Client Review on photobiz

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I take reviews very seriously and never want to give a bad one. But I feel like it's the right thing to do here, to warn other serious photographers who need functional proofing. I had a website and proofing (separate companies) before I signed up with Photobiz so I know what's out there. What made me go with them was that they housed both a web builder and proofing (e-commerce) together without taking a commission. That's where they stand out in the crowd (if you don't need proofing/e-commerce with your website, look elsewhere - you can get much better for cheaper!) I signed up without really knowing how well their proofing worked but was made promises of their new platform that was to come. It has now been released and I'm in an even worse position. I sell fine art photography and need to be able to sell easily from my website. First off, you can't even sell 2 of the same products (canvases for example) to one customer in an order. Their cart process is so confusing and clunky, I am almost embarrassed to present it to my clients. There are other issues that might matter to portrait and wedding photographers like the fact that you can't offer full res digital downloads, there is no lab integration, you can't offer crop previews, no customization on print orders like paper type... all of these things are available with the other major proofing companies online. I will give credit where credit is due, Photobiz has good customer support. They answer the phone and are always willing to help. The problem is that they are working with a very limited design, they lack fundamental features that are necessary for photographers to have what they really need. I can tell this company was not created by photographers because there are too many things that have been overlooked. I have talked with them extensively to resolve my issues and they can't get it done. I think their platform works for new photogs or at least those new to the online game. There is no way it works for seasoned folks who have had online proofing before. Their competition blows them out of the water. I'm sorry to say I've wasted a year with them. Do your homework before you sign up.