About SmileBooks:
SmileBooks is the North American brand of the German photo finishing company Cewe Color, which was founded in 1961. Today, they have 60,000 retail partners and 2,800 employees, active in 24 European countries and operate 15 production plants. In 2009, SmileBook created 3.6 million photo books! SmileBooks specialize in photo books, but also sell calendars, and greeting cards. Photo books start at $9.95
Review:
I had the opportunity to order a 8×11 hardcover album by SmileBooks recently.
There are three ways to create your SmileBooks photo book:
- Professional Design Service: choose book and style, then real designers create your book so you simply upload your photos and the designer does the work for you. Request design changes and order only when you are 100% satisfied. There is a $10 additional charge for a 26 page book.
- Photo Book Software: download free photo book software and use the optional assistant to fill in pages. There are tools to add frames, backgrounds, images masks, clip art, etc. The project is saved to your hard drive. Outside of the software download, the only time you need to be connected to the internet is when you place your order.
- Online Book Builder: select your photo book size (8×8, 8×11, 11×8, or 12×12). Choose a hard or soft cover, then use pre-designed styles and layouts or create your own. Upload your photos, add text and clipart to pages and the cover. Books will be stored in your “Gallery” at no additional cost for 60 days.
SmileBooks also has a neat section called “Get Inspired” where you can see photo books ideas, customer samples, and even learn some tips and tricks.
With these three options, I was able to try out the professional design service. How nice! I just uploaded the photos and then submitted the photos to the design service.
I got an initial draft a few days later and was able to go through it page by page, and comment what I wanted to see changed. I re-submitted the planned photobook. Then a few days later, I got a new draft with my changes made. I added comments a few more times that were submitted to the designer before deciding on the final layout. After the photo book was done how I wanted it, I placed the order, which was very simple. Since there is some time needed in between drafts, you do need to figure extra time for getting your keepsake completed with this feature. I placed my order on Oct. 11 and received another notice that it was ready to ship on Oct. 17th. The photo book arrived yesterday, on Oct. 20th.
When my book came, it was in a sturdy cardboard box, delivered by USPS. The book was well protected from being bent or from other forms of damage.
I wanted to show some of the pages from my photo book:
I like that the background of the large image is carried over as the background for the smaller images. I have done photo books with a few other companies in the past and it has been a solid set of background colors in a set scheme. I thought the pictures were very crisp and clear. The book itself, seems quite durable. This book would retail for $39.95 (26 page large hardcover photo book) + $10 designer fee + $7.99 shipping fee = $57.94. I loved the results.
SmileBooks has been very kind to offer my readers a 30% off code. It is: CMNMOMSB30. This code is valid until 12/31/2011
Another option to try SmileBooks firsthand is the great deal on their website, a free 8″x8″ 26 page mini book, a $26.95 value. You will be requested to enter your e-mail to then get the code for this offer mailed to you and sign up for the SmileBooks newsletter. There is a $7.99 shipping and handling fee. (* The coupon codes are valid for all orders of SmileBooks photo books (excluding shipping and handling fees of $7.99) as described above. All coupon codes end at Midnight PST unless stated otherwise. Each code may be used once per customer. Offer valid on a single order which may contain SmileBooks photo books of different sizes and cover types. One coupon code per order. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Coupon codes cannot be applied to orders previously submitted and are not subject to refund.)
I received a free photo book for review purposes. The thoughts and feelings expressed are my own.
Thanks for the review. I would like to give it a try. When does the 30% coupon code end?
30% code good until 12/31/11. Thanks!