- Report: #606558
Complaint Review: Lifetouch photo - Internet
Reported By:
everythings a rip off -
Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Lifetouch photo
Internet, United States of America
Phone:
Web:
http://www.lifetouch.com/
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Business Rating:
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Lifetouch photo classroom school pictures photos of children taken at gradeschool Internet
Lifetouch Photography sends home order forms which do not get filled out or returned by parents who do not want the service. Children of non-participating parents are not dressed for picture taking and are not expected to be photographed. Lifetouch goes ahead and photographs the children anyways without the parent's knowledge or permission. Then, weeks or months later, a packet of 5 sheets of photos are sent home with the child at a cost of $44 which parent is suppose to return a check for the photos, or return the photos.
This same packet is available at Wal*Mart for $5.95!
This may not be a rip off provided parents are not hunted down for non-payment and non-return. Why does the evening news and other television blur the faces of young minors filmed, but the schools have the rights to allow a 3rd party to take photos along with personal name and address information?
Found the following parental complaints elsewhere on the net:
How do I lodge a complaint against "Lifetouch" photo? They asked if I wanted to buy more pictures of my child (after I've already paid twice for pictures). This is the third time they have been to the school to take pictures. I did not fill out anything and my daughter knew that she wasn't to have her picture taken and even told the people that her mom did not want her to take pictures. They told her that everyone was taking pictures and they took her picture. Three weeks later they send home a packet of pictures and told us to send a check if we wanted to keep them or send them back to be thrown away if we didn't. Is it illegal for me to keep the pictures without paying? I again did not fill anything out saying I wanted them, this is something they do regularly I'm told, on the hopes everyone just sends them money for them. I want to lodge a complaint. I don't like being manipulated through my kids! Especially at school! How do I go about this? Thanks
They did the same thing in my daughter's school. I never paid for the photos or returned them. They never said a word. As far as the complaint, I'm sure you could contact the school or Lifetouch and request that no photographs be taken without your permission- but it's probably more hassle then it's worth.
I'm going to do the same.As far as I am concerened at this point the pictures are a gift.Thanks
1 Updates & Rebuttals
anon
Delaware,Ohio,
USA
Talk to your school.. it's their decision
#2UPDATE Employee
Thu, March 22, 2012
I am a 10+ year Lifetouch rep in your area and I would like to explain a few things about why these programs are happening in your schools. I don't want to take sides because I understand what your point, but I also want you to understand the truth of the matter.
Lifetouch is a service-provider to your school which means the school tells us what to do and what services to provide. When your school contacted us for our business, we brought a wide variety of programs, options, and choices to them and they select the options they feel will be best for their school and their parents.
In regard to your child being photographed too many times a year without your consent:
Lifetouch never requires a child to be photographed. Most schools request that every child be photographed in the fall for school records, IDs, the yearbook, and also sell the photos. Some schools actually do require this photo be taken. Some do not. Some schools (not all) will also have us back in the spring for a different style of photo. It is decided by the school who is photographed on this day.. everyone or only those who request it. Our company policy is to photograph any child who comes to the camera asking for a photo. We currently do not have any central Ohio schools with 3 picture days unless the third is a retake day for absent students or a special event.
In regard to the packages being sent home when you didn't order:
Lifetouch has 3 ways we can handle packages:
1. Spec - This is when every child photographed receives a package and can pay for it or send it back
2. Prepay - The child orders on picture day and we send them the package they ordered
3. Proof - A proof is sent home to parents and they can choose to order or not
Again, these options are presented to your school's administrators and they choose the option that they feel is best. I understand that many parents do not like the 'spec' program, but many parents do and many schools choose it.
In regards to packages costing too much:
Lifetouch has a base price set for the packages or package options. Some schools will choose to sell at that base price. Some schools will choose to sell higher than the base price and keep that extra money as a fund-raiser for the school, in which case the money is going back into programs for your child. In that way, package prices can get high.
As I said, I understand your point, but please understand that Lifetouch only has a small say in these choices. If this is a major concern to you or other parents in your school, I would encourage you to speak with your administrators or school's decision-maker and express your concerns.
