Shutterfly is a popular online platform that offers a wide range of customizable products, including calendars. Many customers wonder if the calendars from Shutterfly are good quality. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various aspects of Shutterfly calendars, including their print quality, paper quality, and durability. We will also compare them to other popular calendar brands to give you a better idea of their quality. So, whether you’re a professional photographer or just a calendar enthusiast, read on to find out if Shutterfly calendars are worth the investment.
What is Shutterfly?
Overview of the company
Shutterfly is an online company that specializes in creating personalized photo products, such as photo books, home decor, and calendars. The company was founded in 1999 by
Shutterfly’s product offerings
Shutterfly is an online platform that specializes in creating personalized photo products, such as photo books, home decor, and stationery. One of their primary offerings is their calendar product line, which includes various styles and customization options.
Some of the key features of Shutterfly’s calendar product offerings include:
- Personalization options: Shutterfly offers a wide range of customization options for their calendars, including the ability to upload your own photos, choose from their pre-designed templates, and add text and dates to specific dates.
- High-quality printing: Shutterfly’s calendars are printed on high-quality paper, ensuring that your photos will look vibrant and clear throughout the year.
- Different styles and sizes: Shutterfly offers a variety of calendar styles, including desktop, wall, and mini calendars, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect calendar for your needs.
- Calendar accessories: In addition to their traditional calendars, Shutterfly also offers a range of accessories, such as easels, stands, and frames, to help you display your calendar in style.
Overall, Shutterfly’s product offerings provide customers with a comprehensive range of customizable options for creating personalized calendars that meet their unique needs and preferences.
Shutterfly Calendars: Design and Customization Options
Design features
When it comes to design features, Shutterfly offers a plethora of options to personalize your calendar. With the ability to upload your own photos, you can turn your memories into a physical calendar that you can display in your home or office. The quality of the printed images is top-notch, ensuring that your memories look their best on the page.
In addition to uploading your own photos, Shutterfly also offers a variety of pre-designed templates to choose from. These templates range from classic and simple to bold and eye-catching, ensuring that there is a design to suit any taste. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or like to have lots of graphics and patterns, Shutterfly has a template that will work for you.
Another notable design feature of Shutterfly calendars is the ability to add text. Whether you want to include a special message, a name, or a date, you can add text to your calendar to make it even more personal. This is a great option for holiday gifts or special occasions, as you can include a personal message that will make the gift even more meaningful.
Overall, the design features of Shutterfly calendars are extensive and allow for a high level of customization. Whether you prefer classic or bold designs, or want to include your own photos and text, Shutterfly has options to suit your taste.
Customization options
Shutterfly, a well-known online platform for personalized photo products, offers a range of customization options for their calendars. These options allow users to create unique and personalized calendars that reflect their individual tastes and preferences.
One of the key features of Shutterfly’s customization options is the ability to upload personal photos. Users can select from a wide variety of photo options, including photos from their own collections or recent photos taken with their smartphones. These photos can be added to any month or date, providing a personal touch to the calendar.
Another notable feature is the ability to customize the background of the calendar. Shutterfly offers a range of design templates and patterns that can be used as backgrounds, including patterns inspired by nature, geometric shapes, and more. Users can also choose from a variety of colors to match their personal style or the theme of their home decor.
In addition to background customization, Shutterfly also allows users to add text to their calendars. This can include personalized captions, dates, or special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries. The text can be added in a variety of fonts and colors, allowing users to further personalize their calendars.
Another key aspect of Shutterfly’s customization options is the ability to add special occasion cards. These cards are designed to celebrate special events, such as holidays or birthdays, and can be added to specific months or dates on the calendar. Users can choose from a variety of designs and can even add their own personal messages to the cards.
Overall, Shutterfly’s customization options offer a high level of flexibility and personalization for users looking to create unique and personalized calendars. Whether it’s adding personal photos, customizing backgrounds, or adding special occasion cards, Shutterfly provides a range of options to help users create a calendar that reflects their individual style and preferences.
Personalization
When it comes to personalizing Shutterfly calendars, there are a plethora of options available to users. One of the key features of Shutterfly’s customization process is the ability to incorporate personal photos into the calendar design. This can include everything from family portraits to vacation snapshots, providing users with a unique and personalized touch to their calendar.
Another aspect of personalization on Shutterfly is the ability to choose from a wide variety of templates. These templates come in a range of styles, from modern and minimalist to more traditional and ornate designs. Users can also choose from a variety of color schemes and layouts, ensuring that their calendar truly reflects their personal style.
