Leonid Afremov / Afremov.com
Reviews and Complaints

I bought 3 "original" paintings at Afremov.com for my daughter as a gift over a month ago. When I bought it, there was a clear confirmation that if you are dissatisfied, you can get a free refund within 90 days. Since my daughter didn't want the paintings, I asked for a refund. But after much insistence and emails, only a tiny fraction of the costs were refunded. After many emails asking for a full refund, it unfortunately remains quiet on the other side. It is a disgrace to fool buyers. In retrospect, these paintings also appear not to be original.

I purchased 3 framed prints from the Leonid Afrimov company online on August 3rd. A day or two later I showed images of the three on their website to my wife. Unfortunately she didn't like them. I read their return policy which states that they can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of receiving the prints but I must first contact the Afrimov company in order to return them. Over the past 2 to 3 weeks I have contacted them 8 times via email either through their website "Contact" page or directly. I have always politely asked them to contact me regarding my desire to return the items for a full refund. As they stste on their website, "customer satisfaction" is their goal. My patience has worn out. I believe that they are completely ignoring my refund requests until after their 30 day period is expired.

I was charged for and supposed to receive a recreation AND a frame but only received a rolled painting.

Invoice #128399 Jul 29, 2021, 03:50
LONELINESS OF AUTUMN Painting: Artisanal Museum Wrap on Fine Wood

I therefore demand either a refund of the excess 59$ paid for the frame or to be sent a copy of the giclee of the same painting for free (regular value 109$ with 50$ off would take it down to the missing 59$)

I ordered painting from site afremov.com, on Jan. 21, for 207$, incl. 59$ frame. Then I was asked to pay extra 65 for delivery, if I want frame, otherwise, I will get refund 59, which I have chosen. I haven't yet received painting neither 59$ refund. I contacted [protected]@afremov.me. They sent a void tracking code DHL, ( shipment has not been handed over yet, no data for shipper)

Love Afremov's original works, certainly worthy artwork for my home. My issue lies in the way I've been given the "run around" since I decided to purchase a painting on the 5th of March. On the same day I purchased the artwork, I had a change of heart about the purchase - this happens. Same day I ordered it, I spoke to a customer service rep, apologized, and explained that I wished to cancel the order and receive a refund.
I was told she couldn't help, and that I needed to email "orders@afremov.com", explain the situation, and ask for the order to be canceled and charge refunded.
First email I sent was on March 6th, second on March 8th. Still not one word back from the company, not even an acknowledgment email. I have, however, been pestered with multiple emails selling other artworks in the meantime, of course.
Very unpleased with the process. It's a simple request, and they seem to be dodging it or simply unbothered by my plea for a refund before they ship the painting out. Within a few days, I feared this was a scam of some sort, and after researching, I am FAR from the only customer to have issues like this with Afremov.com. At this point, I'm assuming they are doing everything they can to avoid my request, so they can get the painting shipped out and then claim it's too late to refund it, hoping I'll just let it go.
Not the case - if I don't get an answer soon, I'll be disputing the purchase and contacting the Better Business Bureau. This is wrong.

Ordered an "enhanced" painting, when received the colors were wrong and perspective was off. Company offered to replace with a print of the original on cotton canvas. Received another "enhanced" painting which is worse that the first. Have now paid $250 cdn for an ugly painting and duty. I appreciate that the company offered to replace it, but not only did they not send what I asked for, it took them 2 months to do it, rather than the 1 month that was originally quoted. With today's printing processes, I think a copy of the original on cotton canvas could be sent out quite quickly.

DHL sent me a message that I had to pay customs taxes to them. Almost 50 euros. I had to pay almost half the price of the painting to customs. Wtf? Why do you say delivery is free? Why don't you say that I have to pay more? Maybe I would not buy the painting or at least I would be prepared to pay more. I do not know what to do now. I want that painting but damn ... I sent you an email

Be careful!
It didn't take me 2 seconds to start doubting if this was painted by afremov. Not even recreated by himself, as the seller affirms. How much of the recreation was done by the students and how much was done by afremov? I will never know.

The unaligned benches, the unfinished pole and the couple with the dog have an amateur feeling and design.

Be very careful when buying from afremov.com.
They offer a good service and sell very cheap. Tempting.

