Faiz International

The definition of unethical business!
I called ahead and the owner agreed to meet me during the morning. After hearing his prices I knew he was drastically over charging but he was kind enough to meet me early so I didn’t bargain. I just paid whatever he was asking and I bought two mens kurtas. One of the kurtas buttons were so bad that they kept coming unbuttoned and falling out. I called and asked if they could replace the buttons and (this time the wife) tried to charge me for it. I explained that I was there one week ago, bought two kurtas, was over charged but didn’t bargain. She said fine.
I live in Sf and I go to Oakland only on Fridays. I stopped by a Friday morning to drop off the Kurta and made sure she knew I would be back at the same time next week as I was flying out that day and needed the clothes for an event. I explained this in two languages and she agreed in both of them :) The Thursday before, I left two vm’s and even sent a message through their website just to ensure they would be there. Of course they weren’t and when I spoke with them on the phone the owner yelled at me and said «why didnt you wait last week for the repairs to be done.» Really? I had to go and your wife knew this. We made an agreement and I confirmed in two additional ways. Oh, he did offer to come five hours later to open the store for me. At this point I would be on a plane.
Long story short I was really screwed by these guys. It is too bad that someone who literally speaks the same language as you and calls you brother will treat you like a piece of garbage once they have your money. Stay away from this shady business.
Shame on you

DO NOT VISIT OR BUY FROM THIS STORE!
This man is rude, racist and a total asshole. While his clothing collection has not kept up with the latest trends from South Asia, his colorist/​racist attitudes certainly have. My friend and I were looking for a kurta pyjama set for a white friend. We asked for dark colors in a large size, which they didn’t have in stock. He proceeds to tell us that «fair-​skinned people look good in anything they wear» and then looks at my friend, who is not fair skinned and goes on to say, «you only have to care about colors if you are dark.»
Needless to say, we didn’t buy anything. But as we were walking out, he yells out after me and says (direct quote), «You will never buy anything if you come in with an Indian (my friend). You should use your brains and buy something.» So he called me stupid for not buying his substandard clothing.
In short, he was pushy, rude, racist and a complete ass. He kept pushing us to buy this one set which every single white man I have ever seen at an Indian wedding wears (he confirmed this fact). We told him it was too common and we didn’t want that. He got really rude after that.
The collection is not great, neither is the quality of the clothes. Just save yourself humiliation (especially if you are not a white person or male, I am guessing) and go to Roopam Sarees or Saree Palace. You can always order online directly from India (Fab India, Manyavar) and get a better price plus collection. And you will never have to deal with asshole.
I didn’t walk into the store expecting good customer service but I certainly didn’t expect to run into a lunatic like this man.

Salim was very helpful and helped us find exactly what we needed. Prices are good and we’re happy with the quality.
Would recommend for people in San Francisco looking to buy a sherwani.

So much drama with getting an outfit tailored. After much delay the kameez came back too small. I was frustrated and didn’t have time to argue so I just took it home expecting that if I just let out the seams a bit myself it would be ok. It was still too small!!! I took it back and I don’t think the tailor did a damn thing because there was no change in the fit. The woman kept insisting it fit perfectly when I could barely get it on my body and felt like I couldn’t breathe. I don’t know what I’m going to do now. I’m really really angry. Don’t let their tailor touch your clothes.

We bought 2 sets men’s sherwani made in Pakistan very good quality few years ago. This afternoon I called to check what time they close and was advised they close at 6.30 so I left work at 4.45pm and reached there by 6, stuck in traffic for an hour from Oakland. Last time I was helped by the guy who owns the store I believe but this time his wife was there. I was there to do business but the lady had no interest in my business. I asked her a few questions and mostly answered no or in a negative way. I know they had 2 stores and down to one. Please provide better service, customers are not dependent on you, you are dependent on them.

Praveen, the owner of Faiz International, has a good collection of Indian clothes. Unfortunately he is an absolute lowlife. You may literally end up risking your life if you do business with him.
1) Praveen recommended a tailor who he already knew to be a violent criminal. When I very nearly had a violent incident with this person, he said I shouldn’t have gone to that person. Well then Einstein, why did you recommend him to me? It’s obvious that he doesn’t care about his customers at all, or he would not endanger their safety and well-​being by sending them to violent criminals.
2) Praveen is unconscionably rude to customers. He doesn’t really care if you are attacked by someone that he introduced you to, as long as he sold you something. He won’t fix anything wrong once he has your cash in his pocket. When I told him about his violent business associate, he basically shrugged it off and didn’t care.
3) Praveen offers a large discount if you pay cash and do not require a written receipt. Interesting… I wonder why he might be doing this? Sounds like something the Franchise Tax Board should investigate thoroughly. I’ll be contacting them directly.

This review is long over due. I looked at many shops for my wedding lengha. Didn’t think finding a white and red lengha that wasn’t net was going to be a big deal. But all I could find was net, net and more net. I have net lengha’s, but I wanted silk for my wedding. I was resigned to the fact that I’d have to travel to LA and pay an arm and a leg out put what I wanted on order. But my friend and I just ended up at this unassuming shop. At first entrance it seems like all the other shops, but within 20 minutes I found it! If you’re looking for quality and unique designs, you should take the time to visit!

