Lonnie’s Inc

Great place! I have been going here since I started school which I have to admit is almost 9 years… Never disappointed with the items they have! Tons of enamel supplies which is awesome and a lot of displays!

I come in here to get gifts for my sister who lives in Flagstaff and does not have access to this kind of store. They always seem to have the things she asks for and seem well stocked. They have always been nice to me when I go in, but I see a lot of bad reviews here and I think I know why.
This store feels very much like the SCA, or any other historical-​focused organization. In those sorts of places, you need to ‘earn your respect’, in a way.
I’m not a jeweler and so they don’t bother to look at me one way or another.
But If you go in this store as a jeweler, be aware that they are probably sizing you up when you come in. These people may want either evidence that you know what you’re doing, or willingness to ask them questions and have them share their knowledge with you. Those sorts of places can have little respect for amateurs unless the amateurs come in with a willingness to acknowledge the expertise there and ask to have some of it.
That attitude can come off as pretentious or demeaning, but really it’s just a very old-​fashioned way of thinking. And jewellery is an old-​fashioned art.
Hopefully that helps if you are a jeweler in the phoenix area looking for some supplies. Don’t go in this store expecting modern customer service, because most people in this site have not found it. Pretend you are in the Middle Ages, and you are an apprentice going into a skilled artisan’s store. That artisan probably demands respect in a way most modern people don’t. It may seem backwards, but you may be able to tap into their knowledge if you pay the price of admission.

I decided to support a local business rather than order my silver supplies online. I went in excited to get supplies and learn a new craft — but wow — the staff is so rude and condescending. The clerk literally turned her head and laughed when I asked a question about polishing silver. I quickly paid and left. I won’t return. So sad that a local business can’t treat their customers with respect, much less show appreciation for their business.

Every time I walk out of Lonnie’s I have a bad taste in my mouth and
I say never again. Why? Because of their bad attitude and rudeness. Today I asked to look at 4 & 5 mm synthetic stones in two different colors. When I asked to look at each size at the same time for comparison purposes, the woman behind the counter in a scolding manner said «I can only show you one size stone at a time». I walked out! When their doors close once and for all they can thank themselves for driving people away. I’ll go to Mario’s S K or order on line. Mario is an accommodating, polite, gentleman who appreciates your business. Lonnie’s, they drink a glass of misery daily.

I have never posted a negative review before but felt the need to do so this time. I always hesitate to go into Lonnie’s because their staff is not the friendliest but I knew they had an item that I wanted so I bit the bullet and went in. Unfortunately, I had my two kids with me. I strongly dislike unruly kids in shops (or anywhere else) so I demand that my boys be respectful and not touch anything in places like Lonnie’s.
I was looking at something in the case and my children were meandering around the shop — which is very small so they were never more than 20 feet from me. The woman in the back room starts calling to them in her fake-​nice voice, «Kids, go stand with your mom! There are dangerous chemicals out there.» Ohhhkay — I see her point but her tone was pretty aggressive. Once my kids were next to me, she goes back to her post and says to her boss, loudly and clearly, «I’m allergic to kids.» He didn’t hear her so she said it again! She thought she was being funny.
Now, I could sound like some mom who thinks her kids can do no wrong. I am NOT that kind of parent. My kids were being quiet and unobtrusive. She was just rude.
I’ve also witnessed her being downright mean to her coworkers. I guess I won’t have to see that anymore because, even though Lonnie’s is fairly close to my house, I won’t be back.
Trust me on this one — go to SJ Jewelry Supply. Mario will be courteous and helpful, unlike these people.

The staff at Lonnie’s is horrible, not just once, but every time. They are rude, slow, and rush you out at closing. The reason I go back is there selection of cane glass beads are the best I’ve found anywhere and that’s all I buy there.

