Complaint Review: Portraits USA

I was approached by a man at a kiosk stand in the Lithonia, Ga Kroger on Covington HWY and Hillandale Rd. I will never do business with them again. He presented a package saying Kroger shows customer appreciation yearly by paying for photos for its customers. I was asked for $10 up front, and given an appointment. He told me up front that it will be an additional $6 fee for extra people, even if we brought 50 people. Fine. I took the deal, and my husband and I agreed that he would take pictures with our daughter for Father's Day. 

I was texted twice with a reminder about my appt from this number: 404 387 9500 Whoever it was could not spell. 

We arrived early, and had to wait about 40 mins, as the photographer was servicing others during our appt time. We were cramped in the break room, and had to listen to Kroger employees complain about not having anywhere to eat because we were in there taking pictures. 

When it was our time, the photographer did an ok job.  He took photos of them together and separately. Which I knew he would do. We set up an appt to pic up the pictures about three weeks later. Two people complained while we waitied that it was a long time. 

I went to pick up the pictures on my appointment date and was presented one by one with beautiful pictures. BUT! The ones that were free was one 8 by ten one 5 by 7 and the wallets they promise are NOT wallets, they are thumbnail sizes, almost small enough to fit in a locket. They also presented us with the worse pose which I feel was on purpose, and to force you to buy the others. The picture looked like she was taking it with her uncle, vs her father

The lady explained that in order for me to get all the pictures/poses I would have to pay $500. I asked about pricing on paying for one or two other poses/single pictures, that was not an option as she told me the cheapest package was $299. She also had the nerve to mention that their prices and packaging was cheaper than Olan mills. 

She also showed custom picture framing, and a larger poster sized canvas picture and said if I got that it could be delivered at a later time. 

She said they also sell the cds with the prints for you to print, but the cd was $100. I told her to just give me the free pictures and I would be on my way. She looked dissapointed, but you can't expect to make people feel like they got a deal then tell them they have to pay $500 upon arrival. I acutally was considering purchasing the cd at a later date, but now changed my mind due to the other rip off scams I read. 

For $16 we could have went to the mall and got more poses and more options plus our pictures in an hour, than this piece of sh-i-t offer. I believe Kroger didn't pay a dime, as 10-16 bucks is what you are paying for yourself on the two sheets of photos. 

I will never fall for this crap again, and next time I see them at Kroger or elsewhere, I will blast them and let others know not to fall for their scams. It's best to stick with reputable photography companies such as Walmart, Olan mills, or even the ones in your local mall store fronts.