Sapphire Studios - photography

kirstiex

Hi - can anyone offer some advise to my friends position?

She received a call out of the blue from Sapphire Studios to say she had won a makeover with them but she had to pay a deposit of £50 to secure the booking (to ensure she turned up) which would be fully refunded upon her attendance. She wanted to take a friend with her (me) and again had to pay a £50 deposit that again would be refundable. Excited by the prospect she paid the £100 deposit and received an email to confirm the booking.

Unfortunately she has been taken seriously ill in hospital and will not able to attend the session this weekend so I contacted them today to let them know and asked if a refund was possible given the exceptional circumstances. They have refused and said her booking is valid for up to 3 months or it can be transferred to someone else. Depending on her treatment she may not have recovered by this time and friends/family are hardly likely to take up the offer of a photoshoot knowing how ill she is so I reponded to that effect. They are still adamant that they will not give a refund but can extend the booking by another 3 months only if they keep hold of the money which can then be used to buy photographs after the session. I understand that photos can be purchased at £45 each.

What are her rights? Can they do this? Any advice appreciated.

Equaliser123

What do the terms of the contract say?

Optimist

Perhaps you should look at the multitude of threads on this site and others about Sapphire Studios.

FATBALLZ

Stop and think, why would they need a deposit to give you a free makeover? What do they lose if you don't turn up?

nanaw

I had knee operation 3 weeks before my appointment. I had a lot of complications so I knew I will have to stay in a hospital for some time. I called to Sapphire Studios to cancel my appointment and get money back. They refused and said that I have up to 3 months to come. I was so stupid (and wanted to get my money back) that I went there a week before my "reward" expires. It was a biggest mistake of my life! I suffered during the photoshoot and I ended up speding more money just to get out of there. I now try to claim my money back in a court but it looks like I am not going to get any refund.
My advise - try to get your refund, call Consumer Direct (they had a lot of complains about Sapphire Studios). But probably you will not get your deposit back. If you want go with some other friend that will pretend to be your ill friend and maybe then you will get your deposit. They guarantee to give it back when you will come, but be careful on their sales team - they will make you to buy the photos.
Good luck!!