If you’ve ever wondered about why, when, or how you should use an online photo printing service, then these questions and answers are for you!
“Why should I use an online photo printing service?”
Since the dawn of the digital age taking pictures has never been the same. With a digital camera you can take tons of photos and store them however you want. One of the most immediate drawbacks to this, however, has been in printing digital photos. Most of the time people are left with hundreds of photos on their computer and no prints or photo albums to share with friends and family. This is changing, however, with the services provided by online photo sharing companies. These companies allow you to upload your photos directly to their websites; edit, crop, and personalize the photos; and then order inexpensive, quality prints or share them in online albums. If your digital camera has left you missing beautiful photo prints, then online photo printing services are just what you need.
“What kinds of services do online photo printing companies provide?”
Every online photo printing service is different, but many of them offer various services. They do this to gain your business. In general, they allow you to upload your digital photos and order quality prints in various quantities and sizes. Many of them also have some basic editing options, such as black-and-white (and/or sepia-and-white), cropping, red-eye removal, borders, and written messages. Some, such as Shutterfly and Snapfish, also allow you to invite friends and family to view your photos in online albums. They also have stores where you can find gift ideas and other ways to print your photos, such as on Christmas cards, posters, coffee mugs, mouse pads, and more.
“How much do online photo printing services cost?”
Most online photo printing services offer free sign-up, so it doesn’t cost you anything to open an account. For 4×6 prints (the standard for comparison), prices generally range from 12¢ to 29¢ apiece. Some services also offer package or prepaid deals that can lower the per-print cost. You will also need to pay for shipping, which depends on the number prints (or the type of gifts or other items) you order. The average for a shipment of 25 size 4×6 prints is about $2.50. Some services also offer gifts and other items at various prices. Editing options, such as red-eye removal and cropping, are usually free.
“Do online photo printing services offer any discounts or incentives?”
Most online photo stores offer a number of free prints just for signing up, including Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Kodak Gallery. They also offer occasional or seasonal discounts, free print coupons, and other offers.
“Which online photo printing service should I use?”
Each photo service is different, so only you can know which one is right for you. But to get an idea of how some of the different printing companies work, what services they offer, and how others have rated them, check out our reviews.
