Printed Photo Book Suggestions

[DisneyBeagle]

I am interested in having a bunch of childhood photos printed into a book. I am looking for a company that allows you to upload the photos to their website and arrange the photos in pre-designed layouts. I would then like to have the pages printed into a hard cover book. I know that websites such as Shutterfly provide these services, but I'm looking for any personal recommendations from fellower Disers. Any suggestions?

 

[kbonner]

I have only ever used Shutterfly for this purpose. I really enjoy the books that I have made with them.

 

[InMemory]

Have done many but always used Shutterfly.

 

[Maddie2]

I've used Snapfish & Shutterfly and far prefer Shutterfly. I've done 15-20 books and my family loves them!

 

[ateam79828592]

mixbook is my favorite. I probably have close to 40 books for my kids / vacations....and have used a number of sites. mixbook is my favorite by far.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I have done Snapfish and Shutterfly and I prefer Shutterfly.

They also usually have good coupons too.

 

[3boymthr]

For simplicity of use and a value price I prefer Shutterfly and Snapfish.

For an exceptional book where price is not an object and quality is the goal then Picaboo is the way to go but Picaboo is for an advanced user with an exceptional sense of color and pattern coordination (and deep pockets - expect to pay WAY more than you would Shutterfly for the same size book).

ETA - if you have 250 mycokereward points you can get a free 8x11 book at shutterfly.

 

[nydancemom]

I used Shutterfly before Christmas and made a 110 page book with 425 photos of our once in a lifetime trip to Korea. I had never made a book before, used their "trip/travel" template since I was nervous about doing anything customized, and the books came out awesome! I was able to use 50% off code and free shipping, thankfully, because the books were so long that it was still a chunk of change to make 5 of them.

 

[ljcrochet]

Winkflash epically when they have their flat book sale.

 

[3boymthr]

Winkflash epically when they have their flat book sale.

I got a book once from Winkflash and that is it once. They were having a special so I gave them a try - I think it only cost me about $10 plus shipping but it was supposed to be a Christmas present. I ordered the book in early October. They sent the book after about 6 weeks and it arrived with pages that were upside down and the color on the photos was wonky (red was orange, blue was green) and trying to get a hold of someone to correct the problem was a nightmare. It took three weeks for someone to respond to my messages and when they did respond they didn't believe me. They wanted me to mail the book back, but it was going to be on my dime and I had to mail it back insured with a signature required and it was going to cost me as much as the book cost to mail it back. I offered to take photos and email them so they could see the problem but this was not acceptable. I ended up giving up and giving the person a different gift. Very disappointing. I have not dealt with them since.

 

[Pooh2]

I have done a few books with Shutterfly when I've gotten really great coupon codes but I mostly usually Blurb.

Blurb frequently had discounts codes. Blurb quality keeps me coming back. I've done quite a few books with Blurb, twice I had an issue (a cover printed too dark, or with a color cast), they immediately sent out a new copy after I sent them a photo of the problem. They are great about standing behind their work.

 

[ljcrochet]

I got a book once from Winkflash and that is it once. They were having a special so I gave them a try - I think it only cost me about $10 plus shipping but it was supposed to be a Christmas present. I ordered the book in early October. They sent the book after about 6 weeks and it arrived with pages that were upside down and the color on the photos was wonky (red was orange, blue was green) and trying to get a hold of someone to correct the problem was a nightmare. It took three weeks for someone to respond to my messages and when they did respond they didn't believe me. They wanted me to mail the book back, but it was going to be on my dime and I had to mail it back insured with a signature required and it was going to cost me as much as the book cost to mail it back. I offered to take photos and email them so they could see the problem but this was not acceptable. I ended up giving up and giving the person a different gift. Very disappointing. I have not dealt with them since.

That is crazy. I have ordered multiple books from them without any issue. Last time I had the book in less than a week.

I have had to have shutterfly replace books since the pages fell out.

 

[Dasha Hermosilla]

Shutterfly.

I think all companies will occasionally have problems in the printing, but it's more important how they respond IMO. I have ordered many many shutterfly books and on the times there was a problem, they never questioned me and immediately sent a new book (often expedited shipping it to me). I have even complained about a book that was over 6 months old (I had not noticed the flaw in the picture) and they reprinted it no problem. They also never make me return the old book, which is nice b/c that is just an annoying hassle.

 

[nunzia]

I've used Snapfish and Shutterfly. Am currently making several massive ones with Snapfish..mainly because I can get ebates with them and they always have sales to make their prices bettter.

 

[Alesia]

Blurb has the best quality books, hands down.

 

[DisneyBeagle]

Wow, thanks for all of the suggestions. I am going to take a look at all of the companies that everyone mentioned.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I have used both Shutterfly and Picaboo. Picaboo gets my vote, hands down .

 

[3boymthr]

Shutterfly.

I think all companies will occasionally have problems in the printing, but it's more important how they respond IMO. I have ordered many many shutterfly books and on the times there was a problem, they never questioned me and immediately sent a new book (often expedited shipping it to me). I have even complained about a book that was over 6 months old (I had not noticed the flaw in the picture) and they reprinted it no problem. They also never make me return the old book, which is nice b/c that is just an annoying hassle.

Yeah, my big issue wasn't that there was a problem. These things happen. You can order from anyone and have something arrive broken, colors off, etc. My issue was their response. It was just not acceptable, especially when you compare them to shutterfly, where the one time I had an issue they helped me out right away and gave me a credit.