February 2014

Wal-Mart Photo vs Original File

// Author: Lauren // 0 Comments

Any of my clients can tell you, when you recieve a gallery from me with your download code, I always include a paragraph in the email warning you against ordering photos at Wal-Mart or any other local lab. I always highly suggest Mpix.com or ordering through me.

Mpix.com is a very nice option, as they have very reasonable prints at a higher quality than Wal-Mart (and other local stores). Typically once you place your order, you will receive your package within 5-7 days. I have always experienced very quick results, 3-5 days. I also suggest I could provide you a print cost list from my professional lab – this has never gone over too well because all the emailing involved would be more difficult than most would enjoy (including myself). {I plan on addressing a much better new ordering option at the end of this post}

Well, I am sure many people can agree – the temptation of Wal-Mart is always there, in the back of our minds. No shipping cost, local pick up, low prices, ready the same day – Well now I have proof why you need to avoid this temptation!

Last week – I had a to-do list a mile long. I had promised a loyal customer a donation for a good cause, but due to computer and printer problems, I had not sent my order off to my professional printer in time. In order to avoid a large over night cost I thought “oh what the heck, I’ll just do Wal-Mart this one time“… Well below you have a comparison of the files I sent and the files I received.

{Please take note, when I scanned these printed files into my computer I made no adjustments. I simply made sure that the photo properly displayed the photo print I received}

"Walmart

"Walmart

"Walmart

"Walmart

"Walmart

"Walmart

"Walmart

Now that you see the side by side comparison – you directly see “you get what you pay for.But is this a fair statement? You pay a photographer for a professional crisp edited file to be delivered. Then you pay good money to have them printed. Would you be satisfied with paying a slightly lower cost and receiving the photos I have shown above? I know personally, I ordered 12 wallets and one 5×7 which totalled $10.39. To me, $10 is alot of money for the type of prints I received (just my personal opinion).

Therefore, I took action right away – because clients have told me in the past they wish I had an easier option to order professional prints through my lab. So now I am happy to announce, I have added a store to all my galleries. Below is an example of exactly how future galleries will look and the step by step ordering process. {Past clients – continue reading on how you can have your gallery reloaded and receive 25% off your order}

"Pixieset
^ Step 1: Log into your gallery with the link and password provided.

"Pixieset
^Step Two: Select the image on which you would like to place an order and click on “buy photo” above the photo.

"Pixieset
^ Step 3: Scroll to the size you desire and increase the quantity. Then either continue shopping or view your cart.

"Pixieset
^ Step 4: Once you have placed your full order in your cart with all the images you desire, Completely fill out the billing and shipping information & Do NOT forget to enter your coupon code, if I have provided you with one.

Once your order is placed, it is sent directly to the lab – so please double check your work, it is not guarteened that any mistakes can be corrected once your order is submitted. The lab will then print and ship you your order directly. Once your order ships, you will receive an email with a tracking notification.

I am beyond thrilled to be able to offer this to my clients, yet I have not forgotten about my past clients. If you have had a session with me anytime from 2010 – February 2014 and would like to order prints – please email me and I will send you a link to a 3 day gallery (let me know in advance you want this loaded for a current day) with a 25% off (total order) coupon code!

One last note: I plan to follow up with a side by side comparison of Wal-Mart vs Mpix vs Professional Lab prints. Look for this in the next week or two, as I have placed my order this evening and will share my results as soon as possible.

I cannot thank you all enough for your support of my growing business over the last few years. I hope to continue to grow and expand in the future.