I rejuvenated this thread of couple of weeks ago, trying to make a decision on who to use for getting photos printed.
I went with Aldi as they were the best value, but the saying is true, you get what you pay for! They are a shambles.
My order consisted of a mixtures of photos at a 3:4 ratio (standard digital camera ratio) and photos at a traditional 2:3 ratio. I selected the "Classic" option which Aldi have on their site and in their software, which means your prints will be at a traditional 2:3 ratio, and cropped if necessary to fit this ratio.
While uploading my photos, the software showed that the photos which were at a 3:4 ratio would be cropped top and bottom (indicated by red hatch markings). I was happy with this as this is what I wanted.
However, the Aldi software and/or printers are obviously not able to cope with an order of varying photo ratios, because sure enough, my order arrived with some photos at 2:3 and some at 3:4, which results in them not all being the same size. Not much use if you want to put them all in the same album.
I have been in touch with their customer service by phone and email numerous times now. I can only assume Aldi (or Medion Electronics who are the actual company who run the service) have somehow managed to train monkeys to speak on the phone and write emails, because I have never dealt with a worse team of customer service agents in my life. They are braindead.
They insist on trying to explain to me why different cameras have different aspect ratios and that the photos are printed at their relevant aspect ratios etc. Information that I already know and which is besides the point. They seem completely oblivious to what the FAQ on their own website states (such as, if you select Classic option, your photos will be cropped to a 2:3 ratio). It really has been a frustrating experience.
The first agent I spoke to told me to return my order and I would be refunded. He said there is no need for me to pay the postage and to simply mark the package "return to sender" and cross out my address. However, the package was sent from the UK and therefore is covered in Royal Mail postage logos etc. So when I brought it to the post office yesterday they said it was no use and I would have to pay the postage.
Speaking to another agent today, he told me the same story. I tried to explain to him that I am in Ireland and the package will probably never get to them if I just stick it in the post. He told me it would be fine and to just do it. I don't believe him!
After my 4th phonecall in two days, along with emails, I finally managed to get a customer service agent who at least recognised that there is a bit of an international postage issue here and that I can't just write return to sender on the package. He is currently looking into it and will get back to me. I'm not holding out on hearing from them!
I think I'll just cut my losses and move on to a different photo printer.
So you have been warned people. If you are going to be doing anything remotely complicated with your order I would stay away from Aldi photos. In fact, just stay away from them full stop. And god help you if you need to contact their customer service!
