In a world of big box stores and distant, disconnected, unconcerned corporations, Bob's Paint Land (BPL) has been my bastion of sanity among my insane projects.
One of the things that separates BPL from anywhere else is the sincerity of the staff. They are truly engaging and considerate of your project, small or big. When you walk through the door, you're not just another potential sales ticket; you're an individual who also happens to just potentially be a customer. They are perfectly willing to share their knowledge and ideas with you in a patient manner.
What I also like is that they sell some locally and regionally made products. I bought a billet aluminum polishing hub, that while a bit pricey, had apparently been machined by hand by a gentleman in Idaho. It was heavy in the hand; leaving me with the sense of vast durability.
Another thing that I love about smaller, local stores is that they're usually apt to work out deals with you if you're making good size purchases. You just have to be willing to ask; just be a gentle(wo)man about your request.
Bob's has been around since I was a child (in the 80's), and as far as I can remember, they've always been an incredible shopping experience - something you rarely will find in some chain store.
Their prices, while not internet-cheap, are good; but in that price comes the collective knowledge of years and years worth of painting experience. I'll gladly pay a couple extra bucks to know I can stop by almost any time with a question and end up walking out with not just an answer, but a plan.
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