I have put off writing this review for a long time. I used to adore Appointments and was eager to patronize them at every opportunity, but I have had such a bad experience over the last couple of years that I think its necessary to hold them accountable in some small way.In early 2020, I dropped off a gold-nibbed fountain pen with them for repairs. It was a vintage pen Id bought at an antique shop, and I was excited by the prospect of owning my first gold-nibbed pen. They told me it would take a couple of months to get it repaired, and that they would call me when it was ready (they dont do their own repairs onsite, but ship them out to an expert).Two months later, the pandemic hit. I waited a few more months and called to check on the status of the pen, and they said the person doing their repairs was behind because of the pandemic--OK, totally, that made sense. I called a few more times over the following months. Finally, I got an update: the repair person found that he could not make the pen functional without replacing many of its internal parts. Then it wouldnt really be your grandfathers pen anymore, the man at Appointments said, so we had him ship it back to us.Uh, what? I told him that it wasnt my grandfathers pen, that Id gotten it from an antique shop, which I had mentioned when I initially left it with them. He said he didnt know where hed gotten that idea from, and he asked me whether he should send it back to the repair person to replace the parts. I decided that the pen wasnt much use to me without being functional, so I told him to do that. This was frustrating, but whatever, people make mistakes--I would have let it go if the problem had been fixed.Fast forward another year or so, and I still havent gotten the pen back. I call every once in a while to ask about it, and the last couple of times Ive called, theyve taken down my number and said they would call me back, and then they just havent.So after this nearly two-year saga, Im officially giving up on the pen. Again, I used to love Appointments, so its incredibly disappointing. If they get me my pen back, Ill update this review.

Here in Miami, there is nothing like Appointments. I stop in every time we visit Cincinnati. Its a feast for the finer things—fountain pens, writing tablets, double-edge shaving supplies, leather goods, Dupont lighters, etc. The staff is professional, kind, patient, and helpful. They never rush you or try to upsell you. Your needs are always their focus. And, if you are a novice fountain pen user like I am, they gently guide you through your journey with helpful advice to suit your situation whether you are purchasing a $5 fountain pen or one for $800. Appointments is one of Cincinnatis many treasures that youll want to experience time and again.

Incredible selection of pens, inks, and accessories. I got my Sailor pen there and I love it. The service is equally incredible - perhaps better. You’re treated with such professionalism, kindness, and even patience as you ask to check out different products. When my first Sailor 1911 was defective, I was able to exchange it easily and they took the time to investigate and ensure I was satisfied.

I took my father into Appointments today as he has been talking about owning a fountain pen for years but has never bought one. The sales representative we worked with was so patient and so kind working with him to find exactly what he wanted. He didn’t just push some fancy pen on us but rather started from basics and moved his way up according to my dads needs. I believe we were there an hour and never once did I feel like an annoyance or that we were being upsold.

Pens, pencils, pads, watches, Rookwood - Carew Tower. SLC (support local Cincy)

Awesome small business pen store with excellent selection!!! One of five in the country, and the only one in the Midwest area. They have over 100 different colors of bottled ink for fountain pens

Ordered an item online and not only was the turn around faster than I expected, but Doug included a hand written thank you note. What a great touch!!!

Walked in with a friend (both novices). Had an amazing time learning about world of pens. Walked out with a respect for the craft as well as a pen for each of us! Doug was highly knowledgable and friendly. Highly recommend.

Great selection of pens in a wide price points. Willing to educate about the products, willing to let you get the feel of the pens and how they perform in your hand. The staff at Appointments would rather develop a long range positive customer relationship, than pressure you to purchase something you don’t need.

Amazing experience. Practically a toy store for pen enthusiasts. The owner was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and when my card was accidentally left behind he found me down the street to return it. Will absolutely be back.

Ridiculously helpful, very easy to talk to, and quite customer-oriented. Will absolutely go back.

