Customer service could be better. I asked about ordering on the phone and was told to come in and that they will have paint ready in 5 minutes. But my actual experience (a number of times) was 15 minutes. Also they were evasive about the price difference between customers with or without an account. I asked 3 times and got no answer. read more

Look no further for all your painting needs! Have frequented this neighborhood establishment for years for all my painting needs. The staff, selection and service are great. Novices fear not..there are no stupid questions-the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Family run and owned...forget those big box stores...prices are completive and selection of Ben Moore paint is fantastic. read more

Marks paint store is a local gem. They have a great selection and very friendly staff. You don't have to spend time tracking someone down for help. read more

I stopped in to Mark's a few days ago looking for two pints of wood finish. They didn't have what I was looking for in stock, but Tony (the co-owner) was very helpful, very friendly, etc. Especially for the small quantity of product I needed. I read all the yelp reviews and was cautious about getting over-charged. But all the reviews seemed to be related to Benjamin Moore paint itself, and not necessarily their other products. And I don't mind over-paying a bit to support the little guy. So I had them order me two pints of the product I needed; Tony said it would be about $13/pt. Amazon had the same product for 20% less, but what the hell. I'd rather support these guys than Amazon. I stopped by the store to get the finish, and grabbed a few sanding supplies while I was there (nothing crazy by any means). None of their products have price tags; I suppose that in and of itself should have been a big clue... I got up to the register with TWO PINTS of wood finish and some sanding supplies and they ring me up at $100!!! A hundred dollars! And the worst part, they charged me ~60% more than what Tony had told me on the phone for the finish---and almost 2x the Amazon price, delivered next day. (Tony wasn't there at the time to chat it out.) I will not be a returning customer. And I highly recommend shopping elsewhere for your wood prep and finishing needs. read more

Nice store and good selection with insane prices. Cannot believe how high their prices are. I usually get my Benjamin Moore paint elsewhere and decided to pick something up here and I'm baffled at how expensive it was. I'll go to my usual place and leave this place for those looking to be overcharged by 30% read more

Mark's Paint Mart has been running 30% OFF ads in The Montclarion Newspaper for Benjamin Moore Paint, after Raimondis Paints in Montclair went out of business.Assume they want to get their old customers. The ad says "30% off suggested retail price with this ad!" There are no asteriks suggesting limitations or expiration dates. The ad was in last weeks Montclarion. They list their 3 locations. I went to the store in Pleasant Hill with my ad and wanted 4 gallons of Benjamin Moore house paint. The clerk said that the ad/coupon doesn't apply and that there is no discount. Needless to say I left. Thought everyone would like to know. read more

This store overcharges in order to give a "discount". My mother-in-law has an account with them that apparently gave her large discounts. I called and asked how much a "flat" paint was and they said $55/gallon which is comparable to other stores (OSH and Tamalpais Paint). So I thought OK, I'll get my paint there. So I did buy a combination of flat and semi-gloss paint and yes, I know that there is a difference in price between the two, but the difference was extreme! The "retail" price for a gallon of semi-gloss was $90! before the discount and after the discount it was $56. Which was higher than the regular undiscounted price at other stores. Overall I think I overspent by $75 for paint at a supposedly "discounted" price. BEWARE and make sure you cost out ALL your paint so you don't get hosed. read more

Clipped a 30% off a gallon coupon for Mark's Paints. Gave them the coupon (some grumbling from the boss), had my paint mixed and then the nice sales guy says his boss said give him the contractor's price....a couple bucks off a $38 gallon of paint. I was nice and paid, but that's no way to do business. If the coupon was an error (all details were correct on it BTW), that's not my fault. They should have honored it. Stupid way to do business. read more

They had hardly any samples available and the place was basically a jumble. Go to the Alameda location just off the Park St. bridge on Blanding instead. You will be much happier. read more

I thought I would paint my own house, and after doing a bit of research, I settled on Mark's Paint because of the line of primer they carried, and for the best price. I bought everything I needed from Mark's including tubes of sealant and other specialty items not found anywhere else! These guys have everything you need to do a complete exterior repair job. Fast forward almost two years later, and I hadn't used nearly as much as I had bought. Fortunately the folks there were understanding and, after checking the condition of my supplies, allowed me to return unused purchases without a restocking fee! That really proved to me that they care about their customers, not just about making a buck. I will certainly return anytime i need anything, and I won't be afraid to buy more than I end up using. read more

