In a recent article, I delved into Walgreens' VHS to DVD transfer service, highlighting their partnership with iMemories—a company specializing in digitizing vintage media formats. Today, I'll explore Walgreens photo restoration service, finding out whether it's the right choice to rejuvenate your cherished, worn-out photos to their original splendor.
Does Walgreens even do photo restoration
Based on this post from their help center, it seems that Walgreens does not offer photo restoration. I even found an old Facebook post from 2011 where they were advertising photo restoration but after reading through the comments they no longer do that. But what about iMemories, the company tasked with their digitization? Interestingly, iMemories does provide photo restoration. A visit to their website reveals a compelling before-and-after image of a young girl, accompanied by the caption, “Our expert staff restores your memories to look as good as new.” In essence, when you send your photos to be digitized, iMemories will also skillfully digitally restore them to a pristine condition.
Hold on a moment. If Walgreens offers photo digitization, does that inherently mean they provide photo restoration as well? We understand that Walgreens forwards media to iMemories for digitization. Given that iMemories confirms they restore photos on their website, it implies Walgreens might indirectly offer restoration. However, the two companies could have distinct agreements. For instance, sending photos through Walgreens might not guarantee restoration.
To ensure your photos are both digitized and restored, I'd advise sending them directly to iMemories.
How much does it cost to have my photos restored?
To ensure your photos are restored, I'll be discussing iMemories pricing. However, if you're considering digitizing through Walgreens, be aware that their rates are nearly double even though everything goes through iMemories.
iMemories typically charges $0.99 per photo for digitization. Yet, they're currently offering a limited-time 50% discount, bringing the price down to $0.49 per photo. Before sending in your photos, you'll need to purchase their SafeShip Kit, designed to protect your photos during transit. This kit, which typically costs $29.99, includes a box filled with shock-resistant foam and waterproof bags. With the ongoing sale, you can get it for just $14.99. It's essentially insurance to ensure your cherished memories arrive undamaged. This kit can accommodate up to 1,500 4×6″ photos, and conveniently includes a pre-paid FedEx label.
Now, let's discuss photo restoration costs. The highlight of iMemories' offering is that they restore photos at no additional charge. Yes, that's right: complimentary restoration. Such a gesture isn't standard in the industry.
How long does it take to digitize and restore photos?
When you visit the iMemories website and scroll, you'll notice a section indicating a processing time of 1-2 weeks. However, diving deeper into their FAQ section at the bottom of the page reveals a slightly longer timeframe of 2-3 weeks. Interestingly, there's a note mentioning delays due to the pandemic, extending the wait to 4-6 weeks. Given that the pandemic has been over for some time now, it's puzzling why this information persists. Perhaps it's an oversight or they've yet to update this detail.
It's logical to assume the processing time might also hinge on the volume of photos sent. A larger batch might lean towards the 2-3 week estimate, whereas a smaller collection could be completed within the 1-2 week range.
How do I receive my newly digitized and restored photos?
You have a selection of six options for retrieving your photos, and frankly, most seem on the pricier side, save for one. Let's delve into each option and its associated costs:
- iMemories Cloud: This is their cloud storage solution. For a monthly fee of $7.99 or an annual payment of $49.99, they'll house your photos in the cloud. They provide apps on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store. These apps let you access and view your photos across a range of devices – from TVs to phones, wherever the app is supported.
- USB Flash Drive: They offer three different sizes. The 8 GB flash drive is priced at $39.99, which frankly feels steep for a USB of that capacity. The 16 GB option is $59.99, and the largest, a 32 GB flash drive, is priced at $79.99.
- Portable Hard Drive: The sole option here is a 1 TB drive. To clarify, 1 terabyte equates to approximately 1024 gigabytes. This drive will set you back $199.99.
- DVDs: Custom DVDs are priced at $19.99 each. The description isn't clear if this is for a single DVD or more, but it's prudent to assume the former.
- Blu-ray: The pricing structure is identical to DVDs, at $19.99 each.
- Digital Download: This is the sole cost-effective option — it's absolutely FREE. You'll be sent a link to download your files straight to your computer. From there, the world's your oyster. For instance, you could purchase a 64 GB SanDisk USB for approximately $9 and move your files over. However, note that there's a 30-day window to fetch your downloads; post that, they'll be gone.
If you're not tech-savvy or familiar with downloading and transferring files to a USB, it might be worth considering the USB Flash Drive option, as long as you're comfortable with the cost.
Final word
In response to the question posed by the article's title: No, Walgreens does not directly offer photo restoration as per their own statements. However, their associated company, iMemories, which handles their digitization process, certainly does. With a stellar reputation, 15 years of rich experience, and consistently positive reviews, iMemories stands out as a top-tier choice in the photo scanning industry. Given their proven track record, I recommend opting for iMemories when considering the restoration of your cherished memories.
Nerko is a writer for Zoopy, and he's been working there since 2019. He loves to ride his motorcycle and bicycle, especially in the summertime! He also enjoys watching science fiction movies, and his favorite movie is Interstellar. Nerko is also a competitive gamer - so if you're looking for a good competition, he's your man!