Choosing a photo scanning service involves considering several factors to ensure you get the best quality and service for your needs. Here are some steps and tips to help you make an informed decision:
Determine Your Needs:
Volume: Estimate the number of photos you need to scan.
Quality: Decide the resolution and quality you want.
Higher resolutions are better for archiving and enlargements. Don't settle for low or medium quality
- 300 DPI images cannot be enlarged without losing quality.
- 600 DPI allows for 2x enlargements,
- 1,200 DPI for 4x enlargements.
Formats: Consider if you need additional services like scanning slides, negatives, or albums.
Research and Compare Services
Experience: Prefer services with a long-standing history and proven track record.
Services Offered: Ensure they offer the specific services you need, such as photo, color correction, or digitizing various media formats.
Reputation: Look for reviews and testimonials. Check for any awards or recognitions the service might have received.
Evaluate the Technology and Methods Used:
Equipment: High-quality scanners and equipment usually yield better results.
Process: Understand their scanning and handling processes to ensure your photos are cared for.
Pricing and Packages:
Cost: Compare pricing across different services. Be wary of very low prices, which might indicate lower quality.
Packages: Some services offer bundled packages that might save you money if you have many photos.
Additional Fees: Check for any hidden fees, for any extra services.
Turnaround Time:
Processing Time: Ask about the expected turnaround time for your order.
Rush Services: If you need your photos quickly, check if they offer expedited services.
Handling and Safety:
Shipping: Ensure they provide secure shipping methods to protect your photos.
Insurance: Check if they offer insurance for your photos during transit and handling.
Local vs. Outsourced: Find out if the scanning is done in-house or outsourced to another location, which could impact the safety of your photos.
Customer Support:
Communication: Good customer support is crucial. Check if they are responsive and willing to answer your questions.
Tracking: See if they offer tracking for your order and updates during the process.
Privacy and Data Security:
Confidentiality: Ensure they have policies in place to protect your photos and data.
Data Handling: Understand how they store and handle your digital files.
By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision and choose a photo-scanning service that meets your needs and expectations.
General Services
What makes VDOCS different from other photo scanning services?
What types of materials can you scan?
- Loose photos (up to 6" × 9")
- Photos in album sleeves
- Photo albums and scrapbooks (up to 11.6" × 17")
- 35mm slides and negatives (126, 127, 110 formats)
- Documents and drawings
- Historical materials (we’ve scanned albums dating back to 1895)
Can I try your service before committing to a large order?
Scanning Quality & Process
What resolution do you use for scanning?
- Photos: 1,200 DPI standard (up to 6,400 DPI available)
- Large format (up to 11.6" × 17"): 600 DPI
- Slides & negatives: 6,400 DPI
What is included in your Ultra Clarity HD scanning process?
- High-resolution scanning at 1,200+ DPI
- Professional photo restoration
- Color correction
- Dust removal
- Correct image orientation
- Custom indexing and file naming
- Web delivery via cloud platforms
Why is higher DPI important?
Do you use flatbed or feed-through scanners?
Pricing & Orders
How much does photo scanning cost?
- Loose photos (up to 6" × 9"): $0.40/photo @ 1,200 DPI
- Photos in album sleeves: $0.50/photo (removed, scanned, replaced)
- Album pages / large photos (up to 11" × 17"): $1.00/page @ 600 DPI
- Photos cropped from album pages: $0.75/image
- Slides/negatives (35mm, 126, 127, 110): $1.25 each (up to 500), $0.99 each (over 500)
- Minimum order: $50
What does “you only pay for actual scans” mean?
Do you offer rush service?
Organization & Delivery
How do you organize my photos?
How do I receive my scanned photos?
- Cloud: Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive (immediate access)
- USB Flash Drive: included free with every order
- Both: instant cloud access + physical backup
Do you scan photos in the correct orientation?
Do I need to sort the photos by size?
Getting Started & Order
How should I prepare my photos for scanning?
How do I get started?
- Try the free service: send 20–30 photos with a prepaid return envelope.
- Contact us—text 727-501-9800, call 727-501-9800 / 855-501-9800, or email with project details.
- Prepare photos using the grouping method. (In Florida, UPS Ground is next-day and often least expensive.)
- Send your photos; we’ll confirm arrival.
- We’ll keep you updated on progress and key milestones.