Must be nice to be the local Benjamin Moore paint dealer. With the brand in such high demand that they don't need to stay open on Sundays to compete with Kelley-Moore OR Sherwin-Williams, this store lets that "we are better than everyone" attitude infuse its customer service, or lack thereof. Bought five sample pints last week and came in this morning on a Saturday to get more samples. After waiting in line I presented my color choices. The guy said he thought they might not have the base colors to mix the darker samples. He checked and sure enough, he said they were out of these til Monday. Surely they had the color base to mix these colors, just not in the convenient sample size. of course they could have mixed samples using their quarts or gallons, measuring out the pint amount. They are a paint store, after all. But no offer to do this, and no apology or anything. Just, too bad, you will have to wait. How, I ask, can you be out of a sample base, on a saturday morning, undoubtedly the most popular day for homeowners to come in and purchase samples? This means you can't offer colors for probably 20% of your colors! Worst though was the "who cares?" attitude and lack of any apology or even hint of care that this meant I wasted my morning in their store. Really lame, unprofessional service. Just contributes to the already lousu reputation that Oakland has for terrible customer service. Go across the bay to SF if you have to, just avoid this place. read more

If Benjamin Moore wasn't good paint, this store would be out of business. Never a friendly place to shop.

The place to buy your paint and paint supplies. Benjamin Moore, custom mixes that they can actually match down the road. Cutie pies behind the counter, who know their stuff. Closed on Sunday, don't let that screw up your home makeover... plan ahead. read more

Eureka! After a week and a half of paint-hell, I went to the place closest to my house and was in and out in five minutes. They had everything I needed, everyone is nice, and there is parking in the back. read more

This place got atmosphere I was on a mission to get cheap paint and material for Painting the rock on Ascot at the entry point to Piedmont Pines. I started out at Kelly Moore on Telegraph, after standing in shop as quiet and dead as a museum, for 10 minutes waiting for help, and the most exciting entertainment was watching the guard falling asleep, I spotted Mark's Paint Mart, across the street. And decided to give it a try. What a world of difference. The place was bustling with energy, customers and employees. Compared to Kelly Moore it felt cozy, lived in and alive. I got service immediately, and upon hearing about my project, (Paint to last 7 days at the most) I was taken to a corner with left over paint, and could pick anything I wanted - For Free. I still needed a few colors that were not in the left overs and got excellent service in selecting small doses. When I needed super cheap paint brushes and paint roller, I was pointed to items that sold for less than a dollar. (at Kelly Moore, the cheapest Paint Brush was 4$). They helped me choose the cheapest kind of paint and mixed some brilliant colors for me. They fixed me up with an old card box to transport the entire project. and the painting of the Rock with two Tween girls was a total success. When I need higher quality paints for my Mansion ;-) I will go to Mark's Paint Mart again, that's for sure !!!. read more

A fairly good Benjamin Moore store. Standard product selection, but often out of stock on some items (bucket liners, etc). I've gotten some "bad" gallons from them where the paint color didn't match the Ben Moore chip. They're good about fixing the problem, but it means 2 trips to the paint store. Color matching is OK, but not the best in the area. If you can make the drive and want Benjamin Moore paints, try East Bay Paints in Albany. Excellent service and the best color matching I've seen in the area. I'm remodeling my house and I've purchased a LOT of paint in the last year. read more

I absolutely love this store. I won't buy paint anywhere else. The guys in there are so helpful friendly and they always take really good care of us. Alex is a master stain matcher. The other guys are awesome and always answer any questions I have. Don't really understand the negative reviews. Highly recommend this place. read more

Why did I not drive the extra few miles to East Bay Paint Center? There were SIX obvious staff behind the counter at Mark's, no other customers, and no appreciable service. I explained I needed help choosing and I got a point in the direction of the paint shelves with no prices and no advice.... And a $136 bill for 2 gallons of paint. I had such a good experience in Albany. Never again here. read more

Very helpful! And very friendly! I needed a little paint to do some touch up on my walls. I asked for the sample and he gave me more than enough. Even though they were pretty busy when I went, their kindness and willingness to help still shined through. read more

