How To Avoid Scams
HOW TO SPOT A SCAMMER
There's so much about scammers lately, it's so upsetting because genuine businesses are suffering because of them.
My main tips are:
CONTRACT
Get a contract it's a must!
WEBSITE
this day and age everyone should have a website!! It's a given with portfolio, details, information etc
SOCIALS
Are they updating social media regularly with weddings/ posts/ generally being active
REVIEWS
These should be displayed good or bad! If they've chosen to turn Facebook reviews off, ask yourself why!! Google reviews etc, hitched the list goes on
COMMUNICATION
this is a given, I must admit in busy times I can take a day or 2 to reply but it shouldn't be weeks you wait for a reply! Even a 'I'm really busy right now please email Monday when I'm free' would do!
HAVE YOU MET THEM?
Try meeting them, a video call or phone call to speak to them, any communication don't just message 'book me in' and send money
PAYMENTS
Are they asking you to pay family and friends on PayPal? Transfer to a random account?
You should be paying into a business account preferably (not all have card option mine is only there is asking for it due to the fees) but ask if they have card option, business PayPal etc
NEVER PAY IN FULL
PRESSURE
don't feel pressured into booking, if they are offering 'book how I'll knock money off' 'book how it's my last offer' 'book this price it ends today' these are major red flags
BOOK A SHOOT
before committing to booking book a shoot with them to see how you feel, how do they make you feel infront of the camera how do you look at the photos and feel.
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
Someone offering an unbelievable price may sometimes be too good!
Check your getting what you're paying for. I see daily 'photo & video for x price' but you don't realise it's one person doing both! Or they tell you it is and only one shows up!
Question everything. You end up loosing more money booking scams or falsely advertised packages when you have to re check what's included and booked!
RESEARCH!
Look into them, don't be afraid to ask on groups for feedback, don't be shy in asking them to provide client feedback.
Check posts are previous clients interactive with them still! Are they recommended on posts by past clients!
Check everything
SEE HOW THEY WORK
please check full day galleries! Check what they actually do all day! see how much your getting! Anyone can show the best 10 images to you and get you to book!
Most of all... trust your gut ... if it doesn't seem right.. don't book! aph
