Consumer Report no. 296
The Consumer Council conducted a questionnaire on the terms and conditions of companies offering destination wedding photography services, it is found that photography companies have various procedures and charges when provided services not included in the contract, such as over-time photo taking. Consumers are suggested to peruse all contract terms and keep in mind that oral contract is not enforceable, and that all requests by consumers and all transaction details must be clearly stated in a written contract to avoid any dispute.
Destination wedding photography is very popular in recent years, the Council has received complaints on this type of service and they mainly involve oral promises not fulfilled by the photography company, and poor quality of services and photos, etc.. Couples should compare and peruse service terms of different companies before choosing this kind of service.
Consumer rights protected by contract
Results of the current questionnaire shows that packages offered by some photography companies include transportation and accommodation fees of the crew, as well as services provided by a makeup artist while some companies charge items separately. Consumers are therefore advised to calculate and compare all involved costs, and consider the promises made by photography companies, all scope of services, payment methods, discounts, oral promises and minor items should be listed clearly in the invoice or contract, and the transaction terms are indeed the best proof to safeguard consumer rights.
Pay attention to charging terms
It is also reviewed in the questionnaire that each photography company has its own way of dealing with consumers hoping to amend their shooting dates or cancelling of services, some of them even do not accept any changes or offer any refunds. Further, should any over-time shooting is needed at short notice, some companies require extra fees and the payment amounts vary.
The Council suggests consumer to have ample time to compare all service terms and reputation of different photography companies, consumers should keep in contact with the company in case there are any sudden incidents, force majeure, or disarrangements of transportation when shooting overseas. All responsibilities must be stated in the contract.
Risk of prepayment consumption
Wedding photography means prepayment consumption, consumers pay part of the payment as deposit after making their decisions but are suggested not to pay the full amount to lower the risk.
The questionnaire on wedding photography company is now featured in the Consumer Report issue no. 296.
Reports on recent work of the Council
The Council visited consumer organizations in Portugal and Hong Kong earlier, features are available in the current issue of Consumer Report.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Consumer Arbitration Centre, the latest Consumer Report includes an article covering the development of the Arbitration Centre.
Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 26, Edf. Clementina Ho), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries, and bookstores. Consumers may also access the magazine online on the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo) and WeChat official account.
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