• 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 betht394
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 23rd, 2024
Verified purchase

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!

Thumbnail of user meghansnyder
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 7th, 2024

I have a busy life just as I'm sure everyone else has. I don't always get to check my emails daily. If I see an Important email I try take care of it. I didn't see that Shutterfly had an important message that I would lose all my photos if I didn't make a purchase. I'm highly disappointed with Shutterfly. Those are my memories you took away. I went looking at the time frame of Shutterfly emails of the notice and I saw the first one was sent 10/22 to lose everything by 11/5. I'd rather use Walgreens for all my photo printing needs.

Products used:
None

Quality
Thumbnail of user kimberlyg903
Texas
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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June 8th, 2024

I am a repeat customer multiple times a year for years. I have had a good experience with Shutterfly books and with Christmas cards and gifts, but a poor experience with photo prints. I recently ordered a large order of different sized graduation photos to be used for a graduation party display. All 96 of the photos arrived with a processing error that appeared to be "dust" or "snow" in all the prints- including the same pose- "snow" was in different spots and my photos were done by a professional photographer and clear. I called Shutterfly, who quickly looked at my photos, saw they were good and agreed to re-print the photos at no charge, even mentioning a rush production and shipping to get my photos to me in time for the graduation. This did not occur. They arrived 5 days after promised (after the party) and the graduation display for the party did not occur, family could not take their prints home with them either. When the re-printed prints arrived, the "snow" issue was gone but the 8x10 photo was crumpled because the piece of cardboard used to help protect the photos was too small (not 8x10 sized) and the orange envelope was insufficient to protect the photos. I have had this problem (crumpled photos) in the past with other orders that I just ate the cost of. It is tiring to have to keep contacting a company to reprint photos. I have now ordered photos off the Walgreens app for a fraction of the price and I feel them to be better print quality. I will not order photos from Shutterfly again. Save your money and a headache by ordering your prints locally or from another company.

Service
Value
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Quality
Thumbnail of user jvsteele82
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 23rd, 2024

What a rip off. Ordered cards with a MD shipping address. They shipped to VT. They confirmed the shipping address was MD. BUT THEY REFUSED TO EITHER REFUND OR RESHIP DESPITE IT BEING THEIR FAULT. WASTE OF MONEY.

Tip for consumers:
Stay far away from these hucksters

Products used:
Nothing. They never shipped me the things I ordered. They sent to wrong address and never corrected.

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Thumbnail of user siennar22
Utah
1 review
1 helpful vote
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February 4th, 2024

I experienced fraud and the customer service was awful, slow and they could barely speak English. They didn't know how to rectify the situation. I ended up just deleting my account and going through the bank. I will not be using this site ever again.

Service
Value
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Thumbnail of user wandak204
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 15th, 2024

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.

Tip for consumers:
I've always received excellent, professional customer service and beautiful books. I custom design all my books. They stand behind there products 100%. If you aren't an experienced design person then ask for help. Use high quality photos! 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. Remember Shutterfly didn't take the pictures.They will make what you approve.

Products used:
Shutterfly stands behind their products. I created 27 project within 15 years that included 15 photo books.

Thumbnail of user tomfunk
Vermont
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 21st, 2023

Warning, don't buy if you can't wait 18 days to get your Holiday cards! I thought we were well ahead of the game ordering this card on Dec 9. But Shutterfly took eight days to print and ship, then another ten days in transit, so we won't even see our cards until Dec 27, two days after Christmas! Shutterfly should be ashamed of this level of service. At the very least they should display a realistic estimated delivery before you complete your order. We've bought our cards from Shutterfly for several years, but we'll absolutely be ordering from a competitor Vistaprint next year.

Products used:
Holiday cards

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user davidg6583
North Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 22nd, 2023

Ordered framed print for my father in laws first Christmas without his wife. Shutterfly boasts upgraded shipping to ensure it gets there on time. It sat in his town post office for 4 days and now Shutterfly says it's lost.
Instead of offering a refund they offer credit on our next order? There will be no next order.

