Thomas Street Studios / Hype Digital / Polo Models review: A service that has never been fulfilled

My first encounter with the above company (Thomas Street Studios) followed shortly after a photoshoot, no contact had been made with the above company as the first point of call was with Polo Models. I did not realise that I was entering into a contract for much less for something that I have never received.

Polo Models approached me following a submission of a photograph congratulating me and ask me to attend Hype Digital (London) for a photoshoot - a £50 deposit was asked for no-show. The attendance for this photoshoot was free and at no cost.

The photo session felt like I was just one of many that had been photographed before. However the makeup artist was friendly and kind and was experienced.

There was no mention of Thomas Street Studios at that time or at any other time and it was not pointed out to me that I had entered into a contract with Thomas Street Studios based in Manchester.

On the day (June 2022) I was persuaded to enter into a pre-contractual agreement and the contract could not been cancelled once I had left the studio. On the day I paid £500 in cash and full payment of £2,500 was to follow within the timeframe agreed at the time of the interview. No goods and services would be available until I paid for full value of £3,000. This was paid by the end of July 2022.

Things that were wrong:

I was told in December 2022 that the consultation fee to see an employee was included in the full payment (after the event in December 5 months after the photoshoot) although it was sent in writing that it was free and no charge was to be made.

No written contract was provided prior to full payment, although the contract - I believe would not be upheld due to its silence of what goods and services are offered. This contract is subjective and not actionable due to the aggressive practices by withholding and limiting redress at a later date until full payment was made therefore further hiding its deceptive practices.

Unable to cancel any part of the transaction once leaving the premises (this is unlawful)

There has never been a full description of goods and services in writing. I have requested for this information but nothing has followed. I have not heard back from the company when requests have been made for this information back in December 2022.

I have not received photographs as expected.

No service has been provided by way of a complete and functional website and;

the model support service from the agency has not been forthcoming, in fact it never existed as indicated by Polo Models on its website which no longer exists “to support the model on an ongoing basis until successful.”

This website was taken down following my complaint to my credit card company (screenshots of the website have been retained if and when future litigation commences to retrieve all my money back because of aggressive practices under the Consumer Protection)

The company is offering regulated financial products (FCA) that they (Thomas Street) are unauthorised to provide, therefore, the consumer is instantly at a disadvantage as the businesses’ practice cannot be challenged leaving the company to set it own rules and practices with regard to payments and the strict adherence by Financial Conduct Authority.