Why passport pictures are so expensive at the neighborhood stores? Is this the only alternative?

Question

I need to renew passport issued 11 years ago - expired last year. Last time,there were designated photography shops that offerred packages; first 2 required for passport at certain fixed charge, additional copies (needed for visas for some countries) at certain incremental rates. The photo technology has advanced since then. So have the charges. My inquiry for rates at some of the places resulted in quotes between $8 -$12 per first set (2 copies), additional copies at the same rate.
---The state dept. is very much justified for the stringent rules.
---The post office is justified charging higher rate for pictures -they are doing a great favor to the applicant who did not bring along the required pictures.
The open competition between closely located neighborhood stores should drive the prices down in favor of consumers - unless this is a price fixing between so called competitors. This is late for me but - Any alternatives to this HIGHWAY ROBBERY?

Answer 1

Ok, so that comes out to like a $1 a year? So how is that expensive, or are you one of those gubment cheese people who thinks everything should be free?

Answer 2

In the West Yorkshire town where I was born there is still an old fashioned cobbler and, apart from the fact he now does key cutting also, it hasn't changed very much. In the town where I live now, hundreds of miles away from Yorkshire, there is also a cobbler and he also does key cutting. Perhaps this is something extra they have taken on because fewer people buy expensive shoes which are worth having repaired these days. If this keeps their business going, good for them. They provide 2 good services to the public. One thing I have noticed, regarding shoe repairs, is that it seems impossible to buy stick-on soles so that anyone wishing to do so can repair their own shoes. I used to stick them onto suitable NEW shoes to make them last much longer - rather than as a repair once worn out. Until about a year ago I could buy them (and the glue) from Wilkinson's and that was the only place I could get them. Now even Wilkinson's have removed them from sale.

Answer 3

Not enough business to justify cutting prices. It's not like there is a line waiting to get passport pictures. Most stores do it as a side business and could care less if someone undercuts them.

Alternatives, sure, take your own picture, have it developed and then cut it to size. A lot of work to save a couple of dollars.

Answer 4

Whats the big deal? How often do you renew a passport? Every 10 years.

Answer 5

Aren't there photo booths anywhere near you? I've seen them, but they aren't around where I live.

Kinko's is probably about the same as what you were quoted.

Here's something I found on line but I haven't looked into it:

http://www.epassportphoto.com/Wizard.aspx?country=US&photo=0

Answer 6

I work at a CVS Pharmacy Photo Lab. I know they charge a flat fee of $7.99 for a set of 6 2x2 pictures..

Answer 7

I paid $3 at a photo store, but I wouldn't call $8 "highway robbery."

Answer 8

Check out Walgreen's Drug Stores in your area. I think they do them for a lot less.

Answer 9

go to drug store 'chains', but your not helping the 'mom & pop' stores that are strugling to stay in bussiness.

Answer 10

Try the photographer at your local Walmart. My husband got his done there and I think it only cost him $6.00