Service
Shipping
Thumbnail of user kevind2387
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 19th, 2023

Holiday cards ordered Dec 5, paid for expedited delivery Dec 13. No delivery on appointed date, but website stated goods were in transit. Still no delivery one week later, yet the website still showed good in transit with projected Dec 13 delivery date. Phone call to customer service determined cards had not yet been printed; could not project when cards would be shipped or delivered. My request for a full refund was refused; so much for their "100% satisfaction guarantee." I will never use this service again (after being a regular customer for twenty years).

Products used:
Printed cards

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user michellec3637
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 5th, 2023

Picture is grainy and in my opinion horrible. These were professional photos so there is no reason they should have turned out like that. Calendars and magnets are always great but this was very disappointing.

Products used:
Small canvas photo

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user gailstorch
Nevada
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 27th, 2023

The card I ordered never came. The shipping kept saying it would be delivered the next day. That is deceptive. At least if I had known they were not coming, I could have sent other cards. Terrible customer service!

Thumbnail of user mccc1
Michigan
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 6th, 2023
Verified purchase

Printed my books incorrectly and in filing a complaint… had me phone chat with over 3 people in an hours time. For no reason, it went from person to person. The last person was looking something up, thanked me for her patience and then I got a conversation time out! Don't waste your time! Too many other good companies out there. I unfortunately wasted 300.00! Here's a photo of one cover… not even my photo choice and no title. My big book is done in incorrect order! I can't even open the one with the weird photo

Products used:
Can’t even open package

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user brentm884
Oregon
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 9th, 2023

I ordered a puzzle online as a gift with a couple pictures from a trip taken this year with my GF. After submitting the order I realized I wanted to cancel - followed the link in the email but was not able to cancel since it was outside the "30 minute window".

I called the customer service number the next day, and after navigating the phone tree reached an offshore agent. They were able to cancel my order but did not note any refund. When I asked, I was put on hold for ~5 minutes only to learn 20% of my purchase price could be refunded. This is worse than both the 50% refund fee on their website for returns and the free return/cancellation policy on most other sites.

Acknowledging I should have done more research before ordering from Shutterfly, but there are too many good options out there to give my business to Shutterfly for future needs.

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Returns
Thumbnail of user ellenf358
Illinois
1 review
3 helpful votes
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November 30th, 2023

I ordered 40 picture holiday cards from Shutterfly about 8 days ago (which included the photo) but just received them, which DIDN'T include the photo. I spoke with a customer representative *******610) who said he was unable to give me the correct cards without charging another $75 (he'll give me shipping free this time). The confirmation emails don't include what the cards should look like. I won't be using Shutterfly again.

Products used:
Going to Walgreens

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user lg502
North Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 15th, 2023

I ordered custom holiday cards with, according to their website, plenty of time for them to arrive in time for me to mail them before Christmas. The delivery date keeps getting pushed back. When I looked at my order details, it shows the order has been "awaiting carrier pickup" for 5 days. Lots of back and forth with custserv has gotten me nowhere. Several times that have said "oh, but we are processing so many orders for the holidays." That's not my problem. That's a fulfillment issue they should be able to easily anticipate.
It seems highly likely that my holiday cards will arrive after I've left town and I guess I'll be mailing them after the holidays. That's bad enough but the useless, repetitive, scripted customer service responses are just adding to my irritation. I will not be using them again.

Products used:
Photo cards

Service
Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user josephf1174
District of Columbia
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 14th, 2023

Ordered some cards for my new boss. Company is still creating the product 7 days later...I could print the thing out and mail it myself...this is ridiculous. Zits a simple card. Called customer service 3 times...bs company avoid...

Thumbnail of user jp1403
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2023

Ordered an ornament weeks ago and still not delivered. They make you think you are getting a good deal on a product then charge you an exorbitant amount for shipping for a product they weighs practically nothing. Total rip-off, especially when FREE shipping is so wide spread. Never again will I order, wish I could give 1/2 star.

Thumbnail of user daniel.l.plath
Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 20th, 2023

I placed my order with Shutterfly. Was given a date of Dec 14 for delivery. Three more changes in that delivery date got me to Dec 20. They have 100% happiness guarantee. They have a guarantee to upgrade the shipping to get it there faster, but that was not done. Overall, it is one of the worst experiences from beginning to end that I have dealt with in a long time. Customer service was absolutely no help either. What a joke!

