devora
"Quality Photo Printing that Make for Nice, Inexpensive Projects & Gifts ;)"
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Quality Photo Printing that Make for Nice, Inexpensive Projects & Gifts ;)
-
Jul 24, 2009
- by devora
- posted in Shutterbugs
Rating:
I discovered Winkflash through Google about three years ago when it was still in its infant stage and was doling out a great deal to attract new customers. The deal was 100 free 4x6 prints per household, 6 cents a print thereafter and 99 cent shipping and handling no matter how many 4x6 prints were ordered. I read the specs on the paper and chemicals that they used and it all checked out with me, so being the best deal that I found on the net, I had to order.
+4
I ordered HUNDREDS of prints that ended up costing less than $20 after tax and shipping and handling, and it arrived just a couple of days later since they mailed it through USPS Priority. It was packaged nicely and the prints came out gorgeous. The zinger was that though they charged me 99 cents for the shipping, but I could see on the package label that the company actually paid $5 for it. I felt a little bad since they were a startup company and all, but now I realize that it was just their way of saying to customers, "Give us a chance. We wouldn't let you down", and let me down they have not. I've been ordering prints from them since then and referring friends and family to them, and believe it or not, even with their regular every day prices, Winkflash is still a great deal, by a landslide, compared other places that I've checked out, including Costco (and I say that as a Costco lover, too)!
Uploading Images
The layout of the site is pretty straight-forward and it's simple to navigate around the site. However, my biggest, and only gripe about the site is the tool in which I upload the pictures to the site on. It's frustrating enough that I have to give Winkflash a +4 instead of a +5. Through trial and error, I figured out that I can only upload about 30 MB at a time, yet the tool allows me to drag in as many photos as I want without warning. If I were to try to upload 40 or 50 MB, it would take about half an hour to upload, and only at the end of that half an hour would I get an error message saying that the photos were unable to upload and that it would automatically start over. Waste of time. Now when I upload, I only do 30 MB at a time because that's almost a guarantee that the photos will upload smoothly. I hope they change this and implement a tool like flickr's! Other than that, the rest of the site runs fine for me.
Products and Quality
Winkflash can make all sorts of neat things with photos, including postcards, books, canvas prints, posters, mugs, puzzles, ornaments.... And the list goes on. I never really felt the need to see a photo of mine on the t-shirt of a teddy bear nor on a pillow case, so I've only ever ordered prints from them. Winkflash uses Fuji paper and chemicals, and I like how they have matte paper. I approve. I make photo albums for my friends and families, and for the larger prints, I show them off in my photography class, or mat and frame them for gifts. Oh yeah, print orders also come with thumbnails!
Prices
They've always got some sort of deal going on. I'm on their mailing list so I'm always up-to-date on their discounts. My favorite is when they offer 4 and 6 cent prints 4x6 prints! Even when they're not on sale, they're still just 8 cents a print. Since I usually order hundreds of prints at a time, even with S&H, it's still cheaper than Costco by a landslide. Most places charge 12-18 cents a 4x6 print. Here's their regular price list.
Shipping and Handling
Winkflash's S&H rates are extremely reasonable. Here's a list of their S&H rates. Plus, they've got facilities printing all around the States now, so depending on what's ordered, they're usually printed at the facility closest to the shipping address. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, so my pictures usually arrive in a couple of days from San Leandro, CA. And my photos are always neatly packed in a sturdy cardboard envelope.
Yes, Winkflash is certainly a digital photographer's dream site ;)
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Post a Comment
Scotman
July 25, 2009
Great review, this is all good to know. Any idea how they compare with Snapfish or the Flickr photo application (I think it's called Qoop, not sure). Too bad about the upload limit. You would think they would tell you that in their FAQ page -- they do have one, right? If I want prints, I want to use my camera store's website which has a similar service but not these prices. I'll have to check if they have an upload limit. I'm sure you have heard of Adoph Gasser's, been around for decades.
devora
July 25, 2009
Thanks, Jim! Are you referring to the tool in which I upload pictures with? I've never used Snapfish before, but I haven't used an uploading tool better than flickr's. They do have a FAQs page, but I think it was meant to upload more than 30 MB. I should send in feedback! Yes, I've heard of Adoph Gasser before, I've read mixed reviews though. Back in the day, when I wanted really, really high quality prints right away, I'd go to Elephant Pharmacy, but they are no more :(
Scotman
July 25, 2009
I like Adophs but they're quite expensive. Good place to rent equipment and they do have a connection with the Academy of Art. Yeah, Winkflash probably could use your comments, especially from a high value customer!
Scotman
July 25, 2009
Snapfish and other online photo guys have print services. It would be interesting to check them all out and make a top ten of sorts. I'll think about it.
devora
July 26, 2009
Oh, nice! Since I'm on the Berkeley side of town, I go to Looking Glass for my equipment and to rent their darkroom when I don't have one readily available. Yes, it'd be great if someone made a list of top ten printing services! It wouldn't be me though... I'm one of those people who when I find something, I just stick with it :x
Scotman
July 26, 2009
Sure, nothing wrong with that. Thanks.
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dalydose
July 25, 2009
Nice review. I had never heard of winkflash...what took you so long to write it up? :) They don't seem to have the 100 free prints anymore, but I see 50! :D
devora
July 25, 2009
Haha, thanks, better late than never! :P They just ended the 4 cents a print sale the day before, now they're having a 6 cents a print sale. I'm sure it'll 4 cents again in no time! :D
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About the reviewer
devora (devora)
Ranked #1
Ranked #1
When I'm not Lunching, I'm a jeweler, and an all around, self-proclaimed web geek. My passions include social media, the interweb, technology, writing, yoga, fitness, photography, jewelry, fashion, … more
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WinkFlash is a photosharing and hosting site, as well as a photo printing service and can print on various mediums, such as canvases, books, and souvenirs.
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