Q. How should I protect my photos while they’re in transit?
A. Package your photos well using hard cardboard on all sides to provide a solid shell for your photos. We also recommend you use a plastic zip-loc baggies to contain each section of photographs to protect them during the delivery process.
Q. How safe is it to send my photos in the mail?
A. We request that you ship your materials using a service that enables you and RoyalOak Media to track your package, such as Federal Express or UPS. If you have a choice we always recommend FedEx over UPS or USPS. They are the most reliable and take the best care of packages. And always insure your package. We also ask that you require a signature upon delivery to RoyalOak Media to ensure that your package is promptly logged in and we can immediately notify you via e-mail that it has arrived safely. We will return your materials in exactly the same way and notify you as to what day to expect its arrival.
Q. How do I know you will return my photos in the same condition as you received them?
A. Our clients’ photographs are irreplaceable. We take every precaution when dealing with your photographs. We handle your pictures as if they were our own. We leave them in the packaging until it is time to scan them and then we carefully place them back in the envelope. When we return them, they are shipped in a padded photographic envelope and your package is assigned a tracking number that will allow you to track the location of your photographs. We also suggest that you send us your doubles, if you do not have the negatives. You can have doubles made at Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club for a very low price. If you are sending us your pictures on cd, make sure you have a copy. Many clients prefer to scan their own photos or have them scanned at a local photo lab (Wal-Mart’s photo labs usually have the best prices), to avoid having to send their pictures through the mail. We accept photos in .jpg or .bmp format. Giving us digital photographs is often more convenient and will accelerate the design of your video album.
Q. Will I get my pictures back?
A. Certainly! Once your pictures are scanned into our system, we will return your photographs along with your DVD Slideshow. We also use photo gloves when handling your pictures to ensure they stay in the condition in which we have received them.
Q. Can I send you digital photos and videos?
A. Yes. There are several ways you can transfer digital photos and videos to us. But please don’t email them to us. The easiest way is for you to buy a small USB thumb drive and drag your digital files onto it. Then just mail the drive to us. You can also send us your digital files over the Internet using online storage such as Dropbox, Box, Shutterfly, File Locker, YouSendMe, etc. We like to use Dropbox because it’s easy to use. Here’s how it works. You email us to say you want to send us your digital files. We will send you an email with a link to our shared folder. When you get the email click on the link to upload your photos. We do the rest. We will work with you to find the easiest way to get your files to us.
