• Shutterfly

Shutterfly

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Overview

Shutterfly has a rating of 1.4 stars from 975 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Shutterfly most frequently mention customer service, christmas cards, and photo book problems. Shutterfly ranks 143rd among Photo Printing sites.

  • Service
    284
  • Value
    264
  • Shipping
    271
  • Returns
    162
  • Quality
    236

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 8.8%
Positive
7
Neutral
0
Negative
73
160
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How would you rate Shutterfly?
Top Positive Review

“Beautiful Books and Cards”

Wanda K.
2/15/24

I've created 27 projects over the past 15 years on Shutterfly. This includes 15 different photo books. Each and every time, I've always received excellent, professional customer service and beautiful books. I custom design all my books. There may have been a couple of times over the years that I needed Shutterfly to help with a mistake. However, they stand behind there products 100%. If you aren't an experienced design person then ask for help. Use high quality photos! Remember Shutterfly didn't take the pictures. The photo quality of books and cards depend on what you upload. Low quality photos will create poor quality projects; so don't blame Shutterfly for your photos. They will make what you approve. Start your project early enough to allow for help and receive book in ample time in case the book or cards need to be possibly replaced if it's the direct fault of Shutterfly.

Top Critical Review

“Poor performance”

Beth T.
8/23/24

I ordered three photo books. The order was processed, they gave me a delivery date and then only one book came in the mail. No explanation- I figured it was an error and called customer service. I was told that it would come in two shipments---Why? This makes no sense and was a huge inconvenience. Now I see all the complaints I understand this is not a one off. I will not use them again. Way too expensive for such poor service!

Reviews (975)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

christmas cards (114) photo book (92) delivery date (44) customer service (366) photo books (92)
Thumbnail of user joh16430
South Carolina
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 21st, 2018

I start an album and then can't begin to figure out how to get photos in it. It is the worst application I've ever encountered! I always give up!

Thumbnail of user frankr881
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2021
Verified purchase

Absolutely awful I ordered multiple items even told my kids and they ordered we had everything done by Dec 11 submit booked magnets photo prints etc everything should have been here by Dec 16 to 18
Here we are Dec 22nd 2 days away from Christmas eve AND NO PRESENTS FOR MY FAMILY MEMBERS ( MOTHER GRANDMOTHER. ETC) the tracking doesn't work it just falls off the map with no details. I called they saw what I was talking about a d reordered for me and told me not to worry AGAIN HAD FALLEN OFF THE MAP and PART HASN'T EVEN SHIPPED YET. SO AGAIN NO PRESENTS TWICE AND NO VALID RELIABLE TRACKING. I WILL NEVER ORDER. FROM HERE AGAIN AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW NOT TO. AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO MU 5 AND 7 YEAR OLD WHO WORKED SO HARD PICKING PICTURES AND PUTTING TOGETHER THERE PHOTO BOOK FOR THERE GRANDPARENTS AND PHOTOS FOR THERE GREAT GRANDMA JUST TO BE SO EXCITED AND HAVE NOTHING TO GIVE FOR CHRISTMAS SHUTTER FLY SHOULD BE ASHAMED I am up loading 1 of my 3 reorder forms remember this happed on 3 separate orders

Thumbnail of user marf4
Idaho
1 review
3 helpful votes
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May 18th, 2018

I ordered Grad Announcements. Even though they were labeled as 'cards' they came on thin photo paper. Such a disappointment!

Thumbnail of user cheryllynnl
Rhode Island
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2016

Trust me... Do NOT order from this company. They don't even deserve 1 star! They lie, have customer service people who do not speak English clearly and are not trained properly! It has been a nightmare dealing with these people. I have spent 3 days calling repeatedly on my one order and each time on the phone waiting to speak to a representative for over a 1/2 hour. The last call was over an hour before anyone picked up! I placed my order on December 4 with a guaranteed delivery on December 14. I checked the tracking # and on December 9th my order was delivered to a PO Box in a completely different State in which I live. On Dec 11th the UPS tracking Information stated that the package was undeliverable and was sent back to the sender! I called Shutterfly immediately to inquire and the lady assured me that was a mistake and I would receive it by no later then the 16th. Well on the 18th still no package.So once again call and put on hold and after about 40 minutes the male representative with a horrible accent could not help me and once again put on hold. The next rep told me the order was sent back to their company and they had to reorder me new calendars and I was promised I would receive them by December 22. I just received an email stating that they were just mailed out on the day their guaranteed I would receive it. (Dec 22) These are Christmas gifts that I ordered way in advanced and this company just doesn't care. As I type this review I have been on hold with them for over an hour and still no one picks up. You all have been forewarned! What a horrible company!

