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| *SoulEyes Photography>>>Wedding Photographer |
Course of action when photographer doesn't deliver pictures? |
I was married in mid-June of this year. We paid for our pictures in full in March or April (my husband did this, so I'm not sure, I just know it was early b/c they offered a discount for doing so). No problems at the wedding. But it's now 3 months later, and we STILL don't have our pictures. My husband has done most of the calling so I don't know all the details, but basically they kept giving some lame answers about problems burning the cd (we paid extra to have the copyright and print our own pictures), then they got the pictures, but hadn't 'worked them up' (2 months later)?! Now, he's called a couple of times, always get's the machine, and they haven't called back. We're students and we live out-of-state from where we had the wedding, so we can't physically go get some answers :( I checked the BBB, and they say they can't make them do anything if the company doesn't care to, so I'm wondering what our options are if they don't deliver? (Sorry, I didn't know how to categorize) Do you have a written contract? Do you have proof that you've fulfilled your part of the contract? (That is, that you've paid them?) Unfortunately for you, if you've prepaid in full, you really don't have much leverage with them. If you owed them half the payment, you might be getting better results. The only real action you have would be to sue them. Odds are good the only place that you can do that is in the state where they're located, unless you can show that they do substantial business in the state where you're currently located. You might try, first, by sending a letter stating exactly what you want, and when you want it. (For example, you want the pictures per the terms of the contract, within the next two weeks). Send the letter certified, and keep a copy, as well as any documentation that the letter has been sent. Once you have all of this, if you go to court, you'll be able to show that you've lived up to the terms of the contract, that you made a request through certified mail for them to perform, and they have refused. Then you can demand specific performance (the pictures). One other thing you might do is see if the state where they're located has a consumer fraud division for the Attorney General's office. Once you've sent the certified letter, if you've gotten nothing back, then you can show the AG that you've made attempts to get them to comply, and see if the AG will prosecute. you will most likely have to file a lawsuit. Check with your local police department or contact the department in the area were the photographers are and see what they can tell you about what to do. or take them to one of those television show judges.. the peoples court...judge hatchtett..joe brown....lol.. you see that kind of thing on there all the time. Sounds like they blew the job, and went into hiding. Was there any type of contract between you and the photographer? How much did they charge (small claims has a limit, $1500, I think)? There's no legitimate excuse for what they're doing...I'd send a certified letter stating that you've paid for services rendered, that they've failed to provide said services, and that if they don't contact you within a reasonable time (after three months. I'll leave that up to you!), you'll seek civil, and possibly criminal, remedies. Contact your state's attorney general's office of consumer affairs in order to file a complaint. They can't make anyone do anything either, but it is better than doing nothing. If you want then take them to small claims court. I understand your frustrations. My husband and I were married in July and our photographers have been giving us the run around as well. Hang in there! I'm not sure what else to tell you if you already contacted the BBB, if it gets to such a bad point, maybe you guys could take some time to physically go out there, if that is not possible (which I understand it may not be, my husband and I are students as well and it's tough) is there anyone like a trusted family member or friend that might be able to go and physically deal with this photographer where you guys were married? I would keep calling even if it doesn't seem to be working because you never know, and if it just doesn't get better, maybe consider small claims court. Other than that, I'm sorry for your situation and hope it soon gets resolved. Congratulations on your new marriage! Good Luck! Did you charge them on your credit card or pay cash? If by credit card you may be able to get help there. Call them and ask. If not send them a registered letter explaining the situation and tell them you will file a civil suit. Also contact the local police, it could be fraud. |
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