Consumers are being warned about studio photography businesses.
Eight companies in WA have been accused of using potentially misleading and deceptive conduct as well as harassment, coercion and unfair contract terms.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake says these businesses offer photography sessions as a prize or at a discounted rate.
‘These vouchers are not gifts, they are bait,’ she said.
Consumers who have attended one of these studio photography sessions have described their experience as being rushed, pressured, manipulated and intimidated. Packages usually cost over $3,000 for a handful of poorly edited photos. Some people have reported being relentlessly harassed over the phone after walking away.
Ms Blake said to be suspicious of vouchers for photo sessions where you pay very little for a service that is normally expensive. The classic, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Another red flag is if the business refuses to provide terms and conditions (so you know what is and isn’t included in the price) before committing to booking an appointment.
“If you’re not happy with the quality of the photos, raise your concerns with the photographer. You should never have to pay more money to correct bad work. This is a breach of Australian Consumer Law.”
Consumers who feel they have experienced issues with a photography session or wish to make an enquiry, call 1300 30 40 54 or visit consumerprotection.wa.gov.au.