Thumbnail of user nancyk676
Wisconsin
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2020

I ordered my Christmas cards early. They were sent out by Shutterfly in plenty of time for me to receive and send out before Xmas. I live in Madison, Wi and they arrived in Madison on December 9th. For some reason they were not delivered rather they were sent back to Illinois. I could see there was a problem when they remained there for over a week. I reached out to Shutterfly and they said to relax I would receive them. They came back to Madison on December 16th and once again were not delivered but went to Pittsburgh. So, I reached out again and they said no worries I would receive them and they would give me the $$ my cards were worth to make future purchases which I would never want to do for the lack of assistance they gave. My cards are now in Illinois as I write this review on December 22nd so I doubt I will get them at all. I feel they needed to see something went wrong on the shipping label and send me a new batch of cards rather than give me the money as they hope I won't use it. UGH UGH UGH!

Thumbnail of user taras681
Indiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 6th, 2023

Worst customer service I have ever received. Order was wrong and refused to make it right. I will never order from them again!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user roberts5995
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 15th, 2021

Shutterfly has no idea where your order is. Ever. They use a shipping method that combines the worst practices of the USPS and UPS into one HORRENDOUS shipping methodology. Highlights: "Standard" shipping is 5-7 business days. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT! Weeks we've been waiting. Weeks! And no one can tell you where the package is even though we paid for shipping. AND the dates on the lying, inaccurate shipping tracker change constantly. WHERE IS THE PaCKAGE?! It will deliver on Dec 13, then moves to the the 10th, then the 11th, then the 12th, then the 13th, then the 14th, then the 15th, and so on. Every day and it's always wrong and they cannot tell you where the package is or when it will arrive. Absolutely the worst product fulfillment, communication, support. Problems happen; when a company will not deal with them and knowingly uses the WORST way to ship, they STINK. This is not the supply chain or pandemic. This is incompetence and not caring.

Tip for consumers:
Do NOT BUY FROM THEM

Products used:
Holiday Cards

Service
Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user janetr559
Massachusetts
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 12th, 2020

After 30 minutes downloading photo and putting in discount code they tell me my home address is not valid it's Where I live The worst then charging a. 99 Covid fee WHAT!

Thumbnail of user sallyf11
Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes
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February 19th, 2015

Joke for customer service - order Valentine Cards on Feb 3, get on the 18th - no tracking number and ignorant customer service Use zazzle or vistaprint

Thumbnail of user elained45
Georgia
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
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January 6th, 2020

I need to speak to someone at Shutterfy and after trying 3 separate times, the hold time is over 50 minutes. I will go elsewhere.

Thumbnail of user cindyl712
Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 16th, 2021
Verified purchase

I won't use a site with shady customer service like this one. When ordering online I have to trust them with my money and information. The order was three items for a baby shower. The total was high, as usual for Shutterfly. So I told my daughter if she could check around for a discount code from the last order, maybe we can afford all three. Her and her grandmother found a 40% off code, and it was a few days from expiring! So we plugged it in, and somehow the total was more expensive than before we entered the discount. I took screen shots and said I would call them tomorrow to see about it. When I call, I am told they need the order number or the email associated with the account. So I hang up and dig up the info and call back. Then, I'm told the order number won't help, they need the email. I offer an email, she says it corresponds to the order number. She still won't handle my issue. She needs the name of the account holder? Which, even she admits, changes to whoever's name is on the billing information last used... Meaning whoever orders something last. Because it was her grandmother's credit card, now they won't talk to me. It seemed like one big runaround of excuses to avoid owning scamming me out of money. I was informed there's a 30 minute limit on order cancellations, so they couldn't help me do that either. All of this because I wanted someone to just explain the prices (as they're all over the place, see pics) to make me feel better about the high cost of my order. So I could relax, and be able to explain it to my technologically challenged mother. It's a shame they were so suspiciously reluctant to speak with me, I've spent a lot over the years but my gut tells me it's no longer wise.