I have been following afremov for over 8 years. He inspired me to paint from the very beginning. I watched many online classes with him. This is heartbreaking and frustrating.

No. I do not want a refund. This is not about money. This is about art and dignity.

I've been scammed by David Afremov (artist's son) back in 2016 and then once again in July 2019. My case is one of hundreds.
Procedure is the Usual:
Someone purchases an Original painting. Artwork is done by artists working at Playa del Carmen offices for David and Boris Afremov. If you claim you didn't receive what you ordered they will tell you there has been a mistake and that they will send you the correct painting. New package will never arrive. If you keep insisting they will now tell you package is lost and you can keep the painting you have as a free gift. Keep on insisting and you'll get refunded and your order cancelled. This procedure works for these guys because maybe 1% or 2% of customers claim. Most of customers can't tell the difference between a real Original and a Recreation done by afremov.com artists.

I ordered in 8 September an painting original. I can't choose the painting but the size I choose was 30/40 inch and the subject was landscape. After few emails with "Leonid Afremov" site, finally they send the painting and yesterday I received. Big disappointing! The size is small, half size than what I order and it's brand new, not even dry, it's cover with an plastic foil because it's sticky. For sure can't be painted by Leonid himself before he's death from Augustus... And the quality of painting is very low, is like a children play on the canvas... totally waste of money! Very disappointed!

Development of the conversation with afremov.com:

Offer by newsletter on 11/21/18:
Dear Friend,

Thank you for interest in my art!
Tonight I saw a dream, my old house in Vitebsk, the time of my childhood, when I woke up, I run to my studio and created this masterpiece
One of a kind original oil painting "back to the dream". This painting was created 30 min ago. You are the first person who see it!
This art work will be signed on the back and on the front before shipping. The COA is provided.
Today special price is only $99 including shipping anywhere in the world.
Why so cheap? After you receive this painting PLEASE share the photos in your social media, facebook, twitter...
Learn more about this painting:

https://afremov.com/back-to-the-dream.html

Bought on 21/11/18 by Paypal. A few hours later the picture is still online or available. My request by mail (the whole time over inessa.[protected]@gmail.com):

Hello, I bought this painting a few hours ago under the Invoice-number #20596. Now I see the painting is still online/available for selling/purchase. Just to be clear: I only wanted to buy the original painting Mr. Afremov is holding on the photo and no recreation. Please contact me if this is not the case. Best regards from Germany.
Fast but short answer:
Thank you for your order
The painting is original, and no longer listed in the search of the site

No signature on the mail. But it was true. The painting disappeared from the website (but still was to find with google-search up to now (03/10/19)).

The painting did not arrive. My mail on 12/27/18:

Hello Mrs. Afremova,

is everything okay with my order (Invoice-number #20596)? When do you expect my order to arrive in Germany? I hoped a delivery before christmas was possible.

Merry christmas, best regards

Fast but short answer:

Thank you for your purchase, your order will be sent to you today
I am sorry for the delays

Leonid

To my mind: If I would not have asked again, this package never would be shipped. What kind of accounting is that?
Package arrived on 01/17/19 by FedEx. But it was - as feared - a recreation. May mail on the same day:

Hello Mr. Afremov,

thank you for the delivery of the painting. Unfortunately it is not the painting I ordered. As you can see in our conversation below it was my explicit wish to buy the painting you are holding on the photograph on your website (see attachment). Your daughter has confirmed that. But you only sent me a recreation which doesn't reach the expression of the original one. I would please you to send me the right one. Please tell me the way of transaction how to send back the current painting.

Best regards

Fast answer on the same day:

Dear Friend,

Thank you very much for your purchase. can you please send me a picture of the painting that you got.
If you have any questions, please ask. Customer satisfaction is our main goal.
Best Regards

Boris Afremov
Operational Manager

I confirmed on the same day and sent a photograph of the recreation. Fast answer:
I am sorry for the issue
The correct painting will be sent to you ASAP
Please keep this painting as a free gift

No signature…and a lot of weeks no package arrived. My mail on 03/07/19:

Hello Mr. Afremov,

my painting was not delivered so far. Is a delivering-time of six weeks common or should I be worried?
Best regards

Answer at the same day:
Dear Friend,

Thank you very much for your purchase. I just checked this shipment. this package is stuck . Maybe even lost. . I have issued a full refund of your order. I'm very sorry. You can keep the painting you got as a free gift from us.

