So this past weekend my wife and I took the kids to get their pictures taken at The Picture People at the mall. We had a coupon for a free 8×10 portrait and since we hadn’t had pictures taken of our children together we thought we’d go (the little one is an infant). We figured we’d go in, get our picture and get out. Far from it!
They have some marketing plan set up there! We got there and checked in. When it was our turn we were brought to a curtained off area to take pictures. The photographer is a young guy with a digital camera. He took all sorts of pics with each child separately as well as together. When the picture taking was over we told to wait a bit and we would be helped.
Here is where they get us:
- They show you about 20 pictures, all which make you say “awwwww.” Now we want all of the pictures.
- The sales person says “wouldn’t this be nice” and takes out a large, vertical, black and white portrait already framed. It looks amazing until we’re told it costs about $150. He also produces a large horizontal frame with three photos.
- When we seem like we’re not so sure he tells us there’s a way he can get us the three pic frame as well as some others in a great package that will save money. Sounds interesting. Oh, the package costs $249!!
- When we’ve finally decided what we want (much more than what we planned) and we’re ready to pay we’re told about a membership club we can join that will make one of our pics cheaper and entitle us to some free pics throughout the year.
- They also ask for your email address so you can view your photos online. They encourage you to send the site to friends and family so they can see if there’s pictures they want to buy (you can put a picture on anything from a mug to a mouse pad or just order copies).
Suffice it to say we spent way more than we intended to. The pictures do look great (including the three picture frame we got) and they have everything done for you within an hour.
Pros and Cons About The Picture People
Pros
- Convenience – We made an appointment and went to the mall. We didn’t have to schedule a photographer to come to the house.
- Ease of Service - The people were friendly and you walk out with your photos within an hour.
- Price – Although we spent more than we wanted to it would have cost more to hire a photographer.
- Quality – The pictures really do look great!
Cons
- Atmosphere – It’s a bit of a mad house there with all of the families coming and going, many with small children.
- Price – Yes it’s relatively inexpensive but the photos and packages still come out to a hefty amount (at least to our liking).
- Emotional Factor – It’s really tough to say no to all these great pictures of your children. You see them and want them all. I jokingly told the sales person that it would be on his conscience if we couldn’t afford to put our kids through college.
Overall we’re happy with the product and we will be going back to get our free pictures (yeah we signed up for the membership). Since we now have some nice photos we won’t be needed large packages and we intend to only go for our promotional photo.
The big lesson here is that spending is emotional and we have to be careful not to let our emotions get the better of our budget!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I remember those picture days and spending more $ than I should have. But now that the kids are 20 and 16, I know it was worth it. You will find that, over the years, the $$ was nothing in comparison to the memories preserved.
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I must say, I understand people not wanting to spend a lot of money on pictures in the current economic state, but these are memories you will cherish for a lifetime. I work at The Picture People and have for close to 3 years. We are trained photographers, not just “guys with digital cameras”. We are also trained in child development. I feel blessed to be able to capture moments in time for people to display in thier homes. Also, the portrait club is a great tool for those people looking to purchase a collection or who plan on visiting our studio more than once a year. Do the math, it will save you money. I would personally have one if I didn’t work there. I am glad you loved your 20 images and trilogy! The Picture People really is a wonderful place
@ Lauren – Indeed we did love our pictures. But there does seem to be a big push to upsell people once they have their pictures taken. I would be happier if they were more upfront with their options and the cost. That you’ve worked probably says a lot about how they treat their employees (which I’m assuming is good). I’m not saying that one shouldn’t use their services. One just needs to be aware of their budget and go in knowing what they are willing to spend. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your opinion. It’s nice to hear from the other side!
hey, great article! I’m a newborn/portrait photographer myself and I totally see what a great marketing thing The Picture People have going…but i def. agree with being open and clear about pricing. But they would be out of business if they didn’t use the emotion as a way to make a sell. You really won’t spend your whole life savings on pictures, but the emotion is what makes you feel a little more comfortable spending the extra buck! But i know what you mean because that is ONE of the main reasons, when I was considering working for The Picture People, I decided not to work there. I don’t like the whole sales person thing. I just want to take pictures and hope my clients enjoy them! But perhaps I should take a few tips from them since my business isn’t doing so well
But thanks for the article!