FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions – Lil’ Duck Duck
If this is your first visit to our FAQ page, welcome! Answers to 99.9% of the questions we receive are below; so please make sure you have looked through them before you contact us. If you have placed a proof request with us, you received 2 confirmation emails that have much of the information below contained within as well.
The Number 1 Question: What is your turn around time?
Proofs and changes usually take less than 24 hours on business days with prompt responses, original print-quality photos, applicable releases & complete information.
Printing time*: 2-3 business days.
Domestic US shipping time*: 2-3 mail days via USPS Priority Mail, or upgrade to USPS Express Mail (generally overnight or 2 business days, signature required). International clients, we’ll send you a shipping quote once you place the request or you can request a quote here.
*Please note that these are our best estimates. Thanks!
Here are the different Sections of the FAQ Page. Click on them to be taken to that section directly:
Photo Quality & Content [ Top ]
How do I send my photos to you?
We have 2 ways you can send your photos to us:
First is to upload them to our drop box at http://dropbox.yousendit.com/LilDuckDuck. Please put your order number in the subject line so we can identify your order quickly.
Secondly, you can attach them to an email and send them to our design department 2 or 3 at a time. Please put your order number in the subject line so we can identify your order quickly.
I got an email about my photos being too small. What does that mean?
We print at a very high resolution, 300ppi to be exact. This means that photos must be much larger than they would need to be at your local printer (Costco, Wal-Mart, etc.). Any camera that is 2 Megapixel or better already takes the perfect size. You just need to find the original file(s) and send those onto us via the methods above.
How can I tell if my photos are large enough for printing?
The easiest way to tell is to look at the size of the file. If your picture is less than 500kb then chances are it is too small to use. Facebook, MySpace, Linkin and other online site profile pictures WILL NOT WORK so please don’t even send them to us. If you think your photo is large enough, just send it in and we can tell you if it is or not, even if you don’t have a proof request.
I have photos from a studio or pro photographer. Can I use them?
Yes, provided you have the proper personal reprinting permissions. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have looked at your contract to ensure that you have these permissions, copyrighted photos must have a signed reprinting release. Without them, you will be legally responsible for misrepresentation as per your terms agreement when you placed the request.
Can I edit my own photos before sending them to you?
Since we edit in a very high resolution environment, we only recommend this for people who are confortable with photo editing. You can not reduce the size or resolution of the photo before you send it to us.
I have photos from my photographer, but they are too small. How do I get the large ones to you?
Chances are you have a proof CD with low resolution images. Check with your photographer to get the high resolution images. Better yet, have them send us the pictures directly via one of the two methods above. Also, make sure you have personal reprinting permissions. We will NOT print a photo without permission from the photographer.
I have a blemish on my face, or a weird person in the shot. Can you edit it out?
Photo touch up can be time-consuming and costly, so we opt not to do custom editing at this time – we can crop & zoom your photos if they are large enough and can usually remove red-eye. If you wish to have extensive photo retouching done, you may contact a professional editing company, who can complete your requests and return the print-quality photos to you with a signed reprinting release form.
I have very old photos. What is the best way to get them to you?
The best thing to do is to scan them in. (see our scanning tutorial page). If you are unable or uncomfortable with scanning them in, you can mail the photos to us. Just email Customer Service for more information.
Can I see printed sample of my card or receive a sample packet?
While you can’t see a printed sample of your specific design with your photos, we can send you a sampling of our stocks to get a good feeling of how your card will look and feel.
We strongly suggest that you request a sample pack if you wish to see physical copies of our work. We are not able to have specific designs in stock for samples because of the custom nature of our work, but all paper types & finishes are available for samples (we are currently shipping samples only to US customers).
Proofs [ Top ]
I placed my proof request, what happens now?
Your order is being reviewed by our staff to make sure that the details of your order are in order. If you have sent us great photos and we have all the information we need, you will receive a “Your Proof is in Progress” email and from then you can expect your first proof generally within 24 hours on business days (may be up to 2 business days for extensive customizations or during holiday seasons).
Do I get a physical proof?
Our printers can only print a minimum of 25 cards so single prints are not available. We will send you a digital proof via email to the email you provided on your proof request.
