This is a good option for students looking for a relatively inexpensive custom matte for their work. The mattes I had cut came back with the cut hole area cleanly cut (I think they do this with a laser) but the outer edges of the mattes were quite choppy. You really need to be planning to frame these. It's not the best option if you are submitting this to an art show unframed which is what I was doing. I'm sure they can trim them better just remember to ask and don't assume they'll just do it. read more

Place is pretty awesome. Quick and easy. Friendly service helped me get exactly what I wanted without spending a ton. Huge selection. Will be back for sure! read more

Cheap Pete's has been my go to place for ready made frames and custom projects for decades. My most recent experience there will keep me coming back for decades more. The project needed to be redone three times due to frame and matting problems. The store manager, Rose, took note of the issue the first time things didn't go right and managed the project through the next two iterations. She personally dealt with the custom frame manufacturer until they got the frame just right. She and her team in San Mateo were dedicated, responsive, proactive and generous. Not only did they make sure the project was delivered PERFECTLY done, but they also completely refunded me for the extensive time it took and the frustration caused by the process. Things don't always go right. It's how they're handled from a customer service perspective that makes them right in the end. Well done, Cheap Pete's San Mateo. BIG shout out to Rose! You are a superstar. Can't thank you enough. read more

After visiting a couple of other local framers and being frustrated, I asked some friends for recommendations and got Cheap Pete's. We could not have been happier with the results. Their staff helped us immediately, they made suggestions that turned out perfectly for our art and their prices were reasonable. We would definitely recommend them. read more

I'm giving this place stars for having a good selection on hand, and reasonable prices. I'm deducting 2 stars for the customer service. The chick who helped us out was pretty difficult to deal with. We brought in some collectible posters that had been rolled up forever. Literally. But, seriously, we can't be the only people who've ever done that. She looked at us like we just asked her if we just asked her if she could have our baby. She basically said that she didn't want to frame the posters because they had been rolled up and it would be too difficult. This is fine but it would be nice if she could treat us like we're still human. I bet she probably has a poster rolled up somewhere in her house too. Like many people. Anyway, that was the only issue. I might go back if I need frames but don't know that I'd trust them with my stuff. I would just do it myself. read more

Hector was so knowledgable and helpful and really was patient with me and all my questions. I leaned a lot about all the options for framing and he gave me lots of choices and the differences in prices. I loved all the options and feeling so empowered to make choices I will be enjoying for a long time on my walls. I always go to Pete's for my framing needs and highly recommend them. read more

Needed a photograph framed in a hurry. Found a frame and mat quickly, and got it done. The guy that helped us was friendly enough. Only problem was the cost. I had just had another photograph custom framed by another business, and it was cheaper than doing it myself at Cheap Pete's. I agree with the other reviewers: Cheap Pete's ain't so cheap! read more

Tough to find good deals even at the Cheap Pete's Outlet when there is amazon. The one in the city on Geary and 8th? is not an outlet and we've seen some ok deals. read more

My husband and I appreciated the great service we received. The staff is kind and knowledgeable. Prices are great and selection is awesome. I will definitely recommend this store to anyone who is looking for framing. read more

Went to this store a couple days ago after getting sticker shock from another framing company. Anyways, the service was excellent. We found reasonably priced frames and bought stock matting. Were easy to assemble ourselves. Ended up costing about 25 percent of the cost at the other place. So if you want to frame something but not spend an arm and a leg, I suggest Cheap Pete's read more

Having received less than stellar customer service at another nearby framing place, it was recommended I check out Cheap Pete's in San Rafael. I rolled up my posters and headed in after work. Despite the fact there were only two or three employees working (one of whom was knee deep in assisting a customer with some custom work) the gentleman there provided me with WONDERFUL customer service. The kind that seemed really genuine, not the kind you often get at framing places (or at least at the one nearby) that comes with the feeling of an eye-roll and a sigh (and occasionally muttering). So let's break it down: - LOVE those prefab Fillmore frames! CP is the only place around who has them and they are perfect. - Awesome customer service. The guy there worked with me to find the perfect mats for two of my larger pieces and helped me with frames for everything else. He was really cool, nice, and extremely helpful. At one point he had to leave for a minute to ring someone else out, but that was a-okay with me. I mean I did go in there at 5pm with 6 posters. - Cheap? I wouldn't say it's super cheap. But I walked out with 6 frames and two custom mats for around the same prices as 4 frames and one custom mat at another shop. Let's be fair, framing isn't cheap! There I was, pulling the back off one of the frames when "CRACK!" I snapped the glass. Oh no! I emailed them through their website. Less than 24 hours later I received a response that they would be happy to replace the glass for free - even though I took full responsibility for breaking it. Two days later and I walked out with new glass in the frame (and two additional frames) without any hassle at all. Now my glowing review glows even more brightly! I don't know if they are the highest end framing place around, nor do I know if they're the cheapest (hard to compare with penny sales). But I do know I got fabulous customer service from this branch of this locally owned company and that's more than enough for me! Thanks, CP! read more

