Lifetouch review: Lifetouch photography ordering and delivery

This is the only company that seems to offer photographic services in schools for our area and they are the absolute WORST. I am not sure why the schools continue to use them as they are abysmal, rushing the kids through the photo sessions, and only taking ONE shot. I wouldn't choose to use them except that I am forced to. Every year for the last 12 years has been agonizing dealing with them, and I curse them repeatedly as not one of my orders in all those years has been hassle-free.

Their online site is difficult to navigate and anything I've learned is through trial and error, plus every year they change it up. Most difficult to find is their Customer Service number which doesn't help in any case, as their lines are always busy, likely dealing with all the disgruntled customers they have to deal with.

Finally, they send the physical photos loose inside the mailer so the pictures are still bent on delivery. They should be placed inside a plastic bag with a piece of cardboard, then taped shut so the pictures are not banging around. And their digital photos, which should be the easiest to get, don't arrive for weeks after the physical ones. Plus this year I didn't even get my digital image, other than the StaySafe one. Forcing me to place a call to their support line and wait on hold for several minutes before finding out their offices were already closed! And even though there is a partnership with Shutterfly, it appears that Shutterfly is unable to help with the Lifetouch issues, so what's the point of the partnership?

I am not asking for anything unreasonable, I just want access to my kid's photos in good shape and in good time. If that isn't possible, then I'd like to be able to talk to someone to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, Lifetouch doesn't feel they need to operate during hours when clients in areas they service can actually get a hold of them!