has anybody stopped in to visit them? Is there any reason to plan a stop to their showroom? Do they offer demos, have different stuff in the showroom than in the catalog? Do they even have a showrooom? I guess I would save on shipping, but that is offset since I would have to pay sales tax in PA. Any thoughts?

Did you stop by, or decide not to?

I was in the area today and stopped by. Got a new (open box, but unused) buffing system for the same price as the 4 components I actually needed, a few perfume kits at @60% off, and a few clearance blanks with damage that will easily turn off. None of these are online. I'm undecided as to weather I wish they were closer, or I'm glad they're not.

 

[WriteON]

I passed by PSI since they have opened. Never imagined I would be a customer. Lately I pass by (and stop in). Is it worth stopping in...YES. I would not recommend going a great distance out your way to go there unless you want to pick something up or just plain curious. There are deals and finds. Bob, Jeff and Brian will answer questions. There is no pressure to buy anything. I like seeing the sample pens and other products. I personally never get out of there alive. I live about 10 miles from PSI. I order online or stop in. Don't let the tax hold you up.

 

[kovalcik]

Not stopping this trip. We ended traveling on the weekend so it did not work out this time. Maybe for our Christmas trip. To tell the truth, the commments just were not positive enough to change my driving schedule.

 

[Chatham PenWorks]

If you do stop in December, be sure she let us know what you think of the place, and wether it was worth the detour.

 

[Banished]

I'm planning on heading out there on a day trip with my friend but he may not be able to make it so..... PLAN B is Me & the Mrs on a vacation day mid August. Woodcraft is not supposed to be that far away so i may map it out and make a full day of it. Throw in a casino and did someone say "cheese steak"? Could be an overnighter! :biggrin:

If we go I'll snap some shots and give a full review.

 

[RichSubers]

I have been there a few times. The retail store is on Philmount ave just outside of Phila's city limits so no additional sales tax. (still have to pay Penn state tax) They honor all catalog & online specials. I just printout them out when I go. They have closeouts & specials not available anywhere else. Some of the prices are cheaper, mostly on blanks. Got a pen press for 60% off, it was a demo. The two people working there are great. I save on shipping but pay the 6.5% sales tax. Sometimes it just nice to see & touch before you buy!

 

[ashaw]

I am at their retail store once a week and their headquarters once a week as well. My shop is about 15 minutes away.