I was pretty disappointed in my experience here. The shopkeepers were quite pushy, and not very friendly.
I was looking for bridal lehengas and saris, and their selection was quite limited (they literally had about about 5 lehengas total). While this shop had reasonable prices, I didn’t find anything l liked.
The worst part of my visit was when, after trying on a few lehengas, I asked to see saris. The gentleman working there actually said to us, «Yes, I can show you if you’re ready to buy today.» Unbelievable! I found that offensive. How can I tell you if I’m prepared to buy if I haven’t seen the merchandise?!
This place needs to work on their customer service.

Sam and Praveen were so helpful to my sister, we found her the perfect wedding lenga.
Unlike other Indian places near Berkeley, we found Faiz to be professional and polite, and they really attempt to work with your specific needs.

As a white girl looking for party outfits for a wedding in India, I was a little overwhelmed. I found nothing I liked or that was affordable in Sunnyvale, and was relieved to find this boutique in Berkley. Sam was very helpful without being pushy. He was extremely patient, as I took a long time to find the right outfit. There were so many to choose from! He showed me how to wear a sari, and was able to help me find the perfect one! Just to be safe I stopped by the other 6 shops on the street, although nothing compared to the beautiful look of what I found, and the price. I agree with the other reviews, if searching for a reasonable outfit go here first. He will also negotiate with you, so don’t take the ticket price. He was even able to take out the blouse while we waited. Also, his new address is right around the corner from he old address, 1966 San Pablo Ave Berkeley.

Wonderful store full of colors and jewels! Great prices don’t forget to go downstairs! Found exactly what I wanted for my Maui trip without having to spend an arm and a leg for a designer!

Went to Faiz to buy a Kurta for a friends wedding. I had no idea what I needed as this is my first Indian wedding. The owner was very friendly and very helpful. He offered me a variety of options and prices. It was a very good experience and I would highly recommend this store!

Note: Faiz has moved to 1966 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, CA.
My husband and I went to Faiz because of the great Unilocal reviews. They were justified. The owner worked with us and helped us stay within our budget yet leave with beautiful outfits. I’m so happy we shopped at Faiz!

Looking for Indian or Pakistani clothes??! THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO! Don’t waste your time looking in the other Indian stores on University. They are all very rude and follow you around as if you will put one or two shalwar kameez in your purse and walk out. If you’re not Desi, like myself, they charge at a higher price and tell you they are giving you a discount. Bullshit!
The Uncle at Faiz is very genuine and helpful. He gave me a very good price that I am very pleased with! If I ever need Indian clothes I know where to go, FAIZ INTERNATIONAL!

The new location of this shop is 1966 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley (Thanks, Rahul D. Wouldn’t have found it without you) so don’t look for it on University Ave.
Came here because of the positive Unilocal reviews so I can only add to the praise. Parveen helped my mom and me navigate the many options and come out with the perfect outfits for my good friend’s Indian wedding. I feel like a princess in my outfit. She was patient with us both about budget and our complete ignorance of styles and sizes. I couldn’t count the number of possibilities she brought out for us. She’s definitely a hands-​on sales person (always there and ready with feedback and new ideas), but when we told her we wanted some time to browse on our own after she gave us an introduction, she gave us that time, then came back when we were ready for more advice and for fittings.
My top/​dress needed some alterations, which she did quickly (2 days) and incredibly professionally (took in sleeves and sides of dress for only $ 20!). The dress now fits like a dream. Don’t be scared off by the prices. If you’re clear about what you can spend, she can offer deals if you purchase multiple items.
I also met her husband Sam when I came to pick up the altered outfit and I can see how both of them are excellent at what they do. Great communication and above all great service. I don’t know why you would go anywhere else if you needed outfits. They also have shoes and jewelry so it’s a one-​stop experience!

Its a great place …
The address has been changed to 1966 San Pablo ave, Berkeley, CA 94 702

We had an Indian weddig coming up. Pretty formal, so we had a laundry list of stuff to buy (sari/​kurta for the ceremony, lehenga for the less formal sangeet, etc) We went into Faiz without having a clue.
An hour later, we emerged with four outfits that were profusely complimented by several Indian guests. No-​one could believe we had paid those prices (we got a discount given the large purchase), and found that level of quality outside India. Oh, and the lady tailored one of my shirts for free, in 48hs. Our pics look amazing.
Going to Faiz was a major lucky strike!!!

My fiancée and I took our families here to shop for our wedding, and it was a truly memorable experience. The owner and his wife are lovely and helpful people, and it’s nice to meet and do business with people who take so much pride in their work.

You may be drawn to the sari shops across the street — several of them in a row. They were all very nice people, with gorgeous things in their stores. We happened to show up on a Monday when the prominent stores were closed… but across the street…
Faiz was open just for wholesale business, but invited us in like long lost family. His prices were solid, and his selection was good, particularly on some of the one-​of-​a-​kind-​wraps we found downstairs.
I, for one, will make him a regular stop when I’m over there. Spread the word, people.

I love this shop for a couple main reasons
1) The owner is a true gentleman. He is a decent, good, kind man. The type of guy you just WANT to buy from since he is so sincere and nice. He is very helpful, smiles often, and is honest.
2) Fair prices. You will never leave this place feeling ripped off.
3) Good selection. Look, it is not the biggest or widest in terms of Indian clothes on University Ave. But it is solid.
4) Read #1 again. I cannot tell you how much of a difference it makes to have good service, versus terrible arrogant snooty service, at an Indian clothing store. You leave this place with a good feeling.
I never write reviews for clothing stores, but Faiz was such a great experience that I have to write one for these guys (and write a second for Roopam and how downright awful that place is – it is like Goodwill clothing acting like Louis Vuitton over there!).