Tip for consumers:
If the numbers don't match up, make sure you take pictures and call to speak with customer service before you order.

Products used:
Customized items such as mugs with photos on them or blankets, keychains, etc.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user filom11
Canada
1 review
4 helpful votes
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September 22nd, 2016

I ordered my wedding album on July 30th and it arrived on September 6th. It took over 5 weeks for my product to arrive! Before this, I called Shutterfly to ask for answers and I was basically told there is no way to track my product internationally and that they are basically washing their hands when it comes to me getting my product. What does this mean? I spent a whole day selecting my pictures, I made sure I paid you and you can't make sure I receive my product? I was offered to re-order my product. Absolutely NO! I do not want MY PERSONAL INFORMATION LOST period! AND I WANT FOR YOU TO STOP TAKING MY MONEY AND PROMISING SOMETHING YOU CAN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN! This is not Canada Post! I am paying ALLOT of money ($568 IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, 3 orders) and you are not able to guarantee that I will receive my product?

I made these photo albums as a birthday present for my mother and the blankets as birthday presents as well. I have spent a total of $568.88 US dollars since July 30th, not even 2 months and what have you done with my last two products. Why international clients don't deserve the same amount of respect than US clients? This is NOT a T-SHIRT I am buying, these are products with extreme emotional meaning and you are not caring at all about how a customer can feel when their special item is completely lost and impossible to track.

Order on Shutterfly only at your own risk, if your stuff gets lost, none will respond for it.

Thumbnail of user mylesm67
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 16th, 2022

I recently wrote a review of Shutterfly. They sorted out the problems and the site is great now. I can recommend it!

Thumbnail of user riche85
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 26th, 2022

All of their customer service reps speak no English. Will never order another item from this company! This company is a joke.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t use this site

Products used:
Blanket and mug

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user pilyt
Texas
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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September 9th, 2018

I got a gift card from Shutterfly for renting a book on Chegg and I just was not able to use it at all. They have specific rules to follow when using a gift card. I learned this once I got so frustrated I could not find it and had to contact customer support. THERE SHOULD BE NEED TO CONTACT CUSTOMER SUPPORT FOR A GIFT CARD!
In the e-mail they said:
We are sorry that promotion did not apply while placing an order. We have checked your account and see that $25 credit is active in your account which is valid until November 30,2018. The $25 off will work in the following manner:

"1) The order must contain merchandise value of $25 for the offer to apply. The credit cannot be used partially. You have to use the $25 off in a single order.
2) You cannot combine this offer with other percentage offers.
3) Shipping and taxes are not included in the order. "

They said that the cart needs to have $25 dollars and I have something that is $24.99 and I have no idea if ONE CENT is supposed to make the gift card magically appear and even if that is the case, why?!

Thumbnail of user mitchellw167
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 21st, 2022
Verified purchase

Horrible quality. Look how its folded. The picture is square. The card fold is not. Paid rush shipping. Christmas is ruined.

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Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user sm773
New York
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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March 16th, 2023

You will get a damaged blanket if you order from Shutterfly, and they will not service you, so do not buy on Shutterfly

Thumbnail of user judyb193
Colorado
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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May 21st, 2018

Great prices and quality is awesome! I have been ordering from shutterfly for years. I love how easy it is to order and its fast service.

Thumbnail of user erind47
Georgia
1 review
3 helpful votes
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May 21st, 2017

Still haven't gotten my photo book yet. Over a week late even though I used I selected a guaranteed delivery date.

