Our family doesn't always order obituaries but when we do, we use Mays! The city's first black-owned printing company opened in 1946. J. Caulton was a Tuskegee airman! Mays closed in 2011. MCS Multimedia is the "legacy family company" ran by his granddaughter, Elizabeth.
Initially, MCS was professional but pricey! Over $500 for 150 '11x7' obituaries with 11 pics (including cover). There's a 10% discount for using Cole funeral home. I thought it would be worth it and honestly, I didn't see many options.
It was a rush order so I was charged a $50 expedited fee and assured they could handle it. I sent in the requested docs and never got a proof. Friday morning I offered to come in. Jazmine said to wait for the proof which would be sent by 11:00 am. It was emailed at 4:53 pm. They close at 5 and are not open on weekends.
The proof was ghastly! It wasn't aesthetically pleasing because no-one bothered to ask what I wanted. There were several grammatical errors that I didn't make. They cut what I wrote and pasted it over the last customer's obituary. So there were words and entire sentences that didn't belong.
It took several calls to reach someone and then Jazmine was rude and rushing me. I asked for a manager and spoke with Elizabeth. The email said to submit all changes at one time or you'll be charged. But the entire obituary needed editing. How would I know which background template to choose without seeing examples? The size, color and font of the lettering? Their website certainly didn't help.
So I hightailed it to Mays. You'd think a print shop would have a large sign pointing to where they are located. Nope, I drove around the office park for 15 minutes completely lost. Once inside, Elizabeth never greeted me nor apologized for her rude staff, horrendous proof or for sending it right before closing. MCS made a stressful situation even worse.
I sat down with LaTanya, the graphic designer, who was a lifesaver! THREE hours and several reprints later, we'd created a beautiful program for my loved one! LaTanya was patient and she listened. I really appreciated her staying late to help me. Elizabeth was working late anyway printing off obits. (FYI Please proof your order because what you submit may look perfect but their printer may darken pictures or change the margins.) It took so long that I missed a floral appointment and dinner but I was grateful it was over and happy with the result. All's well that ends well, right?
Except I was overcharged $40 for 7 extra pics! I emailed and got no response. When I called, Jazmine said I originally sent 17 photos which was untrue. I sent and used 10. Then she said I could get a "credit" towards thank you cards or obituaries. Umm no, please refund my card. Eventually, Elizabeth agreed to mail a check since this is 1988. Fine, I was just relieved it was over. But it wasn't. Two weeks later I received a check for $38.14 instead of $40. Who does that?!
But for LaTanya, MCS would get zero stars. It was a headache from start to finish and I was treated like they were doing me a favor. I would only recommend MCS if you are wealthy, have no choice and are able to create your work in person and proof it with a fine tooth comb. Even then, don't expect good customer service and check your receipt. read more