Faux-to lab dot CA
Ana and I are developing pictures from time to time to be used in various wedding stuff. Since we were going to be away from the big city for a bit, we decided it would be most efficient to develop our digital pictures electronically. To do this, we went to the website for our grocery store where we develop pictures most frequently. From there we were directed to another website, for the company that actually does their photo developing. I uploaded the image I wanted developed, chose the print size and quantity and filled in our name and phone number and the store of pick-up. Immediately we were sent a confirmation email that our order had been received. A few days later I went in to pick our picture. This is when I learned that I had set my expectations too high.

If I were to drop in, and using the machine give them the digital file, my 8x10 image would be ready in about 24 hours. I would think that doing it online, they would direct that digital file to the store I chose. I would think that I could get that same 24 hours service, but with the added convenience of ordering it from home. It turns out that our picture wasn't ready yet. The girl at the counter told us to expect another email at which point it would be ready. Apparently the pictures are received and developed at the head office in MIssissauga and then mailed to the appropriate store. Does that seem like anyone else to be the least efficient option possible? Would it really be difficult to set up a system where those files are electronically sent to the stores? I worked in retail, and the head office is constantly sending electronic files, and I don't see why this couldn't be one of them.

After receiving another e-mail, we went in again to find that it still wasn't ready. Sure we didn't read the email, but it was from the same company saying that our photo had been developed. At that point, 5 days later, it had only been developed and was being shipped to the store. A third visit, almost two weeks later, produced the photo that we were hoping for.

I could not believe the inefficient nature of their supposedly high-tec service. I refuse to use their service again and I'll try to find a place that prints my emailed digital files as efficiently as is necessary.

   [ posted by William @ 12:13 PM ]