Thumbnail of user johnw7779
Wisconsin
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 18th, 2023

There is no QC for the prints. They appear to be good on the computer and then when you get them, they look awful. A simple filter would go a long way.

As far as the customer service goes... GOOD LUCK! I have spent 4 hours on the phone and cannot seem to get anyone that speaks good enough English to fix the print. Four different CS reps and no one can get this figured out, seems there is a lack of training.

Thumbnail of user bg301
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 8th, 2023

Shutterfly is awful. Worst service ever. Christmas Cards promised by a certain date and they are failing to perform on time. We now won't be at our residence to accept the package since it's late. I tried to change to alternate address but they won't intercept via UPS. Offered to pay for new cards and have sent overnight. Now takes 2 weeks to produce the cards and then a week to ship, we would receive around New Years. They have calls outsourced so you speak to someone at home that barely understands English. At one point she said they call us breaking up. Finally hung up frustrated. Never use them again. I should have looked at the reviews.

Products used:
Cardsp

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user anneisalamb
Georgia
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 17th, 2023

The price I spent for these pictures doesn't match the quality. They should have called or emailed me if the pictures didn't look good. But the worst thing is the message I included. I had capitalized the names but that wasn't included. The holiday greeting I had was hard to read with the background, but you can plainly see the shutterfly logo to advertise. Why not give MY message the same clarity? I'm the one paying for it. Never again. They don't have my loyalty anymore.

Products used:
The holiday cards. Too late to make news ones.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user jessicam3551
California
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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December 20th, 2023

This is the second year in a row that Shutterfly has done as absolutely awful job on the envelope addressing for my Christmas cards. Over 20 of the envelopes had the top half of the lettering cut off, off center, half of the recipients name missing, etc. I contacted customer service and their first offer was to give me 3 8X11 prints. I told them that I didn't need enlargement prints, but I needed my Christmas envelops to be re-printed correctly. They agreed, but sent them with no rush or any sense or care or urgency. Complete apathy to a very legitimate customer issue. So, over a week and a half later the new one arrive, and they are the exact same! Apparenlty there is absolutely no one overseeing quality control at Shutterfly. Customer service has been absolutely awful each time I've contacted them. They are extremely slow to respond, not well trained or equipped to handle issues, and altogether apathetic and unhelpful. Never again.

Tip for consumers:
Terrible customer service and absolutely awful quality control.

Products used:
Christmas Cards

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user lynnn324
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 18th, 2023

The day after Thanksgiving this we designed our 2023 Christmas card and tried to place our order. When we tried to check out and pay it said checkout was not working but to try again later. We tried for 3 days and finally ended up calling customer service to complete our order. After several minutes they said they had an IT problem and to call them again in three days. When we called they said the problem was fixed and for our inconvenience they would send us the cards for no charge. We thought, WOW, this is great news. It's now December 17th and we still haven't gotten the cards. Called customer service and they had no record of any Christmas card from us this year. Needless to say, we are angry and feel betrayed by a supposedly reputable company.

Products used:
Store bought cards

Thumbnail of user bobe579
Colorado
1 review
3 helpful votes
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January 27th, 2023
Verified purchase

It started with many technical issues, then had delivery date issues and finally an awful refund following receiving the order twice. We have been long time Shutterfly users but never again. Incredibly poor customer service.

Thumbnail of user jf530
TW
98 reviews
42 helpful votes
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March 26th, 2021
Verified purchase

I've ordered many different sized photos from Shutterfly multiple times over the past years and they always have promotions! There was this one time they were giving out free their reusable bag and all you had to pay was shipping. I was already paying for my photos shipping so I decided why not! I use this bag all the time (as you can see it's erm dirt in the photo) and it's extremely durable. I'm literally carrying the heaviest groceries around my neck and the bag is isn't broken which is crazy!

Highly recommend ordering photos or other personalized items for your family and friend or even yourself like me :)

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

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Levi H.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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1.4
975 reviews
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