If you have any questions, please ask. Customer satisfaction is our main goal.

Best Regards

Boris Afremov
Operational Manager

Refund came immediately. But of course without my customs duties.
My answer on the same day:

Hello Mr. Afremov,

thank you for your fast answer and your full refund. It is very kind that you did this so fast although the package is just stucked and not definitly lost. It would be a big loss (not just for me) if this painting would disappear. A friend of mine is working for FedEx Germany. Maybe there is a way of saving this painting. Could you please send me your (tracking) informations (ID etc.) you got?

Best regards

Fast answer:

Dear Friend,

Thank you very much for your purchase. The package is stuck in the USA Memphis hub. Its a large airport, the center of all Fedex operations in the USA. From there it never took a flight to the UK. We already in contact with local fedex managers that taking care of this.

If you have any questions, please ask. Customer satisfaction is our main goal.

Best Regards

Boris Afremov
Operational Manager

My answer two days later:

Hello Mr Afremov,

did you get further information about the missing package from FedEx? For myself I was in contact with FedEx Germany and FedEx in Memphis. They told me that they are "after an extensive search ... unable to locate a package" with my name or my address sent in the last 6 weeks. Referring to this and due to the unpleasant transaction of the order so far (first: did not send the package for weeks and only after reminding, second: sent a recreation against better knowledge, third: missing package) I insist of getting the tracking-ID (or other verifiable evidence) just to keep trust in your company. Fortunately customer satisfaction is your main goal.

Best regards

Fast answer:

Dear Friend,

Thank you very much for your purchase. Since the refund was provided, this transaction is considered canceled and closed. Even if the package is found, the painting will not be delivered to you. They will have to return it here. Lost packages come back to use sometimes in very bad condition. From my experience, 50% of lost packages is found. in 25% there are in good conditions. I personally do not believe it will be a usable painting.

If you have any questions, please ask. Customer satisfaction is our main goal.

Best Regards

Boris Afremov
Operational Manager

No Tracking-ID told, because there has never been one. What other reason is there for telling it not? The painting never left their office. The last mail is a preparation for a reselling…but not to me… for this price. Reason: The company does not sell originals for 100 Dollars. That is totally understandable. But why do they promote them?

So for all customers:

If a "original one of a kind" is promoted, please insist the original one as it is shown on the website. In the end it is to expensive and pesky for the company to give away the recreations as a free gift.

I also have been taken by these people. I ordered a painting on the 4th and it never came. Each time I called there was one excuse after another. First it was drying then it had to go through customs then it would be delivered anyday. The I was swnt a ups tracking number which ups said that did not mean any thing was shipped from them. Well I am out 139.00 and no painting. What a bunch of crooks.

Paid for the painting on www.afremov.com 6 weeks ago. 3 weeks later wrote an email to Leonid about not receiving the item. Was assured with Leonid(or whoever it was) that everything is fine and item is on the way. 1 week later emailed Leonid – same result, – “be patient”. Another week later emailed Leonid again – got answer that painting is not shipped yet, will be shipped right away, and got the tracking number from UPS. Another week later I called UPS and ask about my shipping, they said the item was never delivered to UPS facilities, so the tracking # I got from Leonid was fake (generated from UPS for ### purposes). I wish I found this complaintsboard earlier, would not waste time.

Paid for the painting on www.afremov.com 6 weeks ago. 3 weeks later wrote an email to Leonid about not receiving the item. Was assured with Leonid(or whoever it was) that everything is fine and item is on the way. 1 week later emailed Leonid - same result, - "be patient". Another week later emailed Leonid again - got answer that painting is not shipped yet, will be shipped right away, and got the tracking number from UPS. Another week later I called UPS and ask about my shipping, they said the item was never delivered to UPS facilities, so the tracking # I got from Leonid was fake (generated from UPS for ### purposes). I wish I found this complaintsboard earlier, would not waste time. Whoever it is Leonid, or someone else (www.afremov.com) - he is full of s-t. Would not recommend this seller to all good people. Alex.

My daughter bought a painting for a total of US$66 in November 2009 from Afremov.com. The painting has never arrived. We have emailed and phoned many times, but have been given various excuses and promises. We would like to our our payment refunded but cannot get a straight answer after 9 months of trying.