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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the excellent quality of products, particularly the pens, and the outstanding service received. Many highlight the fast and reliable delivery, noting that items arrive quickly and are always securely and carefully packaged, often with thoughtful extra touches. Reviewers frequently mention the exceptional communication and attention to detail from the company's team, appreciating their helpfulness and professionalism. The nib-tuning service is also highly valued, ensuring pens perform beautifully.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of product. Customers consistently praise the quality of the products,... See more

Service

Users describe positive interactions with service. Many customers praise the excellent communication,... See more

Delivery service

Customers had positive experiences with delivery service. Many reviewers praise the fast shipping, with items... See more

Quality

Consumers consistently find the quality of products and services to be positive. Many reviewers praise the... See more

Order

Reviewers mention positive feedback about order. Many customers report outstanding experiences, highlighting... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I made a purchase of two pens due to availability and price listed on the website. It turned out that one of the pen nibs was not available and wouldn't be for a couple of weeks, but I contacted Appel... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Appelboom and Joost are amazing! They have everything that you want and sometimes a discount coupon too. Very helpful and kind. Answer every question extremely fast! I love all the amazing pens they... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

THIS is an amazing company . All around . From customer service , to quality product . Fast Delivery and attention to detail . And let’s talk about Joost ! An exceptional person . I’ll be back again.... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've found Appelboom to be exceptionally responsive. Each time I sent an e-mail to their staff, I received a response on the same day. Their communication was clear, concise and error-free. When I rec... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Someone had ordered a Christmas gift from Appelboom for me, which I really relied on. I had one of the hardest years in my life, and really needed that bit of a Christmas joy. But no, instead althou... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Few people still understand the art of writing with a fountain pen - the art of being considerate when you shape words -, even less people understand the art of the fountain pen. It’s more than an ins... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Appleboom has a great selection of pens and inks and is a hobbyist dream. The service was great, fast and very reliable. It was also do sweet they added a gift and I ate it right away 😁 it makes an o... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dear Appelboom team, I received the Pilot 823 together with the inks I ordered yesterday. Today I had the chance to ink the pen and write a bit with it and it feels amazing. The writing experienc... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I bought from Appelboom my Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age with the Stub 18 ct Gold Nib, it arrived well, I tested it and already inked it: it writes beautifully, I am very happy with it!!! Thank... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After a catastrophically bad experience with Montblanc buying the most expensive pen I'd ever purchased -- from them or anyone else -- Appelboom was a breath of fresh air. The website just *works*, I... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wow, looking at the reviews they hardly need my help. However, here goes: I have bought from Appleboom a number of times (online) and it has always been a great experience. Everything is always... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I bought a Pencil Pouch. I’ve had some concerns before buying it, but the customer service was great and very reassuring. The item arrived quite quickly, and you could also tell that they put some eff... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I ordered a fountain pen with nib checking service and some other inks and accessories. After placing the order I have been contact by Jost in 1-2 hours that one pen pouch for 3 pens is... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I easily found the item (Pelikan nib unit) I was looking for on Appelboom's website and it was delivered very quickly to Canada. The BB nib is very smooth and writing with it is a pleasure. Terrific... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is a magnificent pen store with an immense supply of various pens. Appleboom ships fast. It is always a pleasure to do business with them.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I received my Y-O-L Grand Viceroy Barley - what can I say! Thank you for the courtesy and speed of dispatch of my order. You have become my retailer-of-choice for my pens and accessories.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The communication was brilliant as was the service. They checked my pen to ensure it was perfect and the dispatch was very quick, 24 hours from them to Manchester. Will definitely buy again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

They have great products and services. The nib-tuning service is fantastic for fountain pens. They ship products promptly and have good prices. Great customer communication too!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I ordered Ferris Wheel Press fountain pen "After hours" to be delivered to Poland. Box came quickly and nicely packed. Nib F is really fine and maybe I should've chosen M but this is a different top... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

