What do you do when....

[Gina Geigley]

you have people complaining to you about another photographer and it's someone that you sort of know?

Basically treating them badly, not holding up to their end of the deal, putting them off....etc.

Any advice? At first it was one of their clients, but recently another has contacted me.

[Aric C. Hoek]

Tell the friend what is happening asap. It is the right thing to do. Ask them to let you know when the issues are resolved so it is safe for you to start referring business to them again.

[Gina Geigley]

But what if you're not really "friends"... I'm not even sure how to approach them...had their clients saying they were going to report them to the BBB.

[Aric C. Hoek]

Well, as a professional I think that I would still aproach them. At the very least with an email. They may be totally unaware of what is happening and be very thankful. In return, you may find that you have created a good referral source for yourself.

Would you want another photographer to contact you if they were hearing what you are hearing? Would that information be valuable?

I know if I got that call, I would take the photographer out to lunch and then contact all of the disgrunteled clients one at a time and resolve the issues.

Acomplaining client is doing nothing more than giving you the opportunity to make them a happy client.

[HeatherLou]

Its hard to say, not know HOW you know this person or what the relationship is, but I would approach it in a friendly manner, "Hey ya know, I'm had a client of yours call me, is everything okay with you? They were kinda upset and just wanted to check on you and see if you were doing okay, cuz the story i got didnt sound like you" and so on and so on. As for your reaction to the client, I follow the, if you cant say something nice, dont say anything at all. Tell them that you know that photog, and its really unexpected from them. Or, "im really sorry you had that happen to you, why dont you come see me on....and we'll see if we cant get you what you want"

[JoeBannon]

I hate secrets. I'm open, I wish other people would be too. Well, I'm not completely open about my thoughts. But if someone was saying something about me, I'd want to know.... no matter how bad.

[Michelle Allmon]

I agree with everyone here, I would tell the photog. I wouldn't give them the client's names, but they do need to know.

[JoeBannon]

I would also tell the clients that they need to talk to him, I wont be an owl (Harry Potter reference).

[Dsheree]

I have a photographer bad mouthing me. Why I haven't figured it out. However, his customers come to me not saying nice things.

Who knows. I can't confront him because I would blow my top. However, in your situation I would give them a call.

[ShaneKislack]

I'm on the "keep your mouth shut" side. Don't argue or agree with the customer...just do your job. All that will happen is the photog will give you his side and viola...you're now a mediater.

[Kathi]

I tend to agree with Aric. Pull them aside and let them know. If it is a TPFer and you know who they are without knowing them, maybe consider sending them a PM. However you do it, you need to let them know that so-n-so person has come to you and said whatever they said, that you felt they should be aware so that they could resolve the issue.

[Clayton Wallace]

1. Tell them, from there it is their responsibility.
2. Be professional at all times. You may gain a friend or a professional contact (always two sides to every story).

My first thought was actually, "whew, I'm glad I don't know Gina!" No offense towards you, Gina...