Frequently Asked Questions
How long do photos and tapes actually last?
It depends on the format and how they're stored. VHS and cassette tapes have the shortest lifespan — often just 10–25 years — and many from the 1990s are already degrading. Printed photos can last 50–100 years but fade faster in heat, light, or humidity. The biggest factor is storage conditions: a tape in a hot attic deteriorates far faster than one in a cool, dry room. Most families don't realize there's a problem until playback fails entirely.
How much does digitizing cost?
Photos and slides start at $0.95 each. Negatives are $4.95 per strip. VHS and video tapes start at $24.95. 8mm and Super 8 film starts at $27.50 per reel. Cassette tapes start at $14.95.
How does the ordering process work?
It's straightforward. Start by contacting us with a description of what you have — we'll send you a quote within 24 hours. Once you approve it, ship your items to us (or upload to pCloud if you're using the scan-at-home service). We'll confirm receipt, complete your order, and ship everything back along with your finished digital files. No payment is required until you've approved the quote. There is also our Scan at Home Service.
How long does photo restoration take?
Single photo restorations are typically completed in 3–5 business days. Bulk restoration projects (5 or more photos) may take 1–2 weeks depending on volume and level of damage. Rush processing (+$40) is available if you need everything faster.
How long does an order take?
Standard turnaround is 2–3 weeks from the day we receive your items. Need it sooner? Rush processing (5 business days) is available for an additional $40.
Do I need to digitize first, or can I just order a video?
You can order any montage or tribute video on its own — no digitizing needed if you already have digital photos or video clips. Just upload them or send the files.
What if my photos are badly damaged?
That's exactly what we're here for. Send us a few samples and we'll assess them honestly, recommend the right restoration service, and quote you before you commit to anything.
What formats do you digitize?
Printed photos, 35mm slides, negatives, VHS tapes, 8mm film, Super 8 film, cassette tapes, and scrapbook pages. Not sure if yours qualifies? Just ask.
How should I pack and ship my items?
Printed photos, 35mm slides, negatives, VHS tapes, 8mm film, Super 8 film, cassette tapes, and scrapbook pages. Not sure if yours qualifies? Just ask.
What if my photos are badly damaged?
That's exactly what we're here for. Send us a few samples and we'll assess them honestly, recommend the right restoration service, and quote you before you commit to anything.
What happens to my original photos and tapes?
Your originals are handled with care throughout the entire process and returned to you with your order. We treat every item as if it were our own — nothing is discarded, altered, or kept. We recommend using a tracked, insured shipping service when sending items to us for your peace of mind.
How do I get my items to you?
Ship them to us using any carrier you prefer — we recommend using a tracked service. Once we're done, we ship everything back along with your USB drive. Alternatively, upload digital files directly to pCloud — no shipping at all.
Interactive Keepsakes
Want something interactive instead — a clickable family timeline or memory quiz? Ask about our Interactive Keepsakes options
Digitized already? Upload instead of shipping.
If your photos or videos are already digitized — from a phone, a home scanner, or an old hard drive — just upload your files and skip shipping entirely. We'll handle restoration, organization, or video production the same way we would with physical media, just without the mail. Not sure if your scans are good enough? Send us a few samples first and we'll assess the quality honestly — our HD Upscaling add-on ($10/photo) can bring low-resolution scans up to print quality before restoration begins.