Retro Photo Reading — Local services in Reading

After endless Instagram ads promoting the re-opened & business under the new name “Retro Photo,” I figured Id send a few rolls over for development. I think I sent 3 or 4. It’s been sometime since this occurred. I waited over a month before reaching out for updates, and consistent ghosting of my emails led me to comment on their Instagram stories. They post everyday on there, and they post a lot. They kinda ignored me on there, or would shoot me a one word or one sentence answer without answering all my questions.

Finally after they promised a few times to send them over on certain dates and they didn’t. I put my foot down. Then & only then, the same person who’d been posting on Instagram revealed he was the new owner and had been swamped. They eventually sent the photos & they were NOT great at all. As another reviewer mentioned below, they forget your order, and the images did have scratches. Like what???

Now maybe things have changed since, but I do not recommend the company at all. In my mind I want to think, growing pains….? Maybe? Honestly though, I think it’s lack of care. I’ve been shooting film for years and have tried tons of labs out while traveling. My home lab now legit calls me every time my role arrives and confirms how many, what I want done, and confirms the pulls & pushed rolls too. They do it all, from APS, 110mm, 35mm, 120mm, and can do as many stops pulled or pushed you want.

You shouldn’t have to deal with a company that cares more about their IMAGE on Instagram, than your images...

I had hoped to find a local, small photo shop to handle my film developing to avoid sending it to a big lab somewhere else. Unfortunately, this is not the place. In August after seeing Retro Photo on Instagram, I sent six rolls of film for processing and scanning and after a month I called to get a progress update and follow up on a color roll price issue. I was told they were very inundated with orders and they would put mine on the top of their list to finish. Another month passed, I called and got about the same run down. After two months, I asked for them to send my film back at the end of the week. I called again, left a message which was never returned. Called after another week and demanded the status of my film, only after this I told they had actually lost one of my rolls. The other five had been processed, not scanned. After nearly three months, several calls and emails I was never before told a roll had been missing. Even after my persistence I was given a run around about this roll and the entire status of my film. I finally received my negatives back, and still have never gotten scanned images sent. Did get a refund, which is frankly the very least that could have been done with losing an entire roll of film. Sometimes things happen, but own up to the mistake and call your customers. Terrible experience, do not send your film here. The price is not worth it, send it elsewhere for a reliable experience. If I could give negative stars, most...

We placed an order for Enlarged Printed Photos for "The 11tth Annual SEPA Home & Garden Show at The Santander Arena." These prints were blown up and put on backing boards for a professional presentation.These prints were to be ready by Tuesday, 1/20/15; and they were not ready on time as promised. (Lori M. Bellman) gave me (The owner of Berks Commercial Renovations, Ltd). a hard time in the store; saying that "I don't know why you did it this way; this is not the way I would have done it." Then she denied saying that they would be ready by Tuesday, so I had to leave and come back!

I was shocked by her telling me this, since I was going on the advice of the staff in the store; where we collectively agreed upon the best look for the enlarged prints and the hanging wire on the back of the prints as being the best option for the printed board displays..

The owner, Lori spoke to me in the most obnoxious way possible! Needless to say, I was very offended... The total amount was over $600.00 for the blown up prints. I was definitely overcharged! I had to pay for these prints due to the deadline of the show and time restrictions.

She was condescending in her tone,and unapologetic.If you look at other reviews for "Bowers Photo", you will notice much of the same treatment and response from Lori towards her customers. NEVER USE THIS COMPANY, "BOWERS PHOTO" FOR YOUR PHOTO NEEDS. I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN! LORI SHOULD NEVER BE...