Jay was very helpful and spent a lot of time listening to my needs and catered a pen selection that I would love. I recommend this shop to anyone with a passion for pens and stationary. Lovely store!

I love this place! Unique gifts and fine writing instruments. One of a kind must visit. Doug Kennedy, the proprietor is gracious whose knowledge is without compare. If you time you might share tea and talk about Dougs favorite topic, pens.

I happened upon this shop in the Arcade at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherlands Plaza and what a find it is! The knowledgeable staff took care of me even though (initially) I was just browsing, and I ended up buying two relatively reasonably-priced fountain pens I did not yet own. Dave (and the next day when I came back, Doug) treated me with kindness and respect, and showed me excellent pens in my price range. I know enough about fountain pens to know that they are far more expert than I, but they were kind to me. Highly recommended.

If youre looking for a quality pen, pencil or stationary, this is the place to go. Doug goes above and beyond to provide customers with a level of service that is rarely available in this the era of big box stores and online shopping.

Worth the drive! I do not have a good stationery store in my neck of the woods, so when I need to feed my fountain pen/ink/paper obsession, I head to Carew Tower in Cincinnati to see these guys. They are a friendly group, well-versed in the products they sell. They happily share pens for testing and provide great advice on ink selection. I recommend them to anyone looking for a special writing instrument as a gift (and yes, a gift for yourself counts). Most of their inventory is new, but they do have a small selection of vintage pens from time to time; the vintage pens are not prominently displayed, so if you are interested be sure to ask.

Jay and Dave are wonderful help each time I visit. From my regular Kaweco pens to high dollar fountains theyre always very kind and considerate. Appointments carries only the best at great prices; I look forward to visiting as often as Im able. Highly recommend!

Extremely helpful staff and a great variety of pens. There are very few stores like this in the country, its a must do if you love pens.

A real gem of a shop. They have pens from just about every brand you can think of ranging from cheap starters to top of the line flagships, and theyre more than willing to let you test any and all of them (with real ink, too, not just water like most shops!). Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and great to chat with. Whether youre a newbie or a seasoned pen veteran this place is perfect for you.

Amazing customer service! The owner let me sit at his desk and write my gift cards for half an hour. What a friendly fellow.

Visited the store on a whim, while on vacation. This place is a GEM! Excellent customer service, best selections. I learned a lot about my new wonderful pen from Dave and Doug. If you want to learn about pens and what is available, THIS place is worth a visit!

The only place for stationary, paper products, pens, and everything else you would need. Truly, a must see for anyone who still enjoys writing. I bring all my out of town visitors to Carew Tower to see the rooftop view and this store on the second floor.

A great selection of pens, inks, and paper with knowledgable staff. I was surprised to find such a fantastic shop so close to home. I was able to test a few pens that I had been considering for months now, which is invaluable to someone who enjoys quality writing instruments. The staff gives honest and helpful advice to customers and were very professional. A great place to pick up top quality paper and bottled inks as well.

Fantastic shop, knowledgeable and helpful guys to work with. I was had bought a cheaper ~$10 fountain pen from an art store before coming here, they were more than helpful in helping me make a decision and letting me test out pens and come back without being pressured into purchasing anything. They offered instruction on caring for the pens as well, showed me how to fill the converter, how to clean the pen, everything.They have an excellent selection of other items as well - leather bags, pen ink, other office-style gifts. Really cool store with awesome guys who work there.

I spent a half hour there this morning looking for a good journaling pen, I forget the guys name but he was very helpful and nice while showing me a variety of different pens. He listened to what I was looking for and showed me pens that fit that, he didn’t try to sell me anything I didn’t want or need and seemed genuinely happy to help.

I was looking for quality, yet relatively inexpensive pens to give as gifts. They had great options at all price points. Definitely recommend and will be back.

Very knowledgeable and honest staff. They really helped me settle on a pen that I love, and actually steered me away from a more expensive one that didnt fit my needs as well. Happy to live in a city with such a great establishment.

