Shutterfly, LLC, a prominent American photography company, based in the vibrant city of Redwood City, California. Founded in December 1999 by visionary minds Eva Manolis and Dan Baum with a focus on social expression and personal publishing.
In 2004, the company started acquiring other companies. Notable acquisitions by Shutterfly include Tiny Prints, Spoonflower, ThisLife, GrooveBook, MyPublisher, and more.
The Shutterfly family of brands comprises a leading e-commerce company specializing in personalized products and custom design. Shutterfly is divided into three divisions: Consumer (Spoonflower, Snapfish, and Shutterfly), Lifetouch, and Shutterfly Business Solutions. Shutterfly’s mission is to help people create products and preserve moments that reflect their unique identity.
Are you looking for alternatives to Shutterfly? While Shutterfly is a popular choice for personalized photo gifts and printing services, there are other competitors in the market that offer unique features and benefits.
In this article, we will explore 13 top Shutterfly competitors and alternatives that give you more options to choose from. Let’s dive in and see what these platforms have to offer.
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Top 13 Shutterfly Competitors and Alternatives
1. Zazzle
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Zazzle is an online design and print services platform that specializes in custom-printed business products and personalized gifts.
Similar to Shutterfly, Zazzle allows users to create invitation cards, art, accessories, office supplies, and more. In a recent surge in popularity, Zazzle experienced a massive increase in sales for personalized puzzles, up by 4,000% in 2020.
To enhance user experience and competition with Shutterfly, Zazzle introduced Zazzle LIVE in September 2020. This feature connects customers with expert designers via video and chats in real time, streamlining the design process and offering a range of customizable options to choose from.
Although Zazzle comes at a higher cost compared to Shutterfly, its robust collaborative tools and extensive product design categories make it a worthy competitor.
2. Mixbook
Headquartered in Emeryville, California, Mixbook is a popular platform specializing in photo album software and online printing services.
If you’re looking for high-quality customizable templates for scrapbooks, photo books, photo cards, yearbooks, and more, Mixbook is an excellent choice.
Offering BBB Accredited business services and easy-to-use online tools for photo editing and content creation, Mixbook allows users to create personalized, professional-looking printed products independently or with the assistance of an expert.
Moreover, Mixbook stands out from Shutterfly with its affordable prices and generous discounts, making it a top competitor and alternative for personalized holiday merchandise.
3. Picaboo
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hanover, New Hampshire, Picaboo is an online self-publishing software and printing service that allows users to create and print high-quality photo products.
Picaboo offers unique advantages through its color-field analysis technique, which ensures detailed and accurate color reproduction by analyzing color tone, contrast, and other image parameters.
With a range of photo books options and compatibility with high-tech cameras like Nikon, Canon, and Kodak, Picaboo caters to professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking for classic or seamless lay-flat photobooks, Picaboo offers competitive prices and an advanced printing process that sets it apart from Shutterfly.
4. Vistaprint
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Venlo, Netherlands, Vistaprint has become the world’s leading online platform for custom printing services.
Offering a variety of products like cards, flyers, banners, and more, Vistaprint stands out from Shutterfly with its integrated printing process that combines its website with automated printing facilities.
In 2020, Vistaprint further strengthened its position by acquiring freelance marketplace 99designs and merging it with its design services.
One of Vistaprint’s notable initiatives includes launching a $1.8 million global program in May 2021 to support small freelance designers and cater to over 20 million small and medium-sized businesses. With a focus on streamlining the printing process and targeting SMBs, Vistaprint is a top alternative to Shutterfly.
5. Moo
Headquartered in London, UK, Moo is an online design and printing technology company with manufacturing facilities in the UK and the USA.
Providing an online platform for creating promotional and marketing products, Moo offers an extensive range of marketing supplies like notebooks, flyers, and printable facemasks.
Additionally, Moo’s next-day delivery service for business cards and menus caters to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as event planners with tight schedules.
With its variety of marketing supplies and quick turnaround, Moo is a top competitor for Shutterfly in the customized business products sector.
6. PS Print
Operating under Deluxe Corporation and headquartered in Shoreview, Minnesota, PS Print is an online printing service specializing in business products and competes directly with Shutterfly’s Business Solutions division.
With a state-of-the-art printing and design platform, PS Print offers a range of tools and services to meet the unique needs of businesses.
From independent product development to collaboration with experienced print and color specialists, PS Print ensures quality and customization.
Depending on the specific requirements, companies can pay between $200 and $1000. PS Print excels in business products and offers a competitive edge to Shutterfly in this sector.
