I know we have quite a few australians on the site, so the question is directed mainly at them for ease of shipping needs.
Who have you used to do a photo book with, were you 110% happy?
In the past I've used mypublisher and was really happy with the design process, but the latest version of their software won't install on my computer *rolls eyes* and when I did it years ago I had it mailed to my sis in LA for pickup when we went to visit.
I tried digitalprintsaustralia, since they seemed to be the cheapest but I didn't like that they had a preset layout and you did the layout online.
I'd like to be able to do layout on my own computer
I need to not have any sort of company logo printed on it (does snapfish do that?)
I'd like it to be fully customizable (no preset layouts!)
I've used Harvey Norman before to do some scrapbooking photobooks. I did them at home on the downloaded software and I was really happy with them. I had to select a preset layout I think (from memory there was not option for customised pages), but then I loaded my pages and stretched them to fit the whole page. They did cut off about 5mm around the edge of the page though so be aware of that. My books were 8x8 and 12x12 and I've done both soft cover and hard cover (which are beautiful). I think they take about 10 working days. Good luck. @clarek
@neda@clarek there have been quite a few discussions about this over the last year or so and from memory I think the most popular company for books is Blurb - they are not Aussie but I know I'd be prepared to pay a bit more to get a better book. Type photo books into the search bar then click on discussions and there will be plenty for you to read.
Love Blurb...they are still coming from the US, which disturbs me a bit...but haven't found a local company yet which can compare on either quality or price. Blurb.com.au
I have used Snapfish a lot and they have always provided really good service. Last Christmas I ordered photo books for my children which I thought looked fine when they arrived. A short time later Snapfish contacted me and said they were not happy with the quality and they sent me two additional books and gave me a gift voucher. They know how to give good customer service. They often have specials as well and until the 21 November they have 50% off their photo books. You need to use this code - XE50BAU11. Here is a link to their site - http://www.snapfish.com.au/snapfishau/welcome. They are also promoting 30 prints for free on their home page. Good luck.
I have used "My reflections photobooks" two years ago (google them!)...they are in West australia but were here in a few days. You download the software, organize all your layout and text and upload, arrives quickly. Very good quality, did notice a slight additional redness in people's faces, bought this to their attention and they said they were aware and changing the printing operation. Cost and service very good.
I suppose I should have mentioned that I also want to be able to pay by paypal...(why do I suddenly feel like whatsherface from charlie and the chocolate factory "no daddy I want a goose that lays a golden egg NOW!")
@jinximages Price list is hidden till you register, to save me some hassle are you able to tell me the price of a basic 11X8 (horizontal)?
@nicolecampbell Did snapfish require you to use a predone layout? did they put the snapfish logo or website on the book anywhere
@swilde and other blurb users, I take it you didn't have much issue with shipping? I seem to remember that mypublisher wanted a pretty crazy price for shipping to Oz
@traceysday Did they give you a reprinted book after that? This is actually what I'm terrified of and why I usually never print anything out, I had one lab 'fix' (*rolls eyes*) my photos, and I don't know how many others provided me with something I just wasn't happy with, but what can you do *shrug* they just say it's your fault. Their prices seem a bit high, but I suppose it's just the 'living in australia tax'
@kiwichick I forgot HN when I was searching, do they add a logo or a website to the books at all?
@neda Oh, there is a very-basic softcover, 10-side book for $107. I've never tried those (or any of the non-premium ones), but can attest that they'll be the same print and paper quality. Asuka is not cheap, but you'd never bother with Snapfish (for example) after trying Asuka. Snapfish does have good CS, but their products are absolutely "budget" stuff.
@jinximages *cough*!$! Ok well, if I had clients (*jealous*) I'd love to be able to use them, so I might bookmark their page for if I ever need it. Current project is just my husbands baby photos scanned up for MIL, most of them were blurry to begin with 30+ years ago anyway so 'budget' shouldn't disappoint me too much. Wow. I had no clue they could get that pricey, yep, still in a bit of shock *shines her n00b badge*
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@jinximages Price list is hidden till you register, to save me some hassle are you able to tell me the price of a basic 11X8 (horizontal)?
@nicolecampbell Did snapfish require you to use a predone layout? did they put the snapfish logo or website on the book anywhere
@swilde and other blurb users, I take it you didn't have much issue with shipping? I seem to remember that mypublisher wanted a pretty crazy price for shipping to Oz
@traceysday Did they give you a reprinted book after that? This is actually what I'm terrified of and why I usually never print anything out, I had one lab 'fix' (*rolls eyes*) my photos, and I don't know how many others provided me with something I just wasn't happy with, but what can you do *shrug* they just say it's your fault. Their prices seem a bit high, but I suppose it's just the 'living in australia tax'
@kiwichick I forgot HN when I was searching, do they add a logo or a website to the books at all?
@kiwichick @swilde Thanks for that!