(This post is not sponsored, nor does Shutterfly even know I’m writing it…I’m just a huge fan.)

I first started having photo products made through Walmart.com, mainly because I could run into the store and pick it up, and it was quick and cheap. For the most part, I’ve been happy with them (except for the faux canvas prints…very cheap looking). I tried Shutterfly for the main reason that there are always free offers. I believe my first project was a free photo book, I just paid like $7.99 for shipping. (I’m always a little cautious when something is free except you pay shipping, but in this case, it’s totally worth it.)

So far I’ve used their free offers to get two photo books, free prints, a free calendar, and I have a set of free magnets on the way. (And yes, I’ve purchased things from them too.) Their photo books are pretty awesome. I’ve spent so much time scrapbooking, and I love the three dimensional aspect of it, (even though I’m not very good at it), but these printed ones look very professional.

I’ve also been impressed with their cards and print quality. I thought my photo printer was pretty decent until I saw the same prints side-by-side. Huge difference.

I purchased a mug for my mom for Christmas with family pictures and she loved it…It was a lot more vibrant than the walmart.com one I got around the same time.

My favorite by far has been the calendar I got last week. I really only got it because it was a free offer, but the quality blew me away. Unfortunately, I can’t post pictures because the calendar is a gift (that hasn’t been given yet), and most of the other things I’ve gotten have also been gifts.

I know there’s something to be said about having things done locally, and for the most part, I agree that local, handcrafted things are better, but for the quality and price I couldn’t be happier with Shutterfly. (I think if you were to pay full price plus the full shipping, then prices would be a little high, but with all of the free offers, you can’t really go wrong.)

They always have sales going on and from what I can find, they are currently running two promotions (there was an offer for 101 free prints that ended yesterday…whomp):

• Free mousepad with purchase using code MOUSEMENOT Good thru 9/30
• Free 20-Page 8″x8″ Photo Book with code SUMMERBOOK. Only pay for shipping ($7.99) Good thru 9/11.

Here is a link to their promo page to check all of their current offers. Plus, they post a lot of special deals via their Twitter page and Instagram.

 

Have you ever used online printing for photo gifts, or business cards? Or do you prefer to shop locally?