MySpecial Photos Provides Advice on Selecting a Scanning Service for Converting Slides, Photos and Negatives to Digital
Converting collections of slides, negatives and photos to digital is of critical interest to organizations, businesses, and consumers alike. With a variety of firms offering scanning services, it is often difficult to know which one to select. MySpecial Photos provides advice on the factors to consider in making this choice.
Los Altos, CA (PRWEB) November 1, 2007 -- Since 2003, MySpecial Photos has been the leader in scanning the special slides, negatives and photo prints of discerning clients all across America. With a variety of alternative services being offered, MySpecial Photos has prepared the following checklist for determining which services to consider.
Scanning is a time-consuming labor intensive process. The conversion process is relatively slow given the technology. There are ways to reduce costs and thereby offer lower prices however most of these practices result in reduced quality, reliability and customization. The following practices are not employed by MySpecial Photos but are by some service providers:
1. slides, photos and negatives are shipped offshore for processing (India, Mexico, and Costa Rico for example); the end result - significantly slower turnaround time, greater risk of losing precious photo memories, increased handling resulting in photo damage and loss, and poor customer service as a result of distance and language barriers
2. some firms scan paper photos in document feeders as opposed to high-end flatbed scanners; it is faster but the quality of the scans greatly suffers and photos can be damaged in the process (MySpecial Photos tested photo feeding equipment and rejected it)
3. some providers use automated photo enhancement software during the scanning process (a common one is Digital ICE's GEM or photo restoration software not to be confused with Digital ICE Dust and Scratch Removal which is excellent for removing dust and scratches - MySpecial Photos includes free Digital ICE dust & scratch removal in the scanning process); these automated enhancement processes lower the costs but result in significantly poorer quality than individual photo editing in Photoshop after the scanning process, the approach practiced at MySpecial Photos
4. hiding add-on costs is another way that some service providers appear to offer lower prices
The customer should inquire:
1. does the service include free return shipping and free CD's and/or DVD's
2. will the service organize the scanned images in folders the way the customer wants them (by year, activity, trip for example) at no additional cost
3. does the service require special packing or organization; will the service simply receive them as they are
4. does the service charge for removal of slides from carousels, cubes or slide sleeves
5. do they offer a "free trial before you buy" service
MySpecial Photos provides all these services and more at no additional cost to its clients.
In addition to these items, customers need to consider the following:
1. are the slides and negatives being shipped to a region where the climate is hot and humid?; heat and humidity will further degrade film; fortunately MySpecial Photos is located in the temperate San Francisco Bay Area
2. is the team made up of experienced professionals or simply trained clerks assigned simple tasks; MySpecial Photos recognizes that each customer is unique and each order requires special handling - to fulfill these orders requires creative individuals who can tackle each order independently
3. what is the turnaround time like? can the order be rushed through to meet a required deadline - at no additional cost? this is especially critical during busy holiday periods
4. does the service offer a free sample service to enable one to try before committing to the service - this trial offer is aggressively promoted at MySpecial Photos
5. can one visit the service providers' facility and see where photos are stored and where all the work takes place
6. by only accepting orders with a minimum value of $100.00, MySpecial Photos is able to provide superior customer service to a select group of discerning customers; this ordering policy results in superior order control, and more personalized customer care
7. is the firm a "Johnny-come-lately" or one with years of experience dealing with a variety of film types and client demands
Converting one's special photos is in all likelihood a one-time occurrence. It is critical that it is done right and the collection properly preserved. A "penny wise, pound foolish" choice can result in the loss of a lifetime of memories.
About MySpecial Photos
The privately held company, located in Los Altos, California was founded in 2003. Based on close to five years experience, the company knows what works, what doesn't and what clients want in the way of service and quality. For more information or to try the service, visit http://www.myspecialphotos.com or call 800-365-1355.
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