Viva! Life Photography, Viva Photography Viva Photography Competition prize scam Rockingham Internet
I entered a Viva! Life Photography competition and 2 days later I received a letter to say I won. I naturally thought I was the only winner. I rang them up to claim my prize, which was a $300 voucher towards a free photo sitting ($200 worth) and $100 worth of photos. They got me all excited on the phone saying how great it was that I had won. They asked for a $50 deposit by credit card as a holding fee for the sitting, which would be credited towards any photos that I bought on the day.
So we turned up for the photo shoot and the photographer and his assistant got us all excited that it was going to be great. A previous family were just leaving and they looked pretty happy about their experience. First the assistant showed us some great photos of other families that they had taken. Then it was our turn to do 1 hr worth of photo shoots and the photographer really got my kids excited and posing. They felt like super models by the end of it.
Then we were put into a small room with the door closed to be shown our wonderful pictures up on a huge screen. I must admit, the photos were fantastic. We were asked which ones we would like and what size. When I finally asked how much the photos cost, we were told that to buy 5 average sized photos was $1,000. I was extremely surprised, but didn't want to show it in front of my kids. Then the assistant explained about their payment plan option which seemed a better option.
Before I knew it, I had signed over 1/3 deposit, with the rest to come out of my bank account on a fortnightly basis. By the time I got home, it had hit me that I got totally scammed. I thought I had won a free prize, when it turned out that the only thing I won was the opportunity to have money taken away from me. I bet that I wasn't the only "winner" and they rely on people not asking how much the photos are until it's too late. I am never entering a free competition again or answering any surveys (another way I nearly got scammed when the surveyer told me I had "won" something).
I wonder how these people that think up these schemes sleep at night. I feel tricked, deceived, stupid, naive and embarrassed. And the photos aren't even in colour!
2 Updates & Rebuttals
SamanthaGartner
Fremantle,Nationwide,
Australia
Turning over a new leaf
#3UPDATE Employee
Thu, July 28, 2011
Firstly, apologies for the calous response that did not initially address any of the issues raised in your post. I'd like to be able to discuss them now.
Our prices
As at the 1st April 2011, we introduced bundled packages and an alteration in our prices. Prints begin at $95 for a 5x7 and 8x10 prints are available for $175. This was a change implemented from the feedback we received, and done with the intention of being more client-focused by listening. Our packaging prices are available online and our price guide can be seen at our studio - http://www.vivaphotography.com.au/packages/default.aspx
he $50 deposit
This is the amount we request that secures a time in our diary. Being a service business, we only have these places available. Should you need to reschedule your appointment then we certainly do so.
Free prize
We no longer communicate that our prizes are 'free'. Any consolation offer that we put forward goes with a letter explaining clearly that this is a runner-up prize and what it entitles the recipient.
The competition prize
You received a consolation prize that offered a complimentary portrait shoot, plus a credit towards images. This is a genuine offer as our portriat shoots are usually $250 and the credit is a real discount to use. We have taken more care in running our competitions by communicating when the prize is drawn and recording our lucky major winners, should anyone take an interest.
Colour images
We show all our images in sepia, as it is a signture that we present to clients. However, should you request colour we certainly accommodate - our online and in studio displays present both colour and sepia examples.
I apologise that this expereince has left you not wanting to enter competitions and I hope that in the future you can see the positive changes we are implementing across the company from your feedback.
Sincerely, Samantha
Viva Photography
Subiaco,Other,
Australia
Viva Life Photography
#3UPDATE Employee
Wed, April 28, 2010
At Viva Photography, we pride ourselves on being one of the best photography companies in Australia. We offer natural unique imagery of the highest quality. Our photographers are professionaly qualified and trained through our specialised training academy. Collectively, our company has won over 50 Australian Institute of Professional Photography Awards.
Our customer service staff provide a friendly, happy service. We are currently placing a strong importance on new communication within our company and with our competition offers, always striving to improve.
Viva competition offers are encouraging the public to enjoy a photo shoot experience. If you are lucky enough to win one of our competitions, we offer the experience completely free of charge. A photo shoot experience includes a one hour photography session with our fully qualified photographers. We also offer the added bonus of some discounts off our product range. Additional images are not included within the competition offers unless specified.
By experiencing a Viva photo shoot, we have inspired our clients to live a more fulfilled life with better self confidence and self value. Some of our clients have been more than happy to document this in our client testimonials on our website. Our photo shoot experiences really are enjoyable life moments to remember forever.
The final products are beautiful works of art that capture life's moments and are to be cherised. Our business is all about people. We love getting to know each and every one of our clients.