In addition to the customization options, Shutterfly also offers a variety of features to help users create the perfect calendar. This includes tools for cropping and resizing photos, as well as the ability to add text and captions to specific dates or events. Users can also choose to add special dates and events to their calendar, such as anniversaries or birthdays, ensuring that they never forget an important date.
Overall, Shutterfly’s personalization options offer a great deal of flexibility and creativity for users looking to create a truly unique and personalized calendar. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or ornate patterns, Shutterfly has something to offer for everyone.
Print Quality and Materials Used
Paper quality
When it comes to the paper quality of Shutterfly calendars, it is essential to note that the company uses a premium, thick, and sturdy paper that ensures durability and longevity. This high-quality paper stock provides an excellent canvas for the images to be printed on, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and true to life. The matte finish of the paper also eliminates any glare or reflections, which can often detract from the overall visual appeal of the printed image.
Moreover, Shutterfly calendars are printed using state-of-the-art digital printing technology, which delivers exceptional print quality with accurate color reproduction and sharp details. This ensures that the images appear clear and crisp, even when viewed up close. Additionally, the paper is designed to resist fading and discoloration over time, so the images will remain vibrant and fresh for years to come.
It is worth noting that Shutterfly offers various paper types to choose from, including glossy, matte, and semi-gloss finishes. Each of these options has its own unique characteristics and benefits, allowing customers to select the best paper type to suit their preferences and needs. For instance, the glossy finish can enhance the colors and details of the images, while the matte finish can provide a more subtle and sophisticated look. Ultimately, the choice of paper type depends on personal taste and the intended use of the calendar.
Ink quality
When it comes to the print quality of Shutterfly calendars, one of the most critical factors to consider is the ink quality. In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the ink quality used by Shutterfly to print their calendars.
Saturation and Color Accuracy
One of the key aspects of ink quality is the saturation and color accuracy of the prints. Shutterfly uses high-quality inks that provide excellent color accuracy and saturation. This means that the colors in the printed images will be true to life and will not appear washed out or faded. The inks used by Shutterfly are also resistant to water and fading, ensuring that the prints remain vibrant and durable over time.
DPI and Print Resolution
Another important factor to consider when it comes to ink quality is the DPI (dots per inch) and print resolution. Shutterfly uses state-of-the-art printing technology that ensures high-resolution prints with a high DPI. This means that the prints will be sharp and clear, with fine details that are accurately reproduced. Whether you’re printing a photo of your family or a graphic design, you can be sure that the prints will look crisp and clear.
Inkjet Technology
Shutterfly uses the latest inkjet technology to print their calendars. This technology allows for a wider range of colors to be produced, resulting in more vibrant and accurate prints. Additionally, the inkjet technology used by Shutterfly is environmentally friendly, as it uses less ink and produces less waste than other printing methods.
In conclusion, the ink quality used by Shutterfly is of the highest standard. With high-quality inks that provide excellent color accuracy and saturation, as well as state-of-the-art printing technology that ensures high-resolution prints, Shutterfly’s calendars are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a personalized gift or a way to decorate your home, Shutterfly’s calendars are a great choice.
Durability
Shutterfly calendars are renowned for their durability, a critical aspect that sets them apart from other calendar options on the market. This section will delve into the factors that contribute to the enduring quality of Shutterfly calendars, ensuring they remain a reliable choice for years to come.
- High-Quality Paper: Shutterfly calendars are printed on premium-grade paper, which is carefully selected for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. This high-quality paper is designed to withstand daily handling, making it suitable for use in high-traffic areas such as offices, classrooms, or family homes.
- Ink Selection: The inks used in Shutterfly calendar printing are carefully chosen for their longevity and fade-resistance. These pigments are embedded deep into the paper fibers, resulting in vibrant colors that last, even when exposed to sunlight or artificial light sources. This ensures that the images and text remain clear and legible throughout the calendar’s lifespan.
- Lamination: To further enhance the durability of the Shutterfly calendars, they undergo a protective lamination process. This layer of protection helps to repel moisture, dirt, and other environmental factors that could otherwise damage the print or cause it to wear down over time. As a result, the calendar remains pristine and easy to read, even with regular handling.
- Sturdy Binding: The binding of Shutterfly calendars is designed to withstand the test of time. Each page is securely attached to the spine, ensuring that the calendar opens and closes smoothly without the risk of pages detaching or becoming misaligned. This sturdy binding also adds to the overall durability of the calendar, allowing it to remain in use for an extended period.
