10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Slide Scanning Service

#1: Do You Ship Projects Overseas?

Question: Do you ship scanning projects to third-world countries to take advantage of low-income workers or child labor?

Why this matters: Some companies use US addresses while shipping your irreplaceable slides to India, the Philippines, or other countries where labor is cheaper. Your family memories are being handled by underpaid workers in facilities you know nothing about.

Our answer: We're 100% USA-based. All scanning happens in our two Wisconsin offices. Your slides never leave our possession until we ship them back to you.

#2: Who Owns My Shipment?

Question: If you send me a prepaid shipping label and my box gets lost, who legally owns the shipment—you or me? Can I track and file claims, or am I powerless?

Why this matters: When you use their "free" prepaid label, THEY are the shipper of record—not you. If something goes wrong, you can't track it, can't file claims, and have zero control. Read the truth about "free" shipping boxes.

Our answer: We don't offer "free" prepaid labels specifically because we want YOU to maintain ownership and control. When you purchase your own shipping, you're the shipper of record with full rights.

#3: Do You Edit After Scanning?

Question: Do you do anything to enhance images after scanning, or do I just get base, unenhanced scans? Do you use Photoshop to correct faded colors and exposure?

Why this matters: Most competitors do automated batch scanning with zero post-processing. You get whatever the scanner spits out—faded colors, poor exposure, dust specs and all. We individually Photoshop edit every single scan at no extra charge.

Our answer: YES. Every scan receives expert Photoshop editing from trained professionals. We correct faded colors, adjust exposure, and bring your slides back to life.

#4: Can I See Free Demo Scans First?

Question: Can I send you 10 of my slides for a free "demo" scan so I can see your quality before committing?

Why this matters: Companies confident in their quality offer free demos. Those who don't… well, there's a reason. If they won't let you test their quality, what are they hiding?

Our answer: ABSOLUTELY. Send us 10 slides for completely free 4,000 ppi scans with full Photoshop editing. Compare our results to anyone. We're that confident.

#5: Can I Talk to the Owner?

Question: Can I call and speak directly with the owner of your business?

Why this matters: Large corporate operations route you through overseas call centers where nobody has authority to help. Small family businesses like ours? The owner answers the phone.

Our answer: Yes. Call 800-844-1393 during business hours and you'll talk to the people who actually do the work—often the owner himself.

#6: Are You BBB Accredited?

Question: Are you a BBB member? Under your current business name or any previous business names, do you have unsettled complaints?

Why this matters: Some companies change business names to escape complaint histories. BBB accreditation means ongoing accountability and ethical business practices.

Our answer: We're BBB accredited with an A+ rating. No hidden past businesses, no unsettled complaints. Check our BBB record yourself.

#7: What Resolution Do You Really Scan At?

Question: What actual scanning resolution do you use? Not "up to" or "HD quality"—what specific PPI (pixels per inch)?

Why this matters: Marketing terms like "HD" or "high resolution" are meaningless. We scan at genuine 4,000 PPI—competitors often scan at 2,000 PPI or less and call it "HD."

Our answer: Every slide scanned at true 4,000 PPI. Not "up to." Not "HD." Actual, measurable 4,000 pixels per inch.

#8: Can You Show Me Side-by-Side Comparisons?

Question: Can you show me actual comparison scans of the same slides scanned by you versus your competitors?

Why this matters: Talk is cheap. Anyone can claim superior quality. We send identical slides to competitors and show you the results side-by-side.

Our answer: See our comparison tests using the exact same slides sent to Legacy Box, Costco, Walgreen's, and us. The difference is shocking.

#9: How Long Have You Been in Business?

Question: How many years have you actually been scanning slides? Not "years of experience"—how long has YOUR company specifically been operating?

Why this matters: Fly-by-night operations come and go. Some rebrand under new names after complaints pile up. Established businesses have reputation to protect.

Our answer: We've been scanning slides since 2002—over 20 years at the same Wisconsin locations under the same ownership. We'll be here tomorrow because we've been here for decades.

#10: What Happens If I'm Disappointed?

Question: If I'm unhappy with your scanning quality, what are my options? Can you re-scan? Do you offer refunds?

Why this matters: Slide and photo scanning is a specialized service requiring expertise and significant time investment. Before committing to a large project, you should thoroughly evaluate any scanning company. Here's how:

Request sample scans - Many companies offer free test scans of 5-10 slides. Take advantage of this.

Compare multiple services - Send the same slides to each company you're considering. This is the only way to make a fair comparison.

Research the company - Check their Better Business Bureau rating and read customer reviews.

Understand the quality differences - Many scanning services only provide basic scans with minimal scanning resolution, color correction or restoration.

Our answer: We want you completely satisfied with our work. We offer two ways to evaluate our quality before fully committing:

Free Test Scans - Send us 10 slides for free scanning. We'll pay for return postage via first-class mail.

Trial First Folder - Send your project but start with the first folder containing 30 or fewer 35mm slides. We'll scan and professionally process this folder, then post your images online (with watermarks) for review. NOTE: You need to request this on the order form and not after we have worked your job.

If you're unhappy: We'll void your deposit check. You then just send a check to cover return shipping, and we'll send everything back to you, including your voided deposit check.

If you're satisfied: We'll continue with your full project and cash your deposit check.


Already disappointed by another service? We can help fix those scans too.