Ordered a pen online, and it was delivered within 2 days. Packaging was secure, and a handwritten thank you enclosed; a really nice touch. Called the store to clarify an issue after ordering, and sales staff were courteous. Can 100% recommend.

There is a reason they are known as on of the best in the US. The customer service here is what you would expect from an owner who is passionate about the business. I learned more in a 30 minute visit than hours of research online. Thank you for your honest sales approach when dealing with someone learning about fountain pens.

Excellent selection of pens, inks, and papers as well as an assortment of other luxuries. Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful to experienced fountain pen veterans and n00bs alike.

Definitely the best place to buy exotic pens. The staff is very experienced and can help you find the perfect pen. The selection is crazy, theres bound to be a pen for you.

Came in looking to buy a nice pen. Well to me it would have been nice but, service stopped that. First thing they insult my age and make a generalization that just because Im under 30 years old that my writing grip is normal in my age group. Dont generalize my age or give me unwanted tips on how to fix a grip positioning that matters. So, way to lose a sale and a future customer with your company. Well worth the 4 hour drive from canton Ohio. If I wanted insulted and to be belittled I could have just hoped on Reddit for that. Way to go. No wonder fountain pens and fine writing utensils are dying. Maybe respect your younger clients and they wont walk away empty handed. My advice, unless youre over 35 dont shop here.

I purchased five pens to give as gifts for out-of-town clients. Doug, the owner of Appointments, personally drove to my company to deliver the pens, gift-wrapped and ready to go. We were very pleased with Dougs high level of service and will shop at his store again.Thank you Doug.

Best place in Cincinnati to purchase a luxury pen and related accessories.

Doug has a great and unique selection of pens and writing supplies.

Loved this store, the employees were both knowledgeable and kind. Answering all questions that were asked of them. Prices were comparable to what you would find online.

Top shop, very great knowledge and love of pens and all things related. Also great leather lines.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff for all thing fountain pens and writing material. Wide selections on pens also.

Nice variety of pens and very good personalized attention

Great pens, prices & service.

This was my first time visiting this establishment. I visited them during their Pen Fest 2016. PenFest is your unique opportunity to experience the complete offerings of over twenty fine pen brands including new, special, and limited edition pieces.The store was well lighted and they did have a large selection of pens available to pursue. The sales staff (It was unclear who was regular and who were company reps.) were cordial and friendly. They did make an attempt to interact with my family some. However, my wife and daughter did not feel the staff were as friendly as they could have been.I made the decision to purchase two very special pens. I had already decided to purchase two Pilot Metropolitans in Med & Fine nibs when the two special pens caught my eye. I decided to purchase a Monteverde Invincia Carbon Fiber with Rose Gold accents and a Conklin Limited Edition Mark Twain Crescent filler Demonstrator with Rose Gold accents.One of the gentlemen cleaned the Monteverde before he brought it to the register. I had presumed both pens would be boxed prior to my leaving. That was when the problems started.Both pens were placed in the bag without there proper pen boxes they come from the manufacturer with. The paperwork that is included in the box was missing. Only the pens were in the bag.Then, to add further insult, the Monteverde was missing the converter. I went back to the store to inquire about it and was told that Monteverde pens do not come with one. That was a false statement according to the manufacturers web site. They agreed to give me a free converter. Unfortunately, the converter was a Kaweco branded converter that does not fit the Monteverde. I was left to contact the Parent company of both pens, Yafa, to obtain the missing items.Finally, I get home and discovered the staff had not cleaned all the ink from the nib after it was dipped early in the day for demonstration. There was water inside like they tried. They apparently did not know how to properly clean a nib unit or did not want to take the time to do it properly.I very seriously doubt I will return and I can not say I would recommend this store.

Awesome stationary and often store

Neat store. Great selection

Very knowledgable helpful excellent good place

Good