At FLAX our goal is to deliver you the best possible shopping experience. It's been that way since 1938.
The FLAX Credo
service - We provide the best care by following the Golden Rule.
selection - We stand behind our products. As artists and crafters ourselves, we use what we sell and trust in the quality. The range of items we offer is intended to suit individual needs and a wide variety of projects.
price - Our everyday prices represent great savings - the lowest we can go. Straight-up, honest pricing. Find it cheaper elsewhere and we'll match it.
inspiration - We spark the creative process. Art is for everyone, and our role is to invite participation and inspire creativity.
~ Voted ”THE BEST” A BUNCH OF TIMES ~
Ask FLAX - Have a question about the use or application of any of our products? Have a creative idea you are wondering how to achieve? Let our trained staff help guide the way.
Shipping
We now offer shipping anywhere in the US. We ship from our store in Oakland, CA, yet our website's inventory levels reflect available quantities from both stores. So please allow an extra day or two if we need to transfer products from SF to Oakland before shipping your order.
The shipping and handling fee is $14.00, or FREE for orders over $79.00.
Standard Delivery - We ship via UPS or USPS. Please note that as a sustainability practice and to help keep our prices low, we often reuse boxes and packing materials from our incoming shipments for outgoing online orders.
Some product pages have this icon, items which we must restrict to Local Delivery only. This applies to paper and boards, and other items due to size, weight or fragility.
Local Delivery - The delivery area is a 6-mile radius around each store, which includes San Francisco, Oakland, Piedmont, Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, El Cerrito and Albany. For a list of zip codes we serve, click here. Deliveries are performed by a local courier service and products arrive in FLAX shopping bags or similar minimal packaging.
In-Store Pickup - Please allow 1 to 2 days to receive an email confirmation that your order is ready for pickup. We often must combine inventory from both stores to fill an order, which is why it may take two days.
* Orders not picked up within 30 days will be canceled with a full refund.
Returns
We guarantee your satisfaction.
If any of our products fail to meet your expectations, simply return it within 14 days with your receipt for a full refund.
Please be sure item(s) are in original packaging and resaleable as new. For online orders you may use the Return Request form, or login to your account, view your order and follow the prompts to submit a return request.
Please note that special orders, books, paper sheets and seasonal items are not returnable. Portfolios, fine pens and studio equipment may be subject to a 20% restocking fee.
Price Match Guarantee
Our goal is to consistently offer the best selection and the best prices. If you find an identical item being sold for less, we will refund you the difference within 10 days of your purchase (receipt required), or if you've yet to make the purchase, with proof of that lower price we will match it.
To qualify, the item must match in brand and style number. For online price comparisons, the competitor must have the item in-stock and their shipping fee must be factored in. Exclusions to the policy are prices based on bundled offers like “buy one get one”, and prices after rebate, coupon or discount code.
Resale Purchases
For those with a seller's permit who wish to purchase items for resale that exclude sales tax, FLAX must have on file a copy of your California Resale Certificate (link to pdf). Please submit a copy prior to your first purchase. We can accommodate resale purchases in-store only, not online.
Open Accounts
Businesses and Schools may apply for open credit terms. Benefits include personalized service, terms of net 30, convenient ordering, delivery throughout the Bay Area, and eligibility for additional discounts based on quantity and volume. Submit a FLAX Credit Application (link to pdf) and we will contact you upon approval.
Educators
We have an educational program that provides schools and arts programs with great value while meeting your specific needs. We listen to what the teachers want, then present the right materials to meet the curriculum and the budget. Our goal is to provide value that doesn't include compromises. We want the students to have a positive experience in your class so that they have a continuing enjoyment in the creative process. Many items available are not offered on this site or in-store, as they are unique to the educational market.
Let us provide a quotation! Email us your supply list here.
Payment Types
Both in-store and online we accept all credit and debit cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay. Please note for online purchases that Apply Pay is only enabled on Apple devices using Safari. Another option for online orders is PayPal and PalPal Credit, which offers a "Pay Later" feature.
Buying Color
We’ve designed this website to make it easy for artists to shop. Many pages include a color chart, from which you can order mutliple colors without ever leaving the page. To order, move your cursor over the desired color, adjust your quantity and click Add To Cart:
Please note that the colors match to the best of our ability. Colors rendered digitally can appear differently depending on the computer or device you are using.