PHOTO PSE - 10/23 - Elks Loge Wayne, NJ
Danielle Elizabeth Letsche
(Konrad, I'm sending this to your personal email too in case I have the wrong group director email? Please let me know if this is correct!)
Total gold: 24
Sellable Frames Sent out: 24*gold*+27
# of frames sold: 10
singles sold: 2
Cash: $180
Credit Card: $40
Total: $220
Any issues: Where do I begin...
Damaged Frames? None
Number of frames remaining: about 1/2 a box (definitely needs refilling)
Ink/paper sets remaining: Needs refilling. I didn't count, but I know it's low. Maybe there's 1 or 2 ink things left and probably 4 paper rolls.
I confirm everything was locked/returned/put away: Yes, thanks to the wonderful actors on the show who stepped up and helped pack everything while I dealt with a whole slew of other photo issues.
Tablet, card readers, and $180 in cash was left with Greg.
-After printing about 2/3 of the gold circle pics, there was a message on the printer that I needed to refill ink and/or paper. I went downstairs to get another of both (since I was told you always change both at the same time.) I swapped it out with no problems and printing resumed as normal. But after about 20 more pictures printed, the machine freaked out and a picture printed terribly (see photo attatched.) I can't imagine this was because I refilled it wrong since at least 15-20 pictures printed fine before this happened. I took the ink cartridge back out and the film was split down the middle. I tried replacing just that but got another note that something was wrong so I ended up replacing the paper again too. So after putting brand new paper and ink in, I had to replace both almost immediately. Things were printing fine again but then after a few more pictures, it happened a second time. So once again I had to replace brand new ink and paper. So tonight I opened 2 new packets of ink and paper.
- There was a tricky situation with a large party, only part of which was gold. Different members of the group came up to get their pictures taken but all jumped into one another's photos. It was difficult to ascertain the right amount of photos to print as well as what combo to put in frames. This came together by the end and the family was actually really kind and understanding since they realized they created some confusion. Ultimately everyone got frames who needed it, and one additional frame was purchased. However this wasn't able to be sorted until after the show.
- As usual, many people asked to take pictures with their phones. I told them no but caught a few sneaking pictures anyway, as though I were an idiot! I again asked that they put their phones away but I find this getting harder to regulate. I also had a number of rude people give me a lot of attitude for the price.
- People were late coming in and it took forever to get pictures done. Even with starting late to accommodate as many people as possible there were still a few who missed the boat.
- The tablet was not logged into square and I couldn't get on until after the show. A few people were able to pay cash instead because they didn't want to wait, but I think we definitely lost at least 1 sale because of the inconvenience. Even once we did log in it took ages. We had to take credit card info down manually from 2 guests and input the info after they left so they didn't have to wait around forever. Before leaving I was able to sort it out and get the proper amounts in- cash and card- but it was not without major hassle.
- I am beyond grateful to Alberta, Christian, Kate and even Alison who despite being unfamiliar with the photo situation jumped right in to help me sell while Greg was running the show. They all ended up going to tables. Then when the show was over and we still had issues getting credit cards Greg also stepped in and helped with sales. It was a real team effort and I would have completely lost my mind without them all!
- A very nice situation happened- a kind gold circle couple got there a little late and missed the photos. The gentleman pulled me aside and said "my wife and I are gold and we're supposed to have our picture included but we have plenty of photos...there's a young couple at our table and I'd like to just pass that on to them so they can get their picture." This man was my hope for humanity in an otherwise miserable night!
- I know I usually say at the end of my photo PSE's that I'd like to never do photos again, and after tonight I really think I need a break from it! I appreciate the opportunity to work but this was such a struggle, not to mention I know my photos never look that great (shaky hands!) Please keep me away from photos and printers whenever possible! I hate to whine but after tonight I think it's warranted!
Best,
Dani