The shipping charges are very expensive, $32.23. Then I received a notification that I owed even more before they would deliver my package, $38.97! Buyer beware.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I ordered two items on Sunday. On Monday, I received an email informing me that one of the items was currently out of stock and would re reordered for me. After one week, I asked customer serv... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Joost provided excellent and courteous service. I ordered a pen which wasn't currently in stock. He procured it quite quickly and sent it right out. Wonderful. It has been a pleasure. Thank you,... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was my first time ordering a pen from Appelboom and I have to say that the service exceeded my expectations. Delivery was within the timeframe established, the gift wrapping on the box was a del... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wow. Simply wow! This is how you do well by your customers. The shipment was prompt. It was carefully and expertly packaged. There were even a couple of small treats included. How thoughtful! The pro... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast Delivery with DHL. Great customer service. Joost and his team really go the extra mile. Can't commend them highly enough.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve had consistently excellent experiences with Appelboom. I’ve purchased Montblanc, Pelikan, and Visconti pens from them, always with their outstanding nib-tuning service, and every pen they’ve deli... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Appelboom, a renowned provider of exquisite writing instruments, has captivated a global audience of fountain pen enthusiasts and aficionados. Their remarkable offerings, coupled with their expertise... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've treated myself with a Diplomat Aero Oxyd Brass for the Fountain Pen Day, and decided to buy it from Appelboom in Europe as the prices were definitely interesting, and they were also selling... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The pen I ordered was packaged with care and attention to detail, which added to the luxury experience. Great web site, selection, and pricing. Appelboom provided an enjoyable buying experience!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The pen is beautiful it writes so smoothly, I’m glad I chose EF nib and had it tuned for the final finish. Very pleased with my pen . And would recommend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had an excellent experience shopping with Appelboom. Their customer service is responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making the entire process smooth from start to finish. I highly recommend Appe... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Appelboom Pennen for me stands for excellent service, excellent communication and yes, lots of beautiful fountain pens! 😉 I bought several pens at Appelboom, will continue to do so. I am a happy cus... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had a Visconti Crystal Dream and asked if Appelboom could tune it for me, so I could be happy with the nib. I sent it in, and they corrected all of the problems! Above and beyond!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast shipping even to US. Great pen and communicative service.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve placed multiple fountain pen orders with Appelboom, and every experience has been outstanding. It’s truly one of the best online stores in the fountain pen world. The website is clear, inform... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My order was shipped very fast! I've ordered the same pen twice, by mistake, and i called Appelboom and they were very kind and accomodating, and agreed to exchange one od the pens with another one i... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service—answered all my questions and handled special requests with ease. My go-to for fountain pens and accessories.


Company details


Contact info

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

364 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wow. Simply wow!!

Wow. Simply wow! This is how you do well by your customers. The shipment was prompt. It was carefully and expertly packaged. There were even a couple of small treats included. How thoughtful! The products themselves were great and at a nice value. The only downside was the new import fees. Oh well. Not their fault.

8 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Top tier retailer. Good customer service!

I made a purchase of two pens due to availability and price listed on the website. It turned out that one of the pen nibs was not available and wouldn't be for a couple of weeks, but I contacted Appelboom and they quickly responded, providing other options. Then, once a decision was made, they packaged everything up and shipped it immediately. The pens arrived in secure packaging and quickly. I will happily buy from Appelboom again.

14 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First time ordering from Appelboom

This was my first time ordering a pen from Appelboom and I have to say that the service exceeded my expectations. Delivery was within the timeframe established, the gift wrapping on the box was a delightful surprise but the best thing of all was the peace-of-mind that comes with the complimentary tuning and smoothing that the company provides. It made me confident that the pen I would receive would perform beautifully from Day 1.

22 October 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Unbelievably Efficient and Quick Order Fulfillment

After a catastrophically bad experience with Montblanc buying the most expensive pen I'd ever purchased -- from them or anyone else -- Appelboom was a breath of fresh air. The website just *works*, I ordered the pen from Appelboom well after the Montblanc order, and received it before the Montblanc was even *supposed* to arrive...despite being in stock at the store I visited in person. So, never buying Montblanc...going to my Dutch friends across an ocean very happily from now on.

20 October 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good dealer and quick response

I ordered a fountain pen with nib checking service and some other inks and accessories.

After placing the order I have been contact by Jost in 1-2 hours that one pen pouch for 3 pens is not available, to order it takes time, instead if I would take the other one for 2 pens. After I accepted it, due to the nib check my order will be sent a week after.

One week later, I hadn’t seen any delivery notice, and so I wrote to Jost again asking about the delivery. The specialist was sick. Few days later, the order was dispatched. Delivered by DHL.

It was packed properly. The pen was perfect. Very smooth writing experience.

