CHICAGO, IL – April 17, 2012 – Wedding
season is upon us, and the bride and groom rely on the wedding photographer to
provide lasting memories of their special day. Sadly, some
wedding photographers do not deliver what was promised to newlyweds. The Better
Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB) advises couples do
their research before choosing a wedding photographer.
“As with any business
transaction, be sure to do your research before signing any contracts,” said
Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago
and Northern Illinois. “Don’t be pressured
into signing an agreement before you are ready and make sure all promises are in
the contract.”
The BBB
offers the following suggestions to prospective brides and grooms:
- Check with the BBB
for Business Reviews and listings of photographers and videographers you
are considering at www.bbb.org.
- Schedule interviews
with two or three to get a feel for the types of services they offer, the
quality of their work and related fees.
- Ask for references
and talk to previous clients.
- Ask the
photographer if he/she is the one who will be photographing your
wedding. If so, that should be stated in the contract. If not,
request to meet personally with the photographer who will be shooting your
wedding and review photos from several events before making a
decision.
- Is the photo
package fixed or customized? How many photos are included and what
about reprints, enlargements and albums?
- What is the time
frame for delivery of proofs and other products? Is there a Web site
to view your images? Can you keep the proofs or negatives?
- What is the payment
schedule? Is a deposit required; if so, how much and by when? This
information should be included in the contract.
Bernas added, “A written contract should also specify what happens
if your photographer doesn’t show up, as well as the cancellation/refund policy.”
For more
information on wedding photography and to find photographers you can trust, go
to www.bbb.org.
###
As a private, non-profit organization, the
purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace.
BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation
and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices
and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reports on businesses and
nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity
before making a purchase or donation
