Help!! with Comercial Mounting - someone %^#^%$'d up!!!

Help!

I took several prints to a commercial framer (Pearl Art Supply in Ft. Lauderdale) and asked that the prints (11x14) be mounted on foam core. I even took in previous examples of a job that had been done and was done very well at a different shop.

The pictures are ruined. There are dimples, impressions, etc. over 5 of the 6 prints. The foamcore, instead of being a single piece, is a taped together composite of what looks like scraps done in the interest of saving product and expense. One print has an imperfection in the emulsion! I have to send these photos to an art show, and they must be sent by Friday (2/23). I'm screwed.

I was told (belligerently) that these "imperfections are a normal part of the vacuum mounting process" but the management offered me a 25% discount. I took it, because I need the prints, but I am too angry for words. Violence actually springs to mind.

Can anyone offer any advice?

At 11x14 there's no excuse for any imperfections. I had 32x40 prints mounted to foamcore with no problem.

I guess lesson #1 is to not wait for the last minute. Do you have other pieces you can use for the show?

Next I would draft a letter itemizing your losses (prints, time, mounting, etc.) in writing(!) and send it to them using certified mail (make sure to keep the receipt and delivery confirmation). In your letter state politely that you are asking to be reimbursed for the expenses which resulted from their negligence, and that you will consider suing them in small claims court if these fees are not received by a given date.

Guy

It would probably help also to have their "work" evaluated by an independent and knowledgeable third party such as a gallery owner. At the very least it would help shed some light on their shoddy work. Word spreads fast in any town, so you might get satisfaction even if you don't get compensation.

Brian I agree with Guy, but I would also take pictures of this. Particularilly the pieced together foam core.....that's inexcusable and unheard of. Sorry to hear of your troubles.

Guy and Hank and Barb are on the money with their advice. What you received from that business is simply ridiculous. That's like contracting for someone to build you a home and seeing them pull 2x4 fragments to use off their discard pile.

I've had a number of prints mounted on foamboard by White House Custom Color in St. Paul. Perfect work, easy online ordering and payment, top quality, two-day free shipping. No, I don't get a commission for referring people to them, but I'm pretty picky about these things, and when I'm happy with the quality and service, I say so to all who will listen. And when I'm unhappy with those things, I also say so to all who will listen. That business you dealt with better watch out. A bad rep passed on by word of mouth can kill any business. Anyway, WHCC is something to think about for next time.

Meanwhile, I recommend you take the above advice and press for your money back. And any other photographers in the area should know that if they want their images mounted on foam core from that framer, they're likely to get taped-together scrap! A letter to the editor to run in the Ft. Lauderdale paper wouldn't be a bad option, either, if they'll print it. Even if they won't print it, their arts and entertainment section editors and reporters will see it and file it away in their memories.

I agree - inexcusable. I have gotten excellent quality , great price, and fast (usually one-day) turnaround from MPIX.com. White House is also excellent, but a bit more expensive.
Sorry you had trouble. Sandy

I had the exact same experience with a local camera shop. (Except I didn't have to have the photos for an exhibit). The quality of the photos was horrible, and the mounting was too. I was also told belligerently that they worked with my photo as much as possible and that's the best they could do with it. (Wal-Mart had actually printed it perfectly before, so why couldn't they?). Anyway, I did exactly what Guy recommends, sent the demand in writing to their president/owner. They didn't send me cash, but did give me a coupon/credit for the total amount I demanded. I purchased a filter or something. I would have preferred the cash to keep them from getting another sale, but I didn't push it any further. Good luck, and I hope they learn to treat their customers better!

Ditto what the others have said. Their work is unexecpable/

- Dan

Good luck, and don't lie down. Demand and expect a 100% refund (not store credit!). If they play hardball, you can let these amateurs know that you've already begun to spread the word

I've been fortunate to have never have dealt with a screw-up lab. Even my *Costco* knows what they're doing with respect to printing. How the heck do these amatuers stay in business?

Brian,
All is not lost - you can still make the deadline. I had a day almost as bad as yours today, trying to get my prints shipped off to the same show - I presume you are submitting to the Miami International Orchid Show. I can now tell you how to get reprints in extremely short order and how to mount them yourself. Drop me an email if you want some tips I just learned the hard way.

Piecing together the foam core is so lame it is frightening a shop would even begin to think that is a quality job.