Gotcha Magic

Sorry this is not for the Gold Coast region, it is for the Gotcha Magic company in general. I had my photography session in Browns Plains.
So... I will start off by saying I am quite disappointed.
I will start with the positives. The actual photography session was amazing, and my little one had an amazing time. The staff made him laugh/smile the entire way through. The staff explained the offer(s), and it seemed too good to be true - and it was.
I went today to select and purchase my photographs.
I was told on the day of the session that I would be able to see ALL of the photographs on the day and select the ones I wanted. What actually happened was I was provided the choice of eight different photographs (the photographer took over 80 at the photography session). Worst of all the photographs that we told the photographer that we loved on the day were not apart of that selection. The photographs chosen to represent my son by complete strangers are, yes nice photographs, but do not show his personality one bit. My partner actually walked away as he was upset that the photographs we wanted were not apart of the selection.
Additionally, I was told on the day of the photography session that the price was negotiable due to the pandemic. We would select a budget and the consultants would work around that. No, we got there and these were the packages and the prices. Which were ridiculously overpriced. I have seen so many alternative options for cheaper that provide you more.
Additionally, we were provided with one complimentary photograph which the lady didn't show me until after the purchases and documents were finalised. I did not want to seem rude so I did not ask till the end. Surely, the complimentary one was not one that I had just purchased, guess what it was. So, I actually ended up purchasing my complimentary photograph. All the lady could say was the one I purchased with show more of the background, and be bigger OR that I could replace the photograph I purchased with one of the other photographs (which I did not like as much).
Furthermore, the final photographs have their watermark in the bottom righthand corner, which should definitely not be there as I purchased it. The photographs are not high resolution, and I can achieve better resolution on my phone. I am not usually one to complain but this experience was upsetting. I will definitely not be utilising this company in the future.

Way way way far too overpriced, will not answer any questions about pricing before photo shoot, for good reason! you will soon discover that they are asking thousands of dollars for a bit of kids dress up and Photoshop work! prices are insane and definitely not worth it! ranging from over 3 thousand to 12 hundred for the packages and single photo they are asking over $500! there is no way I would of wasted half an hour of my time if I had of known the prices before hand. The scam is they get your kids involved and think once you see the photos they produce you will pay thousands! sorry not me, your prices are close to ridiculous - should all be far cheaper, a fairer price would be like 600 for the full package and around 80 per individual photo. I have worked as a graphic designer so I know what is involved, don't get suckered in people. I am talking about the company in general, I have not visited the Gold Coast photographer but from what I can see they are all the same.

Gotcha! Magic were so accommodating regarding the edits. I have great feedback to pass on to friends and family. Customer service standards have deteriorated by many companies over the years but Gotcha! Magic's dedication to getting the images right for the customer is second to none.
I think they have done an amazing job. Can’t thank you enough for all your efforts to get the photos perfect for us! Really, truly appreciated.

If you see Gotcha in the shipping centres - keep walking!! The kids get dragged in on the promise of an amazing photo session for $20, with a complimentary photo. The follow up appointment is to review your photos. The photos were terrible, the costumes were ill-fitting and their hair was all over the place. I have better photos of my kids on my iPhone. And to buy the photos are $300 each, or a package for $1000. I felt pressured to buy, the lady was going on about how time consuming and expensive the CGI is for the photos. So for someone who has very little spare cash, I paid $600 for two photographs that my family don't even like. I feel sick to my stomach knowing I've just blown what could have been my next power and rates bill. If I knew this was the price and tactic I would never have gone. And they have a no refunds policy. Beware people, like I said, just keep walking.

Here is a feedback email I sent after my recent experience with Gotcha Magic.

Hi there,
I just wanted to provide some feedback about my recent experience with Gatcha Magic.

I was shopping with my two kids during the school holidays and they showed interest in your stand at Charlestown Square NSW.  The person there got my kids excited about having their photo taken.  While I was reluctant, I let them proceed as the $20 fee was fine.

I went to view the photos today and after receiving two confirmation text messages, one last week, and one at 8am this morning, I turned up at 10:15am for my 10:20am appointment.  There was already a line and staff were saying that there had been some changes of appointments that they weren't aware of.  When I finally got to view the photos (approx 10:55), the only photo that my daughter specifically requested was not there.

Your staff member explained that sometimes the photo is not included as the green screen or photo wasn't taken perfectly etc.  I understand the process of keying out the backgrounds with alpha channels etc. However, when my only option is to purchase a $295 photo I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth.

Your price messaging of $20 which includes a free gift of 5x7 photo is misleading when there is no option to purchase any other photos of this size for anywhere NEAR the price is disappointing.  The photos at those prices still had the GotchaMagic watermark on the bottom.

I understand that there are royalties, staff time and IP to pay for but your purchasing options that START at $295 is outrageous, especially given the nature of how you acquire jobs.  I have recently priced photo shoots for a birthday present and had costs between $300 - $650, all of which were a 1-2 hour shoot and included digital and printed options (depending on the photographer). 

I would far prefer an online viewing of the photos (low res and watermarked to protect your business) (which the staff told me you could arrange if a child was sick - after I had dragged my sick child out to the shopping centre to wait around for nearly an hour) and then be able to order a single, or multiple copies of whatever photos in whatever size I like.  The options to purchase only the digital files would also be great (with or without Gotcha Magic watermark).

I can't help but think that your costs are so high because you print and frame every photo, even if they aren't purchased.  Then, to recoup that cost you increase your average price.  It's also incredibly wasteful both from an environmental impact point of view, as well as from a staffing point of view.  Most of the people waiting for their appointment had a similar reaction to the price and I only saw one or two larger photos sold while I was there.

I wish you all the best but I for one will not be returning.

Regards,

Andrew