In conclusion, the durability of Shutterfly calendars is a result of careful consideration given to every aspect of their production. From the high-quality paper and fade-resistant inks to the protective lamination and sturdy binding, these calendars are built to last and withstand the wear and tear of daily use. This attention to detail is a testament to Shutterfly’s commitment to providing customers with a high-quality product that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Binding and finishes
When it comes to the binding and finishes of Shutterfly calendars, customers have generally been satisfied with the quality of the product. The company uses a combination of wire-o binding and glossy paper to produce its calendars, which results in a sturdy and durable finished product. The wire-o binding is tight and secure, ensuring that the pages remain flat and do not easily tear or come loose from the spine.
The glossy paper used for the calendar pages is also a standout feature, as it provides a high-quality printing surface that allows for vibrant and detailed images. This paper type is also resistant to smudging and fading, which means that the calendar will retain its bright and colorful appearance even with frequent handling.
However, some customers have reported issues with the thickness of the paper, which can make it difficult to write on or use with certain types of pens. Additionally, the glossy finish can be a bit reflective, which can make it difficult to read the calendar in bright lighting conditions.
Overall, while there are some minor drawbacks to the binding and finishes of Shutterfly calendars, the majority of customers have been satisfied with the quality of the product. The sturdy wire-o binding and glossy paper provide a durable and visually appealing finished product that is sure to impress.
User Experience and Customer Reviews
Website navigation
Shutterfly is a well-known online platform that allows users to create personalized photo products, including calendars. In this section, we will delve into the website navigation experience and the user-friendliness of the Shutterfly website when it comes to creating and ordering calendars.
Ease of Navigation
One of the most critical aspects of any website is its ease of navigation. Shutterfly’s website has a clean and intuitive design, making it easy for users to find what they are looking for. The homepage features a prominent search bar, allowing users to quickly search for specific products, including calendars. The menu bar at the top of the page includes links to various sections of the website, including “Photos,” “Home Decor,” and “Gifts.”
Step-by-Step Process for Creating Calendars
Creating a Shutterfly calendar is a straightforward process. Upon entering the website, users can click on the “Home Decor” tab in the menu bar and then select “Calendars” from the drop-down menu. From there, users can choose from a variety of template designs or start from scratch. The website provides users with helpful prompts and tips throughout the process, making it easy for anyone to create a customized calendar.
Customization Options
Shutterfly offers a wide range of customization options for calendars, allowing users to create unique and personalized products. Users can choose from various template designs, add their own photos, and customize the text and layout of the calendar. The website also offers a variety of paper types and sizes, allowing users to choose the perfect calendar for their needs.
Ordering Process
Once a user has designed their calendar, the ordering process is simple and straightforward. The website provides users with a clear overview of the cost and shipping options, and users can enter their payment and shipping information with just a few clicks.
Overall, the Shutterfly website offers a user-friendly experience when it comes to creating and ordering calendars. The website’s clean design and easy navigation make it simple for users to find what they are looking for, and the wide range of customization options allow users to create unique and personalized products.
Ordering process
Shutterfly, a renowned online platform, allows customers to create and order customized calendars. This section will delve into the ordering process, focusing on its ease, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction.
Ease of the ordering process
- Step-by-step guidance: Shutterfly’s ordering process is well-structured, providing customers with a detailed, step-by-step guide.
- Uploading photos: Users can effortlessly upload their favorite photos from their computer or mobile device, making the process seamless.
- Customization options: Shutterfly offers a variety of customization options, such as font style, color, and layout, enabling customers to personalize their calendars according to their preferences.
Efficiency of the ordering process
- Quick processing: The ordering system is designed to process orders quickly, ensuring that customers receive their calendars in a timely manner.
- Order tracking: Shutterfly sends notifications and tracking information to customers, allowing them to monitor the status of their order.
- Shipping options: The platform provides various shipping options, catering to different customer needs and preferences.
Customer satisfaction with the ordering process
- Smooth experience: Customers have generally reported a smooth and hassle-free experience when ordering Shutterfly calendars.
- High-quality output: Shutterfly’s calendars are renowned for their high-quality print and durable material, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
- Positive reviews: The platform has received positive reviews from customers who appreciate the ease and efficiency of the ordering process.
Overall, Shutterfly’s ordering process has been well-received by customers, who praise its ease, efficiency, and high-quality output. The platform’s attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction have contributed to its success in the market.