Saturday afternoon I wanted to purchase some Modern Masters Gold paint. I waited while customers in line ordered pain which needed to be mixed etc. I have a bad back so I stood beside the customer being waited on and supported my back by hold ing the counter. the clerks were working but did see me and the other customers waiting in line. When it was my turn, the clerk asked the person behind me, "can i help[ you sir?" While this was going on I walked to the modern master's display and placed the jar on its side I believe it was Olympic gold and left the store. I then ordered the modern master's Olympic gold off the internet. It will be at my home in a few days. Russel Wiander read more

Love 'em. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, and they have BM paint in all the lines, including no and low VOC and the new full spectrum line. Great selection of painting supplies, too. read more

I'm a designer, and have worked with a lot of paint stores around the bay. I had no problem with this one, and the service was really great. They carried the paint out to my car for me, which I appreciated. read more

Bought two $50 gallons of deck stain that was custom mixed. Told me at the time I could not return it as it was custom. My wife couldn't stand the color. So I called for salvage (Marks has at least 10 gallons of mixed paint selling for salvage value on its floor, about $10 a pop). Said they would not take it back. When I asked if they could even dispose of it, they said "no--take it to a recycling place." This is not what I would call decent service for what was a steady customer. I'll find paint elsewhere, forever. read more

From a painting and colorist point of view, Mark's Paints has always provided me with several things that are TOP of my list as a business owner: GREAT QUALITY OF PAINTS (several ZERO VOC) GREAT ATTITUDE GREAT PERSONAL RESPONSE TO MY NEEDS Most people understand that Benjamin Moore Paints cost a bit more than you'll find at ZERO DEPOT, but it's because the quality is much higher. The service @Mark's is more-often-than-not higher, too. The long standing employment of the majority of the employees there is a testament to that. Tony Rago, the owner and head honcho @Mark's, has gone out of his way for years to make good contact with his customers, treats his workers well, and really pays attention to the painters who come in regularly. Mark's is not a big corporate store and so has the look and feel of your neighborhood brick-and-mortar. That's a good thing in my book and rare these days. The color consultants that work for free on Saturdays from 10 to noon add a nice touch, too : http://colorconsultantsatmarkspaints.blogspot.com Check this store out before deciding to "save money on paint" because it may cost you way more in the long run if you use other, less reliable products. read more

This shop and its employees are fucking fantastic. I bought some paint, and as soon as I got to my car, I spilled the whole damn gallon of white paint all over my shoes and the street. I went back inside, and the employee who put my paint order together immediately went outside, cleaned it all up, and salvaged what he could. They also let me wash my shoes in their sink. All without acting like I was a dumbass (which I am). The boss (I think) even said, "hey, we spill paint all the time. It happens. Take a deep breath and drink a glass of wine at home. It's fine." How freaking awesome are these people? Thank you, from the most klutzy girl ever. read more

The customer service is 2nd to none. The salepeople are very friendly and are very professional. The best paint store in the Bay Area. They are set up for the homeowner and for the painting professional too. read more

Came here for Benjamin Moore paint. They were very generous and gave me a free pint of paint to try at home and a free doughnut (yeah!).

Been there a few more times since my last review. Wanted to give them another chance, since they aren't a big orange box. In my return visits, I got great service. Price is about what you'd expect for Ben Moore paint. read more

The store associate Alex was extremely helpful when I went the first time and walked me through picking paint and helped me with a color combo that other stores didn't want to do. We had a miscommunication w my painters and I ended up with the wrong type of paint. The manager took back 15 gallons of a custom color and had the paint I originally wanted ready in 30 minutes. Great store with all painting needs and exceptional service. read more

I had a great experience here yesterday, being new to the area and debating whether to go to benjamin moore or kelly moore across the street. Benjamin moore was closer and I'm pleased that I went there first. This is mostly because of the staff who super helpful. I was helped by a man named Greg who kindly showed me around the store, was very patient with my "first-time painter" questions, and pointed out which products I needed for my job. I'll definitely be coming here again for my next projects! read more

Mark's just cost me $800. I am repainting kitchen cabinets, and brought an existing cabinet in for them to match. I had to be out of town for the work to get done (fumes) and I came home to paint that's a totally different shade (think taupe vs. cream). Since I "supplied" the paint color to the painter, I'm in for $800 to redo the work. Needless to say I'm not happy. I'm over these guys. Guess I have to truck to Albany. read more