How do I make a change to my proof?
Just reply to the email you received with your proof, list any changes you want and you will have a new proof within 2 business days.
How many changes can I make?
You are able to make up to 6 changes to your proof. After that it is $15 per change with payment prior to receipt.
Printing [ Top ]
What is the minimum order amount?
25 cards. After that you can add in increments of 5. This applies to all stocks and sizes apart from 2×3.5″ cards and bookmarks.
Do you offer Return Address Printing on the envelopes?
Yes we do. You can select that option on the first page of your proof request, or you can simply email your designer and ask that it be added. It will be in black ink with a matching font.
Shipping & Timing [ Top ]
Can I pre-order envelopes or get custom envelopes?
We include free 24lb white unlined envelopes with all orders. We do not have a stock of envelopes so we can not ship envelopes ahead of the printed product and we do not have any custom sized envelopes beyond what is offered on our site.
What shipping methods are available?
We ship via the United States Postal Service using Priority Mail (2 – 3 business days average) and Express Mail (Overnight to most areas, signature required upon delivery). We can ship via UPS and FedEx only if you have an account number and billing ZIP code for the account number. There is also a $7.99 handling fee which will be included for UPS or FedEx shipments.
Do you provide envelopes with my order?
We provide free 24lb white unlined envelope along with all orders, with the exception of bookmarks and 2×3.5″ cards.. If you wish to purchase specialty or custom envelopes you will need to obtain them from a specialty vendor.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, you are sent an automatic confirmation with a tracking/confirmation number. Use this number at USPS.com (or UPS.com if you are a Canadian customer) to see the status of your order. If you think there is a problem with your order, email our Shipping Department to get help right away.
Do you ship to PO Boxes or Military Addresses?
We do. For our military customers, we have no control over the delivery time of your shipment once it is in the internal mail system of the military. Please take that into account if you need your order by a specific date.
International [ Top ]
Do you offer cards in different languages?
Sadly, we don’t speak anything other than English and a little Pig Latin. If you wish to have your card in another language, we will be happy to print it but you will need to provide the text. It is important to make sure that we receive the text in its original form with accents and symbols as needed. Therefore we ask that you send us the text as a JPEG image or PDF.
Do you ship internationally?’
Yes. To Canada we ship via UPS Ground, 2nd day and Next Day Air. To all other countries we ship via USPS International Priority, Express and FedEx Global Express. Once you place your proof request, you will be given a quote for your shipment along with the estimated delivery time based on your location. NOTE – Many countries have import tariffs. We can not pay them and will be due upon delivery to your carrier is applicable.
What is the cost to ship to my country?
Each country’s shipping price is different so we can’t give a general pricing. When you place your free proof request online, you will receive a specific quote for your order that you will approve before you receive your first proof.
Are there any tariffs or import taxes I should know about?
Most countries we ship to do have a tariff. Our tariff falls under the Greeting Cards or similar tariffs if you wish to look up your countries import taxes. Orders shipping within the state of Florida in the United States incur a 7.5% sales tax as required by law.
Contact & Misc. Info [ Top ]
How do I contact you?
Our Contact Us page has the quickest way to reach the department you want to contact.
Is there any penalty for canceling?
No. You are under no obligation to place your order with us. However, you can not cancel after you have paid your invoice which you receive after approving a proof for printing. Once paid, your order is locked in and can not be canceled or modified in any way.
Can you print any licensed cartoon characters?
We cannot print licensed characters, logos, or other graphics without a signed, written reprinting release from the owner of the image. You can obtain them by contacting the legal department of license holder, we will not be able to do it for you. However, if you have a picture of the characters in a candid setting or on decorations we can use that. An example would be your child at Disney World with a character or a large cardboard cut out for a party.
What will you not print?
We will not print anything with offensive language, political promotion or adult humor. Lewd or obscene gestures, objects, or clothing in photos will not be permitted. Anything normally covered by proper swimwear or a diaper for babies must NOT be visible. Professional “cute bottom” newborn photos are acceptable with a signed release from the studio/photographer. Lil’ Duck Duck reserves the right to review and refuse an order on a case-by-case basis.
Still have questions? Please write our customer service ducks!