Customer feedback and reviews
Shutterfly, a popular online platform for creating personalized photo products, offers a range of customizable calendar options. This section delves into the customer feedback and reviews to evaluate the quality of Shutterfly calendars.
- Variety of Products:
- Customers appreciate the extensive range of calendar designs, from traditional to modern, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
- The site offers a mix of professional and user-submitted designs, providing ample choices for users to select from.
- Print Quality:
- Shutterfly is known for its high-quality prints, and customers generally agree that the calendars are no exception.
- The photos are sharp, colors are vibrant, and the paper quality is praised for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Customization Options:
- Users enjoy the ability to personalize their calendars with their own photos, captions, and design preferences.
- The platform’s user-friendly interface allows for easy editing and customization, with a variety of tools and templates available.
- Shipping and Delivery:
- Shutterfly’s delivery times are often cited as prompt and reliable, with customers receiving their calendars in a timely manner.
- The packaging is also noted for its protection and presentation, ensuring that the calendars arrive in excellent condition.
- Customer Service:
- The company’s customer support is frequently praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness in addressing any issues or concerns.
- Customers have reported positive experiences with representatives, citing their patience and willingness to resolve problems.
In summary, customer feedback and reviews suggest that Shutterfly calendars offer a high level of quality in terms of design variety, print quality, customization options, shipping and delivery, and customer service. These positive attributes contribute to the overall satisfaction of Shutterfly customers and highlight the company’s commitment to providing a superior product experience.
Alternatives to Shutterfly Calendars
Snapfish
Snapfish is a popular online platform that offers high-quality photo printing services, including the creation of customized photo products such as calendars. The company was founded in 1999 and has since become a well-known brand in the world of online photo printing. Snapfish is known for its user-friendly interface, excellent print quality, and competitive pricing.
Like Shutterfly, Snapfish offers a wide range of customization options for calendar creation. Users can choose from various template designs, add their own photos, and customize the text and layout to suit their preferences. The company also offers a variety of paper types and sizes for calendar printing, including glossy, matte, and magnetic options.
One of the key advantages of Snapfish is its flexible shipping options. In addition to standard shipping, Snapfish offers expedited shipping, as well as the option to have your calendars shipped directly to recipients as gifts. This makes it a great option for those who need to send personalized calendars as gifts to friends and family members.
Snapfish also offers a rewards program that allows users to earn points for each purchase made on the site. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future orders, making it a cost-effective option for those who frequently order customized photo products.
In terms of print quality, Snapfish is known for producing high-resolution prints that accurately capture the colors and details of your photos. The company uses advanced printing technology to ensure that your calendar prints look great and are long-lasting.
Overall, Snapfish is a great alternative to Shutterfly for those looking to create high-quality customized calendars. With its user-friendly interface, flexible shipping options, and excellent print quality, Snapfish is a top choice for anyone in the market for personalized photo products.
Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform that offers a wide range of templates and tools for creating various visual content, including calendars. It is a popular alternative to Shutterfly calendars, providing users with more design flexibility and customization options.
Pros of Canva Calendars
- Customizable Templates: Canva offers a variety of customizable calendar templates, catering to different styles and preferences. Users can choose from minimalist, modern, floral, or other themes, and then personalize them with their own images, colors, and text.
- Advanced Design Tools: Canva provides a range of design tools, such as drag-and-drop features, a variety of fonts, and a media library with millions of images, making it easy for users to create unique and visually appealing calendars.
- Collaboration: Canva allows multiple users to collaborate on a single design project, making it ideal for businesses or groups who want to create calendars together.
Cons of Canva Calendars
- Monthly Subscription: While Canva offers a free plan with limited features, users who want access to advanced features, such as additional templates, stock images, and custom templates, need to subscribe to a monthly or yearly plan.
- Learning Curve: Canva’s extensive feature set and design tools may require some time to learn and master, especially for users who are new to graphic design.
- Printing Limitations: Canva does not offer built-in printing services, which means users need to find a separate printing service or do it themselves. This can be inconvenient for those who prefer an all-in-one solution like Shutterfly.
In conclusion, Canva is a powerful alternative to Shutterfly calendars, offering users advanced design tools and customization options. However, its monthly subscription requirement and learning curve may be a drawback for some users.
AdoramaPix
When considering alternatives to Shutterfly calendars, AdoramaPix is a worthy contender. AdoramaPix offers a variety of customizable photo products, including photo books, home decor, and wall decor. Their calendar options are highly regarded among customers for their premium quality and stunning visuals.
