02/26/09

PROTECT YOURSELF! READ THE REVIEWS!!

by diss135

I think it's very misleading of City Search to rate this business 3 1/2 stars when 4 out of 5 reviews give it the lowest possible rating. Many people look only at the rating at ignore the reviews. I would be very upset to know that another innocent consumer went to Al's and was subjected to the poor quality,poor service and overall negative,costly experience that I had. BEWARE!!! Read the reviews!!!

• Pros: none
• Cons: all

01/29/09

BEWARE!!! DO NOT GO TO AL'S

by rigolito

DO NOT GO TO AL'S !!!!! I had a terrible experience having something made at Al's. The staff is rude, unprofessional and unqualified to do their job. Al himself refuses to take responsibility for any mistakes he has made and does not seem particularly interested in satisfying his customers(as long as you don't challenge him to get what you want). The quality of his custom clothing is unacceptable especially for the price. I spent too much money and time at Al's. I hope this review will make you think twice before you plunk down the large deposit for poorly made,ill fitting, aesthetically disappointing garments. The worst part of it was the attitude of Al and his staff. There is something romantic about the old wood floors,the hip clientele, and the North Beach location- but don't be fooled. It's all a facade.

12/09/08

Unprofessional,costly and extremely rude!!!

by diss135

Customer Service Nightmare!!! I spent a lot of my hard earned money to have a dress and a coat made at Al's. Things seemed to be going along o.k. until I went to pick up my dress and do a fitting on my $500+ coat. The dress, which took 5 fittings,(one of them by an extremely rude employee -in North Beach-parking-time!!) ,only to find the finished product to be of inferior craftsmanship. I then tried on the coat which was ill fitting, poorly sewn and not reflective of the comments and fit corrections made in the previous fitting. Al, the owner insisted that he wanted me to be satisfied, even suggesting that we scrap the project. We agreed to split the deposit ($300) $150 in cash refund and $150 credit. However,all the while complaining about how much he was losing on the deal and never admitting any responsibility for the shoddy quality and poor pattern making- blaming me,the customer! He then left the store(actually walked out) in a huff! I was able to recoup the $150 cash refund but was refused the credit by his assistant. So now he has the coat which he can sell to someone else- and I'm out $150. The whole situation was extremely unprofessional. What ever happened to customer service? I chose this route to avoid generic department store product but, at least they stand behind their merchandise. I am extremely disappointed and disheartened by this experience.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Everything

07/09/08

Atrocious Business

by styleshopper

Al was recommended to my husband by a business acquaintance. We purchased my husband a bespoke suit and had to return many, many times due to faulty craftsmanship, poorly taken/executed measurements, inattention to detail, sloppy craftsmanship and lazy employees who were also aloof, confused, and contradicted one-another. We should have known something was wrong when after we paid the deposit and inquired when to return for a follow-up the tailor scolded us 'we'll call you when we're ready- we're really busy." Also, Al's seamstresses used an existing pair of my husband's store-purchased trousers as a 'pattern' for his new pants and kept them for over 2 months! So much for 'custom' tailoring. The entire experience took over 5 MONTHS to get the $1000 suit and when it was finally completed the suit jacket had a flaw in the fabric and Al and his team refused to take responsibility for it and were arrogant and rude even attempting to lay blame on us (the suit was still wrapped in plastic). Al and the seamstresses exhibited appallingly bad customer service, unacceptable quality/craftsmanship, and poor business ethics This business should be avoided at all costs.

• Pros: Absolutely none
• Cons: Bad service, poor tailoring skills, rude employees, deplorable quality

06/24/08

Amazing Style and Service!!!!!

by CharlesDavy

I have been a customer of Al's for at least 7 years ... This guy has never failed in my design needs from contemporary to outrageous. He will get it done as well as add his vision if needed. Above all I have only had the best of the best from Al and staff this is why I have been a return customer. Check this place out if you are looking for that special coat, suit, dress,ect...

• Pros: Can work out design visions with no problem
• Cons: that someone else spoke poorly of my tailor.... somebody must have PMS

10/24/07

Disorganized, inconsistent, little attention to detail

by ak3559

I went to Al's for tailoring and had an awful experience. I had to return several times either because the work was not done properly or simply because he didnt show up for a scheduled appt. A lot of the work is delegated to others in the shop who are not very experienced and do sloppy work.

I also found the attitude of Al and his staff to be not very customer-service focused. Not recommended!

• Pros: Nice room
• Cons: Lousy service, sloppy work and inability to account for mistakes

San Franciscans flock to Al's for custom-tailored coats, made-to-order frocks and classically styled clothing.

by Contributor

In Short
This North Beach boutique is famous for its timelessly fashionable men's and women's coats in vintage-look fabrics and cuts that never seem to be out of style. Al's also does custom orders and alterations and offers racks of classy men's and women's clothing they will happily tailor to fit customers.

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Customers choose from myriad patterns and fabrics to create custom coats, suits and dresses at this North Beach boutique.