Friendly, helpful and EXPENSIVE! If you need Benjamin Moore then ok if you must, but if you need something generic, like BIN primer, go to Home Depot or Ace or ...... lots of cheaper options. You'll notice Mark's does not show prices on their products. Last week, 1 gal of BIN at Mark's is retail $52, pro discount is $31, Home Depot is $25. Similar PREMIUM pricing on thinner, brushes etc. etc. Be careful out there! read more

I mistakenly gave the clerk at Marks the wrong number for the paint I wanted-semi gloss instead of egg shell. My mistake, but the clerk could have cared less and let me know I'd have to pay for it, again, my mistake so no issue with paying. As I was going to have to pay for an expensive mistake on my part, the clerk proceeded to mix the right paint after I told him I didn't want it. I again told the clerk I wasn't buying anything in addition to my mistaken order...he puts the paint I wanted back and let me buy the wrong paint, told me I could take it up with the owner. Well he's right, I can take it up with the owner, but instead, I'll just never come back and I'll only shop at Pagano's ACE like I normally do. ------------------- Follow-up: I bought the right paint at ACE Paganos for $12.00 cheaper per gallon. You'd think that a store that charges on the high end could give a little better service. read more

Mark's Paint prices for Benjamin Moore paint are artificially inflated by 33% approximately. Then they'll offer a contractor / designer discount that will bring their price in line with other retail paint location prices. Buyer beware and go elsewhere. read more

I'm a painting contractor and I've been buying paint and supplies from marks paint for over 7 years. I had a project near by the store in Telegraph, I had to match 1/4 of paint to finish up and get paid, the guy at the counter said that they were short of hands and there was a bunch of work ahead of me and the earliest I could pick it up would be the next day, so I had two options: go home and wait until the next day to finish up or drive the extra mile to Sherwin Williams located at San Pablo ave in Berkeley, when I mentioned my second option to this person at the counter without saying a word he pushed the can against me with the"take it or leave it" attitude so I walked away. They not only made my 1/4 right away (SW), they opened an account with a sweet discount for me more competitive than I expected, today it was 1/4, sometimes I buy up to 40 gallons of paint, plus primer and supplies. Mark's paints please do something about it, this was not the first time that I have to leave without my paint! read more

Wish there was an option for negative stars. I would NEVER patronize this establishment ever again. My decorator called in a paint order and told them I was on my way- after leaving my house at 4PM which is only a few miles from the paint store I got caught in horrible traffic due to 2 accidents on the freeway. I called at 4:45 and no one would answer the phone. I got there at 4:55 and they had already locked the doors and wouldn't let me in even though there were other people in the store. They just looked right at me and shook their head. SO RUDE! My painter picked it up the next day and couldn't believe the price- $88 per gallon plus tax. When we needed another gallon they didn't have any more paint left- how does a PAINT STORE not have any paint in stock? Anyway we went to the Albany store and they said the color we chose was no longer in the computer system of Benjamin Moore and that Marks Paints had accordingly to them "fudged the formula". And they never told us. The Albany store also said we were ripped off and that the retail prince of the SAME paint at their store was $39. Needless to say I will be reporting them to Benjamin Moore corporate and the BBB! BEWARE! read more

Yeah, I love this place. It may not be the cheapest - but it was worth it. I recommend going on a Saturday morning and taking advantage of the FREE color consultants... they set up shop for 2 hours a piece, and will gladly offer some advice! (of course, they are hoping for bigger business... but they were certainly helpful to me!) read more

As an update to my previously lackluster experiences, I am glad to say that my opinion of these guys has warmed a bit; I'm not sure if I came in at a bad time before or what, but the past couple of times that we've gone in, the staff have proven to be helpful and friendly. read more

The only paint store I go to (and I buy a lot of paint.) Great service, the guys are patient if you're having a color-freak out, and I don't get treated like I'm dumb just because I'm a girl. read more

I want to thank Greg at Mark's Paints for his excellent customer service. We are doing a giant remodel of our home including exterior painting. The colors weren't quite right and I needed to get some more samples. But I was also in charge of my 6 month old daughter who was feeling fussy. It had been a long day but I dragged myself over to the paint store. When my baby and I arrived Greg greeted us and was so helpful!!! He could see that we were tired. He put change in our parking meter, located the paint samples we needed, mixed it up, charged my credit card and put it the paint in the car for us. We just sat at the table and played with some toys the whole time. He even offered to let us bring back a quart of paint for a refund if the color didn't work out well. In fact, I got just the colors I needed and it was so much easier thanks to Greg! read more