Meh. OK prices but not so great service. The guy in the mat cutting dept was efficient but curt and unfriendly. Don't expect Nordstrom's service at Pete's. read more

I am so happy with my experience here. Came in with a few different projects and talked to two different employees who were both so friendly and creative. They kept coming up with different ways to approach my projects! Loveee my new art and I couldn't be happier. Thanks!!!!! read more

I needed a quantity of 13x19 frames for Fillmore posters and Hector was extremely helpful in calling other stores and finding the number and style I needed. I had to make several trips but it was worth it to get all the frame colors to match on my wall. Great customer service, thank you! read more

Great service and knowledgeable staff. I go there because of their prices. It is great to find this price structure ( low ) with the friendliness and talent of the help. Management is great. Parking is scarce at Montecito Shopping Center. I recommend Cheap Pete's to all my artist friends, Also recommended: Ringseis, in Fairfax. Ringseis Framing is higher end, and often worth it. It is across from the theater. read more

Yesterday my wife and I went to return a matte that we had purchased for a frame at Cheap Pete's. The cost was insignificant to us but the customer service for which I experienced at Cheap Pete's was very significant. We stood at the counter for 5-minutes waiting for help. No one inquired. No one cared. We wanted to return the matte for credit and when finally helped I was told the matte was not theirs despite being in a sealed package with with their bar code and Cheap Pete's signature on the barcode. Needless to say if your business will take issue with a customer over something so insignificant then you will never see me or my friends grace your doorstep. I hope it was worth it to you. read more

Just left the San Rafael store, $600 total spent and they do NOTHING for you. I just hope the mats were cut correctly. ...won't even let you use their tables to complete your VERY expensive DIY project read more

Awesome place! Had some posters I'd bought online that I wanted to have framed. The staff was super helpful and had some great ideas. I never felt they were trying to sell me something I didn't want. The results were exactly what I wanted! read more

I have used Cheap Pete's for years with great results and only recently been disappointed. Some of the new employees in San Rafael have delusions of competency. Most recently, one mat was cut too large and the other cut too short. read more

We've gone to Cheap Pete's many times in the past 15 years for framing projects from $11 to $500. We received top notch service and advice every time. Most of the staff are knowledgeable, and many have a good eye regarding styles and colors. It is not that cheap, but they have everything you need for good quality framing, and an excellent selection of frames. They do a terrific job with custom framing. read more

I have shopped for frames at Cheap Pete's a few times this past year as an artist friend provided me with original art for my home. Each time I have been helped to find the right fit and match to the piece I was trying to frame, some pre-made and others custom. Though one employee would be focusing on me in each instance, other employees at the shop would look over frequently as frames were applied, giving comments and opinions about the frame's match to the painting. This was helpful to me, as I don't have much experience with art and it was good to hear several opinions to confirm my own preference. The attention seemed genuine, random and spontaneous. I honestly felt they were trying to help and that it portrayed their interest in the aesthetic aspect of their work. I would give 5 stars, but Cheap Pete's isn't actually cheap. read more

After getting really terrible service at Aaron Brothers in San Rafael a few months back, took my many prints, etc. to Cheap Pete's. One of their guys helped me for over than hour. He was able to see colors and "looks" that I couldn't figure out. So $300 and multiple framed projects later, I'm out the door a very happy customer. Went back two days ago and within 15 minutes another very great sales guy helped me choose 3 matching frames for 3 prints I had just bought at an art fair. I don't know how cheap Cheap Pete's is, but I do know that I now count on them for my framing needs. read more

Great service from the manager, Estefani the store manager and her team. We do a lot of custom framed art for interiors and Cheap Petes delivers! Went back after installing all the framed items on one project to show them how great everything looked! read more

The service here is always exceptional! Stephanie, in particular, was extremely helpful and patient as I battled over which frames and color matte I wanted for my artwork. I've always been so impressed by their cheap prices--and it's even better when the service is first class! Highly recommend this store! read more