Features and Benefits
- High-Quality Printing: AdoramaPix is known for its exceptional printing quality, ensuring that your images are printed with vibrant colors and precise details.
- Customizable Templates: The company offers a range of customizable calendar templates that cater to different tastes and preferences. Users can choose from various layouts, designs, and themes to create a unique and personalized calendar.
- User-Friendly Interface: AdoramaPix provides an intuitive and user-friendly design platform that makes it easy for users to create and customize their calendars. The interface is straightforward, allowing even beginners to create professional-looking calendars with minimal effort.
- Premium Materials: AdoramaPix calendars are printed on premium materials, such as thick, durable paper, ensuring that your calendar will withstand the test of time and remain vibrant for years to come.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
AdoramaPix has received high praise from customers who have used their calendar printing services. Many users have praised the company’s high-quality printing, attention to detail, and excellent customer service.
One satisfied customer notes, “I was impressed by the level of detail and care that AdoramaPix put into my calendar. The images came out stunning, and the quality of the paper and printing was exceptional.”
Another customer shares, “I have ordered calendars from AdoramaPix multiple times, and I am always impressed by their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their team is responsive and helpful, and the final product always exceeds my expectations.”
Overall, AdoramaPix is a top contender among alternatives to Shutterfly calendars, offering high-quality printing, customizable templates, a user-friendly interface, and premium materials. With its exceptional customer service and attention to detail, AdoramaPix is a strong choice for those seeking a personalized and professional-looking calendar.
Final thoughts and recommendations
- Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a calendar service
- Features: Customization options, photo storage, sharing capabilities, mobile compatibility, etc.
- Pricing: Subscription fees, one-time charges, discounts, etc.
- Quality: Printing, shipping, durability, design, etc.
- Compare different calendar services to find the best fit for you
- Research popular options like Shutterfly, Minted, Artifact Uprising, etc.
- Read reviews, customer feedback, and expert opinions
- Evaluate each service’s offerings based on your criteria
- Don’t overlook the value of a handmade calendar
- Artisanal options can provide unique designs and personal touches
- Local craftspeople or small businesses may offer customized services
- Supporting independent creators can be a sustainable and meaningful choice
- Ultimately, the right calendar service for you depends on your preferences and requirements
- Experiment with different options to find the best fit
- Be open to trying new things and exploring various possibilities
- Remember that a calendar is a personal reflection of your memories and moments, so choose wisely!
FAQs
1. What is Shutterfly?
Shutterfly is an online service that allows users to create customized photo products, including calendars. The company was founded in 1999 and has since become a popular platform for creating personalized photo gifts.
2. What makes Shutterfly calendars good quality?
Shutterfly calendars are known for their high-quality printing and durable materials. The company uses premium paper and ink to ensure that photos appear vibrant and true to life. Additionally, Shutterfly offers a variety of customization options, allowing users to choose the size, design, and layout of their calendars to best suit their needs.
3. Are Shutterfly calendars durable?
Yes, Shutterfly calendars are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The company uses premium paper and ink to ensure that photos remain vibrant and sharp even with frequent handling. Additionally, Shutterfly offers a variety of cover options, including hardcover and photo cover, to further protect the calendar from wear and tear.
4. How do I create a Shutterfly calendar?
Creating a Shutterfly calendar is easy. Simply visit the Shutterfly website, select the “Calendars” category, and choose the style and customization options that best suit your needs. You can then upload your photos and preview your calendar before placing your order.
5. How long does it take for a Shutterfly calendar to arrive?
The delivery time for a Shutterfly calendar depends on the shipping method selected at checkout. Standard shipping takes 7-10 business days, while expedited shipping takes 2-5 business days. Shutterfly also offers same-day printing and in-store pickup options for those who need their calendar more quickly.
6. Is it expensive to create a Shutterfly calendar?
The cost of creating a Shutterfly calendar depends on the customization options selected. Shutterfly offers a variety of pricing options to fit any budget, including discounts on larger orders and frequent buyer programs. Additionally, Shutterfly often offers promotions and coupons that can help save on the cost of a calendar.
7. Can I return a Shutterfly calendar if I’m not satisfied?
Yes, Shutterfly offers a satisfaction guarantee on all of its products. If you are not satisfied with your calendar for any reason, you can return it for a full refund or exchange it for a different product. Shutterfly also offers free returns for defective products.