I got a call from Michael Caro today to address my concerns with Pictage that I've posted here and there on OSP. I was made aware of some new changes that are coming and I agreed that I would wait it out a few more months.

Whether or not this will prove to be worth it, we'll just have to wait and see. I have a love-hate relationship with Pictage and so I'm really going to be evaluating everything in the next 6 months from customer service to print quality. I've given them my thoughts and suggestions and Michael says we are going to get to the point that I want to stay with Pictage for good, so it's on!

I will post updates on this thread.

I'd love to hear what you have to say. I've been tempted with their $19/month offers, but I think I'll hold off until the summer, as my PhotoCart is working great for my portrait sessions.

Does anyone have more info on the $19/month offer?

I believe the $19/mo promos are teaser rates to get you on board... which is great marketing on Pictage's part. Keep in mind though... once you "choose" an online proofing company, it's not something that you'd want to change every 3 or 6 months. So the idea is to come on board at a very low monthly rate... then as you build a list of events, you become ever more committed to the service.

Hey, if it works for you... that's super. But if it doesn't, you have to plan your transition between online proofing companies CAREFULLY so as not to confuse your clients.

David

Does everyone here go their PUG meetings? I went to my first one last month, and at the time I was thinking that Pictage was taking my money and giving me nothing in return. After the PUG I have had second and third thoughts! I learned so MUCH that one night -- Justin and Mary Marantz were there!!! -- and I have fallen in LOVE with my PUG leader! (Don't tell my husband!!) She has met with me for lunch and helped me with packages, etc. I am so happy to dish out the $99 even if I get nothing in return but the meetings!!!! I do hope to build my business so that they are paying me and I'm not paying them, but that will come. For now, its worth it for me just for the PUGs. Incredible benefit!!!!

don't do it! IMHO Pictage is a complete waste of time and money. I always heard the "promises" of better thigns to come, but when they came it wasn't all that great and there are so many other options out there that are far better.

pictage reads these boards.

I've heard some other comments too like this and am starting to rethink. My clients have already been told that we were soon switching away from Pictage, I've got some thinking to do.

I love everything about Pictage.

I just can't figure out how to design my business so that my clients are educated toward the online print buying attitude. If I could clear that up I would be a Pictage cheerleader. PartnerCon, the booth presentations at WPPI, FREE album design and don't let me forget the awesome power of PUG, lead by the awesome power of Davina!

My clientele, so far are not internet savvy enough to understand ordering custom prints with a money back guarantee and shipped to their door.

How do I get out of this cheap Walgreen's market and back to a Pictage business plan!

I really do love Pictage. I just got an email about all new events uploaded will have the new customer interface. It has been a long time coming, but maybe my clients will like this better.

I have to agree. It seems Pictage is ALWAYS "aware" of the problems but very, agonizingly slow to fix them...maybe. Just read all the pictage issues on this forum.

All these are ongoing problems that are rarely fixed efficiently. It should not take months to resolve issues.

Pictage is a great concept, but I have to say the lack of responsible leadership is what appears to be the problem. Just get it done.

You just really need to find the best lab for your business. I've been very happy with DigiLabs. There is no such thing as a perfect lab, so just be prepared to deal with issues occasionally wherever you send your work.

i wouldn't give pictage 6 more seconds.....but that's just b/c they don't understand what "cancel my account" means.

just my 2 cents.

and yet somehow, after all the complaints, they still don't really have a clue

If they are still pulling this scam, I would contact the District Attorney's office that handles Torrence, CA. Ask to file a complaint for credit card fraud. If people started doing that they would get the message. Tell them this is an ongoing problem and that many people are being affected.

Make sure your have notified pictage, in writing, of your desire to terminate their services, by mail or email.

Since they monitor this forum, people need to bring the DA into the picture. When they find out there are multiples of people being stolen from, they will act.

The other possibility is to find an attorney to file a class-action against them. When an attorney finds out there are probably hundreds of people that have been affected by credit card fraud, this is what attorneys live for.

Obviously, some love Pictage while others hate it. I tried it out for three months and I was out. It just didn't work for me and my business at the time. I self-fulfill through WHCC, but since I also don't really like my online cart, I'm thinking of going with Pickpic.

Yep... Definitely absolute idiots...

6 months -- why? You'll be right in the middle of the busiest time of year and you don't want to switch providers then...it will take you months just to work through the prime buying season (galleries will still have orders trickling in, etc.). If you are going to change, change NOW when you aren't as busy.

From my experience, griping about the customer service issues isn't as effective as...well, choosing another vendor who won't give you all the headaches. Don't your customers deserve the best?

I think I have a migraine

stop griping about it and change pill-pushers... he-he-he...

Love ya Dan... Maybe one day they'll pay you as much as they pay me to promote them, and we'll all be one big happy family...

Love ya too, Nathan. No pay necessary...seriously, I'd gladly sing their praises if they treated my business and my customers like they've treated yours.

Hahahahaha... It's fun to be a little crazy and sarcastic sometimes...
In all seriousness i hope you know they don't pay us ANYTHING!!!

Apparently there was some confusion as to my posts in this thread. It was all sarcasm and fun. We love Pictage.

And in case anyone was further confused...I was never married to Pictage...I just had a brief affair w/ Pictage. And I'm not totally ruling out future flings should the need arise...

Yes, they do and I think that's why I'm going to continue my plans with PickPic regardless now. Has anyone cancelled with open P3 payments? I was told that the payments would still be charged and I would still get paid at the end of the cycle. Curious if anyone has dealt with this.

I have had issues with Pictage in the past, (a sample album that took 6 months was just one problem). No doubt they have issues, they send out tooooooo many emails to clients and guests, they are toooooo expensive on most things (not the little 5x5 Willowbooks though. I can't replicate these at their price). Their customer service is very nice, but terribly bad. Never been to a pug...but DANG IT the brides keep asking me if I am a PICTAGE photographer! So there is something they like about it....so.....I stay. I know....someone convert me please!