Being I’ve owned a digital camera since my original grainy quality Fuji 1.2 mega-pixel, I’m always on the lookout for better ways to get my digital prints into hard copy. As the years progressed the cameras became more advanced, simply printing the pictures with our home computer just didn’t do the quality of the picture justice anymore. Not only was home printing time consuming, the cost of ink cartridges and photo paper far out weighed the benefit of owning the digital camera versus a 35MM film camera.
As the internet connection speeds advanced, several online companies came into play. Snapfish, Flickr, and Shutterfly all offered reasonable pricing, free online storage and many printing options for gift items. I utilized Shutterfly’s services on several occasions, however paying for the prints, paying for shipping, and waiting several days for the prints to show up was very frustrating.
Along comes Walgreens to our metro Wausau area. Walgreens offers several in house options for making prints as well as online storage and ordering from Walgreens.com. Unlike the other online services, prints ordered through Walgreens.com are available in about an hour.
The process is very simple:
- Set up an account with Walgreens online.
- Log-in: Username – Password
- Upload your pictures to their site.
- Choose the prints and quantities that you require.
- Make any format changes to the uploaded prints: Cropping, color, hue, etc…
- Proceed to check-out
- Confirm your order
- Choose your payment method: At the store or Online
- Receive a confirmation number and time for pick-up
Usually prints are available in about 30-45 minutes thanks to their printing methods. However on many occasions I’ve uploaded my prints; drove the six miles to Walgreens and they were finished and sitting ready by the time I arrived. The cost per print ordered online is 19 cents each, however the price drops to 15 cents each if your order is over 100 prints. Utilizing the in-house computers is also handy at times however the price is higher unless you have a coupon for the prints.
Walgreens.com stores your uploaded pictures free of charge as long as you order once a year from them. This also allows for you to share photos with friends and family around the country via e-mail.
Trust me there are many advantages to having your digital photos processed in an hour. I’ve utilized Walgreens.com several times for my kid’s school projects. One project in particular was a hanging mural that my son had to do with his family, friends, hobbies, and sports shown in pictures. We simply created a folder online. Uploaded pictures from all the different things and proceed to town to pick up the glossy prints.
Not only did my son get an “A”, so did Walgreens.
