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Registration Policies?
First Photo I Class FREE
If you don't like the free 90-minute workshop or the first Photo I class: NO CHARGE, NO OBLIGATION, NO SALESPERSON WILL EVER CALL!
We will not accept your money for Classes until after you have sampled the goods.
For 33 years I managed the Jane Addams Center/Hull House Photography Program. Because we were a Not-for-profit (501c3), I always thought we were obligated to treat people a little different, a little better than other places.
Now places will only let you in after they get your money and if you don't like the class they say "sorry no refunds." and/or "We will let you try another class but we will not return your money!" and/or Oh, "if WE cancel the class for our own reason, you still won't get you your money back!" One place promises the first class free and after a few hours they wear you down and they try not to let you leave until you give them your credit card (we don't even accept credit cards).
Below is a sample of this kind of registration policy.
Please pre-register so we know if we have enough people to run the class. We reserve the right to cancel any class due to insufficient attendance. Registration may be made online, over the phone, or in person during office hours. Fees must be paid in full and in advance. Refunds are not available, except when a class is canceled, in which case we offer a credit for another session or class. We do not provide refunds for students who wish to withdraw from a class. We are a non-profit 501c3 and we depend on your support.
Charge you for looking??? These days, even used car dealers will give you your money back if you don't drive off the lot.
So what's going on? Does this kind of policy seem right to you? Is it even legal to do business this way?
We don't know? But we do know that we will never do business that way.
We will not even take your money until after you have sampled the goods.
If you don't like the free 90-minute workshop or the first Photo I class: NO CHARGE, NO OBLIGATION, NO SALESPERSON WILL EVER CALL!
All we can say about the other places – they are not places I would go to – for anything.
For decades, Richard has established the most recognized photography programs in Chicago and the Midwest, in both Film and Digital, attracting more than 25,000 students. Over five decades, each of his students have spent a minimum of 40 hours each, in his class and/or darkroom and/or computer Lab. The simple math reveals that Richard has provided more than a million hours of photography instruction to those 25,000. So Richard and his fellow teachers don't need to impress you. They're here to teach you, to help you learn and grow and find your own unique artistic center.
At Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes, our only accent is on learning! We won't try to sell you a "membership," or caps and t-shirts with our logo. We won't ask you for contributions, or charge you to attend a Show Opening party and no meaningless certificates. We will teach and work with you, in a safe and nurturing community, where you will learn something every time you walk through the door.
At Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography classes.
No Certificates, No Powerpoint's, No DVD's and No Hyperbole
Our guarantee: Laughter will be Heard & Learning will Occur ;-)