7. PhotoBox
Based in London, UK, PhotoBox is one of the leading online photo printing services, known for its photo books, cards, calendars, and personalized gifts. With over 30 million registered users, 637 employees, and generating over $185 million in revenue in 2020, PhotoBox offers a wide range of products, including photo-printed cushions and mugs.
One notable partnership with NetApp in December 2020 enabled PhotoBox to develop a hybrid cloud infrastructure for storage and compute, ensuring quick and cost-effective order fulfillment.
Offering a variety of products at competitive prices, PhotoBox is a formidable competitor and alternative to Shutterfly, especially in the UK market.
8. Walmart Photo
With its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, and a global presence with over 11,000 stores, Walmart is renowned for offering products at affordable prices.
Walmart Photo matches Shutterfly in the photo printing business in terms of quality and range of options available.
Walmart offers photo prints at significantly lower prices, starting from 9 cents for small 4-by-6-inch prints to 69 cents for larger 5-by-7 photos.
With its massive resources and a strong market presence, Walmart is a formidable competitor to Shutterfly that can attract customers looking for affordable and high-quality printing services.
9. Nations Photo Lab
Nations Photo Lab offers unique photo finishing options that go beyond prints and photo books. From metal prints to wood prints, these alternative choices allow users to express their creativity in unconventional ways, turning their photos into captivating artwork.
Affordability and special offers are key factors that make Nations Photo Lab stand out. With competitive pricing and frequent promotions, users can create their desired products without stretching their budget.
Quick turnaround time is crucial for those who are eager to enjoy their creations as soon as possible. Nations Photo Lab recognizes this need and excels in providing fast processing and shipping, ensuring that users don’t have to wait long to hold their memories in their hands.
10. Amazon Photo Prints
Owned by the eCommerce giant Amazon Inc. and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Amazon Photo Prints is an online printing and storage service that offers a variety of custom photo gifts, photo books, décor pieces, and personalized items.
Similar to Shutterfly, Amazon Photo Prints targets both Prime and non-Prime members and offers free unlimited photo storage for Prime members.
With affordable prices and free shipping on orders over $15, Amazon offers a compelling alternative to Shutterfly. The financial capabilities and customer base of Amazon Inc. give Amazon Photo Prints a competitive advantage in the market.
11. CafePress
Founded in 1999 and now operated as an independent subsidiary of PlanetArt, CafePress is an eCommerce retailer that specializes in on-demand customized merchandise.
With a focus on quality, CafePress collaborates with experienced third-party content creators to design personalized items for businesses and individuals.
The company has an expansive delivery network and sales channels across the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. CafePress offers a wide range of marketing materials like t-shirts, cards, calendars, and tote bags, making it a worthy competitor and alternative to Shutterfly.
12. Bay Photo Lab
Bay Photo Lab excels in professional printing, making it a preferred choice among photographers who demand top-tier results.
The wide variety of creative options available sets Bay Photo Lab apart, enabling users to bring their artistic visions to life through various materials, finishes, and mounting options.
Attention to detail and color accuracy are of utmost importance at Bay Photo Lab, ensuring that every print exceeds expectations.
13. Presto Photo
Presto Photo offers customizable templates and design options, providing users with the freedom to create unique products that reflect their personal style.
Affordability for bulk orders is a key advantage of Presto Photo, making it a viable option for individuals and businesses with larger printing needs.
Integration with third-party platforms further extends Presto Photo’s reach and allows users to seamlessly connect their existing workflows.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative
As you embark on your quest to find the perfect alternative to Shutterfly, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:
- Pricing and packages: Compare the pricing structures and package options available on different platforms to ensure they align with your budget and desired printing needs.
- Quality of prints and products: Look for platforms that prioritize excellent print quality and offer a diverse range of products to meet your specific requirements.
- Customization options and design flexibility: Consider the level of customization and design options available on each platform, allowing you to create truly personalized projects.
- User-friendliness and intuitive interfaces: The ease of use and intuitive interfaces greatly contribute to a positive user experience, ensuring that the creative process remains smooth and enjoyable.
- Support and customer service: Adequate support and responsive customer service play a crucial role in addressing any concerns or inquiries that may arise during the creative journey.
Conclusion
While Shutterfly is a well-established player in the personalized photo gifts and printing services industry, there are numerous competitors and alternatives that offer unique features and advantages. Whether you’re looking for robust design tools, affordable prices, specialized services, or access to a wide range of customizable options, these top 10 Shutterfly competitors provide alternatives for every need. Explore these platforms to find the one that best suits
