Amazed Models- Seems like a one big terrible scam! Avoid!!
I attended the London Studio and found the entire experience extremely unacceptable overall.
I attended promptly, with my 7 year old son, his Godmother and her daughter.
The studio was extremely cold and there was no heating on in at all.
My appointment was at 1.30pm but we were not seen until approximately 1.50pm,which was quite unpleasant sitting in a cold studio.
The photographer was professional,friendly and provided positive feedback regarding my son's photos.
Unfortunately as my son had to change several times, he was effected by the cold temperature.
What was also deeply disconcerting was the fact there was also a couple present with a very young baby,who appeared only to be a few months old,also having to endure the cold temperature.
After completing the photographic session, we were asked to sit and wait. We waited for a significant amount of time. No refreshments were offered and there was only water available from a dispenser.
We were there for over three hours,much of it waiting. I left the studio to purchase something to eat for everybody because by now we were all quite hungry.
I was eventually called into a room with my son where I can only describe being subjected to a 'hard sell' sales pitch.
In front of my son, I was asked to pay £250 for a portfolio for which, I was told,if I was not prepared to pay for,would mean my son would not be put forward to an 'interested' modelling agency.
I explained to the staff member that I explicitly asked during a phone call I had with amazed models if I was expected to pay any money on the day. I was assured that I would not be. During that same conversation, I also explained that I was reluctant to attend because of the repeated emails sent to me asking me to attend. It came across as a bit 'pushy' and I did not want to bring my son anywhere which would be a waste of time.
Again, on the phone, I was assured it was a genuine assessment session.
The staff member then went onto to say, in front of my son, that I should be prepared to pay money for photos because I have to spend money for him on other activities. She stated that I was depriving him of a good opportunity. I felt this was designed to manipulate and coerce.
I explained again that I was not prepared to make any financial decisions and that I believed I was being subjected to a hard sell. She laughed.
I also explained that I would discuss the matter with my husband first. She then asked me to call him, I told her he was at work and could not be disturbed. She then implied that I had no 'say' in matters.
I could go on.
She then offered to 'sponsor' part of the payment which the company would retrieve from the first job my son obtained. She offered 50%,£125 then after leaving the room, said I would have to pay £199.
I discussed part payment because I wanted to see how genuine amazed models are. Surely,if they were prepared to offer the photos at a substantial discount,then they would be confident of retrieving the funds?
I eventually made it clear that I was not interested. All of a sudden the 'friendly' act was dropped,especially by the man at reception.
To put it quite bluntly, I am livid. Not only was an entire day wasted for my son,his disabled Godmother and her daughter and myself,but I was left out of pocket in terms of travel expenses and time away from my own.
I will be contacting the local MP for the Bethnal Green area to alert them to amazed models and their operations.
I will also be making the necessary enquiries regarding GDPR regulations and Health and Safety Standards.
I have made a direct complaint to amazed models and await their response.
December 29, 2018
Unprompted review
