Carlos Melnik Complaint

[Yari]

Happy to hear that it is working out in the end.

 

I think these threads are very important!!

[Kits55]

I am so happy for you. I would have been quite upset had the same situation happened to me. I think it's really cool that he communicated with you in Spanish so that you could practice, great idea! : )

 

I strongly believe that this thread adds to the forum and in no way takes away from it. Just like all threads, a person can choose to read it or refrain from reading it. Thank you for adding to the forum.

[kreeves42]

I think it is great to hear that Carlos worked things out with you. I have him booked for our wedding in September and this actually makes me more confident in my choice to book him as our photog. This shows that he truly does have good business ethics along with some amazing photography skills.

Good luck with your wedding in Cuba! I'm sure it will be a beautiful day!

[DanielleNDerek]

sounds like everything is working out. that's great

[smith3576]

I also appreciate being able to read these types of threads!

 

So happy things worked out for you!

[ashey063009]

Well-- I believe this will be the final update about this scenario:

 

Carlos and I e-mailed back and forth about four times following his posting on this thread. FOllowing our first and second e-mails I posted my final two responses, as a means of communicating to forum members, admin and vendors that he and I were working things out, that I was sorry for the miscommunication, and that we were trying to negotiate. He promptly read what I had written-- something I felt to be more than sufficient.

 

However, He responded with a third e-mail, insisting that my final two posts had not "cleared his name" and demanded that I make a public apology on the forum. He scripted out an apology for me to write -- verbadum-- on the thread, asking me to admit complete fault for this entire issue

(I felt this inappropriate, as I did not feel the situation to be entirely my error, nor did I feel it necessary to post anymore apology than I already had) I told him that forum members were pleased with the way in which this situation was being dealt with, and that my posts had made everyone clear that he and I were working things out.

 

I asked him to send me written confirmation that he was willing to talk about a potential refund -- in part-- of the deposit money. At this point, I would post his "official public apology" on the forum.

 

Until his posting on this thread-- which has been conveniently deleted--I had heard nothing from him in regards to his willingness to refund 50% of the deposit. He has been unable to reproduce the initial e-mail that he claims to have sent stating the same, and so I asked him to send me another e-mail stating his willingness to negotiate a potential partial refund.

 

I have heard nothing since.

 

So here it is; final thoughts:

 

Carlos is a talented photographer, but a weak businessman. His inability to concretely confirm any sort of negotation hopes with FI or myself, and his lack of follow through after posting on this forum was a disappointment as a client.

 

I would like to make it clear that I believe Carlos is a talented photog, and that I also understand that deposits are normally non-refundable. However, it was disappointing to see so many vendors allowing full or partial refunds to those clients affected by the Swine Flu issues, and that Mr. Melnik was unable to offer us any concrete commitment to negotiate, but was so willing to make me look like I was the one mistaken.

 

Furthering my dissapointment was his response to this thread with zero follow through. The amazing thing about this forum is that it allowed he and I the ability to reconnect and begin communicating after a clear misunderstanding, however, Mr. Melnik failed to capitalize on this opportunity to follow through on his stated offer to negotiate.

 

I believe that Mr. Melnik has realized the stength of this forum, and the importance of carrying a good name within it's members and admin. This is why I have posted this final statement. I hope that it gives any future clients some inside perspective into his business demeanor.

 

FI and I are dissapointed in the way in which this has ended, and at the lack of comunication that has ensued following my previous two posts. I would never recommend Carlos Melnik.

[stacey]

Ash, Thank you for you sharing your experience with the forum. This is another example on what a fabulous tool the forum is for brides.

[ashey063009]

Thanks for the clarification Maureen.

I had assumed it had something to do with his status, and meant only that it had been convenient for him that it was no longer posted. I should have mentioned that. Thanks!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA Maureen He did not delete his original post. It was deleted by the administration because he is not a paid vendor on this site and therefore not allowed to post.

[Kits55]

I am disappointed to hear the way things worked out for you and your fiance, or rather, didn't work out for you. I am kind of appalled at him writing an apology that he wanted YOU to post on here. I am turned off by his lack of communication and unwillingness to further work you and come to a compromise.

 

I think in this situation you've done the right thing; you've tried repeated contact, in a professional, straight forward manner and if that doesn't elicit a response then you can only review what you know about his business practices.

 

He is definitely a talented photographer from what I see on his website.

 

Thank you for posting the inside scoop!

[Bunsie3]

Thank you for sharing your experience and I am so sorry it worked out the way it did. I would also feel strongly about posting a scripted apology. That in no way, shape, or form is acceptable business practice. This forum is a wonderful tool for eager couples made all that much stronger by honest reviews of services and vendors such as the one you provided. I really appreciate your input and hope you can atleast take a little pleasure in knowing that you are helping other couples down the road in their decision making process.