I decided not to purchase anything from this business. Not because of the high prices, but because of the behavior of the salesperson.
We were told at our rafting place that if we went here in person, we’d get a discount. The website also implied we we’d get better prices if we came in. So we did.
We walked in and were immediately led to a computer monitor where the salesperson looked up our info from the card our river trip company gave us. No mention of the discount for coming in, but so far so good.
He mispronounced our river guide’s name, then acted like he knew the guide personally, telling us what a great guy he is. No big deal, but fishy.
We were rapidly told to mark the photos we like with no mention of pricing options. But again, fine. We were also told, oddly, not to look for photos where we can see our faces because “that’s why you went whitewater rafting.” I was starting to feel like this speech gets given a million times a day and not to expect to see pictures I’d like. I personally would like to see my family’s faces in a photo we pay a lot of money for, but that’s me. I was still willing to buy something if we found something worth buying.
We only found one photo we liked. I told the salesperson which photo it was and asked if I could just buy a digital download. He dismissed this immediately, redirecting me to printed frames he strongly recommended instead, that start at $60, and the “download is free”. No mention of the option to just buy the digital download online.
He wasn’t talking to me as much as he was talking at me. Hard-selling at a fast clip. I was done. I told the salesperson we were going to pass, and when I turned my back my wife watched him give me a sarcastic, rude, two finger salute like I had wasted his time. The feeling is mutual.
So now this business will get none of our money instead of some of our money. A bit of kindness, straightforwardness and honest discussion of our options would have likely gotten a purchase from me. I came in the door planning to make a purchase. But I don’t believe in rewarding poor customer service with my hard earned money. We’ll buy our photos from the other photographer.