After waiting a few days, I wrote to ask about the price difference of the alternative pen pouch, Jost processed the refund quickly.

The communication with Jost is transparent. Although sometimes I had to take initiative, the massages were replied within same day or next day.

With my experience, I would trust Appelboom for advance fountain pens.

15 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

excellent experience shopping…

I had an excellent experience shopping with Appelboom. Their customer service is responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making the entire process smooth from start to finish. I highly recommend Appelboom for anyone looking for quality pens and exceptional support.

22 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Service is great! Wonderful experience!

I bought from Appelboom my Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age with the Stub 18 ct Gold Nib, it arrived well, I tested it and already inked it: it writes beautifully, I am very happy with it!!! Thanks. The Robert Oster Tranquility ink I bought from them at the same time also arrived well.

I appreciate very much what they did in order for me to receive this Visconti pen the way I wanted it and in a fast way.

Their service is great! Wonderful experience!

28 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service, great in-person store, great online dealer

Wow, looking at the reviews they hardly need my help. However, here goes: I have bought from Appleboom a number of times (online) and it has always been a great experience. Everything is always well-packed and delivered in a timely way. Communication keeps you up to date if there is some delay. Add to this the pricing is pretty competitive, including amongst the other online dealers, you won't go wrong.

On a recent stay in Amsterdam I visited the store in Laren and would recommend that anyone interested in fountain pens do the same. This is the heart of the enterprise: it is a small shop but the whole online business is run out of there. Lots to see and touch. Joost is very engaging and easy to talk to about pens or anything else.

I used public transit (a train and a bus) to get myself to the store, about 40min total each way from Amsterdam Centraal and it drops you about 2 blocks from his door. And the village of Laren is also worth a look while you're there. Just how many bells does that church have anyway???

15 July 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I bought a Pencil Pouch

I bought a Pencil Pouch. I’ve had some concerns before buying it, but the customer service was great and very reassuring. The item arrived quite quickly, and you could also tell that they put some effort in packaging it. I’m very pleased.

22 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My go to shop for everything European

Appelboom and Joost are amazing! They have everything that you want and sometimes a discount coupon too. Very helpful and kind. Answer every question extremely fast! I love all the amazing pens they have! This time I got an Esterbrook Dutch Show and they sent it super fast! Excellent quality and amazing packaging. Provide an accurate tracking. Bought it on Tuesday and was here Friday same week! Thank you Appelboom

15 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

there is no second chance for first impression

I ordered two items on Sunday. On Monday, I received an email informing me that one of the items was currently out of stock and would re reordered for me. After one week, I asked customer services for an update. They told me that they were still awaiting a restock. Two more weeks later, so three weeks after placing my order, I asked again for an update. While still awaiting the restock, the shop offered to ship the order without the particular item. I accepted and the next day I received a refund. The order was shipped the next day, but of course DHL ran into some issues. I finally received the package four days after it was shipped. The package included two typical Dutch snacks, and the main item was hand-packed in gift paper. This is a very nice touch, which I really appreciate. Fortunately, the item works as expected.

In summary, my experience was:
Stock: 3/5 > items shown as available on the website should actually be available
Payment methods: 3/5 > using PayPal is only possible via smartphone and PayPal charges a fee (4%)
Shipping prices: 4/5 > good selection for Europe
Customer service: 4/5 > answers within a few hours and tries to find solutions > does not answer all questions asked and could be more proactive > does very fast refunds
(Delivery: 4/5 > DHL had an issue with delivering to Germany (there was nothing wrong with the address on the package))
Package: 5/5 > the package arrived safely and was well packed > hand-packed item and some sweets as a nice touch

8 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service

Joost provided excellent and courteous service. I ordered a pen which wasn't currently in stock. He procured it quite quickly and sent it right out. Wonderful. It has been a pleasure. Thank you, Joost.

14 July 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great and efficient service.

Dear Appelboom team,

I received the Pilot 823 together with the inks I ordered yesterday. Today I had the chance to ink the pen and write a bit with it and it feels amazing. The writing experience is really good - no wonder there are so good reviews around this pen. The aesthetics together with the finish on the pen are awesome and the transparency is intriguing.

Many thanks for the awesome and efficient service. Packaging was very secure and items were received in perfect condition.

9 May 2025
Unprompted review

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