The «regular» staff older ladies talk mean about everyone… customers, staff, UPS man, mailman… anyone they can. It’s the «who can we blame game» when something goes wrong. They’re rude, they are behind about a month on internet orders if they can get someone to do it. The turnover rate of employees is extremely high then a new person comes in and has to learn their way of doing it Lonnie’s way which changes from day to day. If they don’t like their employees, they just cut their hours down to 4 a week even though I was told it’s like a Nazi camp working there. If a spanish speaking customer comes in, Lonnie gets upset??? Even heard Lonnie yelling at customers & staff. Staff is discouraged from spending time talking or helping customers no matter if they’re buying $ 15 or $ 1500 worth of supplies; can’t talk to other employees either = Lonnie’s code of silence. It’s unfortunate there aren’t other good shops around as going in there is drudgery. So shopping online has become a much better experience. If you wanted to be treated rudely, this is the place. And did I mention overpriced? Really, google the items you want & order them somewhere else.

My first time at this store and probably my last…
The sales lady basically insulted the jewelry I was wearing (and had made, and gotten 40,000 compliments on, and sold other pieces as a result, etc.) and said how «much more advanced» she was than that. Really? Let’s insult people who come to spend money at your establishment… great practice. Anyway, I needed something specific so I tried to get past it. Their selection was not great, their loose gems (which was the reason i went) were not very good quality. Their prices were not very good either and their service was terrible. I try to shop local and was looking forward to going to a new «candy store» but will buy on Amazon in the future if Beads Galore doesn’t have what I’m looking for. Appalling service. I probably would have dropped $ 50-​$ 100 on supplies today alone, but due to their crappy atmosphere and service, I spent $ 12 and won’t go back.

This is probably the largest silver supply store in the valley. I have been there several times and each time has been the same no matter which employee you get. At the end of your shopping trip you just want to leave ASAP because you feel like you are making them do something they don’t want to do, and that comes with a big dose of bad attitude. I have been over charged once and found it before I left, I’ve been given the wrong silver item and didn’t catch it before I got home and recently I’ve been given the absolute wrong information (by the owners wife) on a potential product purchase. Needless to say I’m going to be resupplying my silver stock thru the internet. This review is based on several trips to the store not just one or two.

First time to Lonnie’s. Walked in and everyone looked up at me and then looked right back down. Couldn’t get anyone to answer my questions or even acknowledge me. Lonnie himself was there and when the salesperson directed my question to him (3 times) he never answered. They also didn’t have two of the three things I came in to buy (all of which they list on their website). They were also giving another woman a hard time about her company card, despite the woman protesting that she comes in to the store «all the time.» VERY rude to her and I was surprised they would speak that way to any customer, especially in front of another one.
They may be a gem for some jewelry folks, but the terrible customer service ensured that I will never be back.

Holy wow what terrible service! I came into to purchase display items and ask one simple question which was met with not only rudeness but downright aggression. I have been to Lonnie’s before, and knew that customer service isn’t exactly their forte, but after today’s experience, I would drive to the other side of town to specifically NOT give them my business.

Lonnie’s has a nice supply of materials and tools, and if you’re into jewelry-​making, you’ll probably find something to buy there. Unfortunately, you’re gonna have to wait for it. Service is slow, and not always friendly. The staff generally won’t look at or speak to you as you stand there waiting for the interminable line to move, and they aren’t any nicer when it is your turn. I’ve been there many times, and this is the case every. effing. time. Service is important to me, so I only go to Lonnie’s when I need something now and they happen to be open. Otherwise, I’d rather give my money to people with manners.

I’m not a jewelry maker, but a glass blower and have been purchasing kilns, controllers, and pyrometers from Lonnie’s for 12 yrs now. I find the staff to be very friendly & helpful and if they don’t have what I need in stock they are quick to order it and ring me when it arrives. Thanks guys!

This place has a lot to offer — many different choices of jewelry making supplies. However, the staff leaves something to be desired. They are not overly helpful and at times have just tried to up-​sell us. I will probably start to try to find a new local jewelry making supply shop.

At first they’re standoffish and a little reserved, but I think it’s having to deal with some of the fussiest jewelry designers and metal artists in the Valley. They try to assess you as you walk through the door and try to anticipate your type of personality… that’s a good thing.
While it may look like a hole in the wall or a place that won’t carry more than an ounce of silver, Lonnie’s Inc really has so much more going for it… whether you’re into enamelling or beading, this place is it.
I miss their other location out in Mesa, but that got closed down last summer.
For now, I make the drive to Lonnie’s in Phoenix and each time I’ve gone, I’ve yet to be disappointed.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.