Thumbnail of user verab167
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 9th, 2023
Verified purchase

Every year I make about 30 calendars for my family. It is an awesome way to keep track of our birthdays and anniversaries and it's also turned into a chronicle of our lives. I started using Shutterfly about five years ago and it was a good experience to start with. The calendars came out very nice and I got very good reviews from my family. Until this year… I purchased the 30 calendars plus I purchased one from last year because one of my family members missed out on the calendar in 2022. Instead of sending me 30 2023 calendars from the ones I ordered exactly correctly in the queue, they sent me 30 calendars 2022 from last year and one 2023 from this year. I would like to know who did this? Why? So now I'm trying to correct this only I'm at work and I can't talk on the telephone and I can't use work computers for personal business. So he started by chatting with them and saying please send me the calendars before a certain date because I have made arrangements to connect with my family members who live in Asia at a particular time with particular people that would be in the same place at the same time. After talking with three representatives, we still do not have the replacement calendars and the time passed for the people going to Asia to get theirs in a timely time. I'm going to be forced to pay additional money to send the ones in Asia a calendar with overseas shipping prices that may or may not get to them because apparently overseas in Asia is not a definite way to send something. Packages have been known to get lost. I am so disappointed in the way I've been treated by this company to fix the situation. This was after three representatives assured me that everything was OK and that they had fixed this even escalating this to upper management. Shutterfly is great until they made such a huge mistake that they flatly refused to fix by overnighting these to me as requested.

Products used:
Calendars

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user carolw674
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 24th, 2020

If i could give a negative review i would... photos say it all. Thank for the fabulous photos for my sons grad party! And these are the good ones!

Thumbnail of user jennyg29
Virginia
1 review
3 helpful votes
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June 1st, 2016

I understand that items can sometimes be flawed, considering how many products Shutterfly pushes out on a daily basis. I have had some decent orders from them. On the most recent $500 order I purchased from them, I received a damaged canvas (not from shipping) and an extremely dark acrylic picture. When I contacted them and explained in detail that the canvases edges were not lined up
Correctly and the acrylic print was so dark you couldn't even identify the people in it, they responded with that they are so terribly sorry for this inconvenience and that they recommend I use a better editing software so therefore they cannot help me. Considering I use Adobe Photoshop for a living and the images I sent them were from a high resolution Cannon camera, needless to say, their email felt quite shockingly condescending. When I write back and requested to speak to a manager, after 2 days, I received another email (with no manager contact info) and they asked how they could help rectify the situation. Once I RE explained the issue again and sent in my original pictures and then images of what I received, they finally gave in and said they could replace ONE of the items (the acrylic one). They said it would show up as free in my checkout page... I went to order the acrylic print yesterday and noticed it was not there. I contacted customer service (again) and received an email today apologizing (once again) for the inconvenience and that my order window expired therefor they were unable to help me! Do not look forward going through this cycle of a process again. As I said in the beginning, it is completely understandable for an item to occasionally be faulty, but the poor customer service has been outrageous. I am a huge custom orderer and have spent thousands of dollars. It is unfortunate that Shutterfly will forever lose my business if they cannot fully rectify this. So disappointed.

Thumbnail of user shutterflys
Jamaica
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 7th, 2022

Where's my pictures at tf. They robbed me. Still haven't received my package. I'm salty as hell! Like i'm mad.

Thumbnail of user ernestg21
North Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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November 30th, 2017

Will not be using shutterfly again. Tired of getting 2/5/10 copies of some of the pictures and paying for them.

Thumbnail of user patriciah384
Texas
1 review
4 helpful votes
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December 15th, 2018

I ordered Christmas cards on Nov 27th. When I hadn't received them by Dec 8th, I went on their website and sent an email asking about the status of my order. I got an automated email saying I would get a response within 48 hours. I got no response to my inquiry but I did finally receive an orange envelope on Dec 14th with nothing inside. I called customer service on Dec 15th, and was told the wait was 2 hours long so I signed up to be called back when it was my turn. I got the return call and the rep agreed to ship my cards expedited at no cost but I was told that I needed to submit the order with $0 charge through my shopping basket online. When I did this, I was charged $18 for expedited shipping. I then called customer service AGAIN and waited 28 minutes (not offered call back) to request a refund of the shipping charge I was told I wouldn't be charged. This has taken up way too much of my time to deal with Shutterfly's poor operations and customer service. I've used Tiny Prints for the last 4 years but will not be using them ever again after this year's string of issues.

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From the business

Create photo books, personalize photo cards & stationery, and share photos with family and friends at Shutterfly.com.

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Thumbnail of user levih42
Levi H.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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