More problems with Light Impressions

[sepiareverb]

Your credit card company will not help you!

Steve

My Credit Card companies screw me regularly, I have no notion that they have any interest in helping me in any way whatsoever no matter what the situation.

 

[Sirius Glass]

My Credit Card companies screw me regularly, I have no notion that they have any interest in helping me in any way whatsoever no matter what the situation.

Stop the presses! New headline! If you wait for Light Impressions more than 60 days you have been screwed!

Steve

 

[lvlewispix]

I have also had frustrating experiences with Light Impressions, but the last one is the worst, and I plan never to do business with them again. In August of last year I ordered two large archival photo storage boxes online. They immediately charged my card and I waited several weeks but never received delivery. I called and was told that they were on back order. When I questioned them about why I was never notified about it, they told me that "their inventory is not linked to their online ordering".
I waited several more weeks and called again and was told that the items were not expected for ANOTHER 6 weeks. I asked for a refund which they promised by the end of November, 2010. I have never received it. I called again on Jan 25, 2011 and was told that I would receive a refund, but that it would take at least a week. When I asked why, the customer service rep told me that their financial department had moved to Florida and it wasn't quite set up yet. I did not receive the refund. I just called them again today (Feb. 2) and was told that I would not receive a refund until at least the middle of February. I honestly think that these are signs of a company in trouble. They are taking money from customers with no product in stock and then not refunding the money. How many customers are having the same problem?

 

[Mahler_one]

Sorry for the bad experience. Realize that Lodima Archival Materials ( a sponsor here ) has archival film and print "folders" and a range of archival storage boxes. I have dealt with Michael on multiple occasions. Shipping is prompt, and there is never a problem of any kind. Give him a call, or check the web site. I am not sure if any of our other sponsors offer similar archival materials, but consider checking. Let us know how things work out.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I gave up a while ago on my last order (which was placed in May of last year and still has not arrived). Call it an expensive object-lesson to teach me to forget Light Impressions even exists.

 

[Michael A. Smith]

We are a sponsor of APUG. We have Bainbridge ArtCarearchival mat board (the best board out there and the one we use ourselevs, a custom cut overmat service with our computerized mat cutter, archival storage boxes, and archival negative folders for large-format negatives, all at prices lower than anywhere else. We also have Nielsen metal-section frames at great prices. We have no minimums and special sizes are treated just like standard sizes--everything is custom cut. www.lodimaarchivalmaterials.com. Many of our new customers are disgruntled Light Impressions former customers.

Michael A. Smith

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thanks Michael!

 

[fdi]

I am biased since I am the owner, but I am also a sponsor of APUG. Let me know if we can help.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Fragomeni]

I am so pissed that I didn't read this before I placed my order. I ordered about $300 in matte board from Light Impressions on Feb 22 and have not received shipment confirmation. I've emailed the company and received no reply and I've called everyday for 3 days and not gotten a single answer. Their automatic call back system just loops to another ringer that is never answered.

I've been looking on my credit card statement for the charge and I'm not sure I see it so there may be a chance that they don't have my money back in which case I can have my credit card company block the payment. Can someone let me know what the charge shows up under on the credit card statement? Is it Light Impressions or some other name? A quick response will be hugely appreciated as I'd like to nip this in the bud before a charge shows up if its not already there. THANK YOU!

 

[Fragomeni]

We are a sponsor of APUG. We have Bainbridge ArtCarearchival mat board (the best board out there and the one we use ourselevs, a custom cut overmat service with our computerized mat cutter, archival storage boxes, and archival negative folders for large-format negatives, all at prices lower than anywhere else. We also have Nielsen metal-section frames at great prices. We have no minimums and special sizes are treated just like standard sizes--everything is custom cut. www.lodimaarchivalmaterials.com. Many of our new customers are disgruntled Light Impressions former customers.

Michael A. Smith

Michael, I tried calling Lodima to place an order but there was no answer. I feel like the universe is against me matting my work!

 

[RodKlukas]

Archival methods, I believe was one of their suppliers at one time.

http://www.archivalmethods.com/

Might be better choice.
Rod

 

[Fragomeni]

Rod, you're everywhere! Haha! Thanks for the link, I'll check them out now. I tried calling Light Impressions again right after I got your email and sure enough it rang for 20 min.

 

[Mahler_one]

Keep trying...Lodima Archival Materials has great service, and is appropriately priced. Frame Destinations, as you might know, is another APUG sponsor, and their products and service are also first rate.

 

[Fragomeni]

Figured out why I couldn't reach them. They have to update the homepage with their new number. For reference, the new Lodima number is 610-847-2007.

I called and spoke with Michael A. Smith which was a nice surprise and got my order in with no problem. I'm looking forward to receiving these boards.

Thanks everyone for the help.

P.S. Lodima doesn't yet carry buffer mount paper for dry mounting the prints to the board (but I think they might in the near future). Can anyone recommend a good source for acid free archival buffer mount paper? Thanks.

 

[Mahler_one]

Just bought some from B&H.

You will also need some tyvek tape, or the equivalent, to tape the boards together...and you will also need a small amount of release paper...and a tacking iron...I assume that you already have most of what was mentioned, but just in case......:}

 

[Michael A. Smith]

Thanks, Francesco, for calling our phone number problem to our attention. We have it fixed now. All calls are directed to 610-847-2007.

Michael A. Smith

 

[jgjbowen]

P.S. Lodima doesn't yet carry buffer mount paper for dry mounting the prints to the board (but I think they might in the near future). Can anyone recommend a good source for acid free archival buffer mount paper? Thanks.

I'm confused. Are you seeking the dry mount tissue that goes between the print and board or "release paper" that goes between the press and artwork?

I've been successful obtaining dry mount tissue on EBay. I've heard folks mention parchment paper as a substitute for release paper.

Good luck,

 

[Fragomeni]

I've only ever called it dry mount tissue or buffer tissue. Im talking about the material that adheres the print to the board when you put it in the press and apply heat.

 

[Merg Ross]

Depending on what size you need, Freestyle is an excellent supplier, and not far from you.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/18121...Dry-Mount-Tissue-11x14-100-sheets?cat_id=2301

 

[Fragomeni]

I don't know why I didn't bother to check Freestyle. Thanks for mentioning it. Just placed my order.

 

[hkrieger]

Warning notice about Light Impressions

I posted a warning about Light Impressions at the bottom of the page at www.efn.org/~hkrieger. Since posting this notice, I received a credit from American Express on the refund that was due me from Light Impressions on an order they couldn't deliver. There was no indication if Amex made
the credit on their own, or got it from Light Impressions.

 

[sepiareverb]

Just an extended busy signal when one calls now. Not a good sign.

However, my CC has refunded me and is taking it up with them.

 

[Michael A. Smith]

The other day at the Society for Photographic Education Conference in Atlanta someone told me that Light Impressions no longer picks up the phone. Seems they are out of business.

Michael A. Smith
www.lodimaarchivalmaterials.com

 

[ann]

i talked to them last week.

 

[hkrieger]

If you call Light Impressions as if you are placing an order,
they will answer you. For whatever good that does.