First, a brief background. I have been in Bangalore since 2006 and have printed over 1200 snaps from GK Vale using both the stores and (for the last year or so) their online service. Initially their quality was excellent and they also provided value added services like quite a decent free album for prints. When their online service ( gkvale.com) was launched, their service became even better - the print quality was still the same and print costs were further reduced. Along with the photos, they still provided free albums and the courier service was fast. Prints were provided in hard envelopes or (in case of large size prints) in cardboard tubes (the best way to transport large prints without bending/ creasing them).
Of course it was too good to last. For the last few times I have used their portal (starting late 2009), everything has deteriorated. First to go was the free album - no longer available with web orders. Too bad, but bearable. If that wasn’t enough, they decided to cut costs further by eliminating the cardboard cylinders. Instead they sent large prints in the normal soft envelopes (not even thick card-type envelopes). So a large 10x12 size print was delivered in creased and dented condition. Complaining to their branch (Indiranagar) wasn’t helpful - sorry, but we only deliver in soft envelopes, take it or leave it and we’re not liable for damages done by the courier either.
Then went the picture quality (in case you are unaware, the quality of a photograph can be hugely improved or worsened during printing) - the pictures started developing a washed-out look with dull colours. In case you’re wondering whether this was due to deteriorating photography skills/ equipment, at least in one case I had some images reprinted for my brother and the difference between the two sets was hugely evident.
The last straw was that their film printing has also gone to the dogs. I gave a negative (developed by GK Vale themselves) for printing and the final output was horrendous. Complained to the store (this time the Marathahalli branch near Purva Riviera) and their attitude was simply rude (they have moved past indifferent now).
So ends this review. I can only say that GK Vale was great while it lasted, but it didn’t last long enough. It’s still cheap, but that’s all you can say about it. Anybody has any suggestions for alternative photo printing sites/ stores which still take some pride in their work, do let me know.