Shutterfly has become a go-to retailer for custom photo products. In addition to prints and photo books, the company offers an array of personalized gifts and home decor items.
Customers can upload their own photos and designs, or choose from Shutterfly’s extensive library of templates and images. The company’s high-quality products and competitive prices have made it a favorite among consumers looking for unique, customized items.
In recent years, Shutterfly has also expanded its business to include wedding planning services and home mortgages.
Why is Shutterfly Shipping So Expensive?
Shutterfly is a popular online photo printing service, but many customers have been vocal about its high shipping costs. There are a few reasons why Shutterfly’s shipping tends to be more expensive than other companies.
First, the company uses high-quality packaging to ensure that your photos arrive safely. This includes thick cardboard boxes and padding to protect your prints.
Second, the weight of your order also affects the shipping cost. Because Shutterfly prints on heavy-duty photo paper, orders tend to be heavier than those from other companies.
Third, the distance that your order has to travel also impacts the cost. Shutterfly ships from its warehouses across the country, so if you live in a remote area, your order may have to travel a long distance to reach you.
Gas prices also play a role in the cost of shipping. When fuel prices are high, it costs more to ship orders, and these increased costs are passed on to customers.
However, the company does offer free shipping on orders over $39, so if you plan ahead, you can save on shipping fees.
There are a number of factors that contribute to Shutterfly’s high shipping costs. Here is a detailed list of factors:
1. Packaging Costs
One of the main reasons that Shutterfly shipping is so expensive is because of packaging costs. When you order something from Shutterfly, they have to package it up in a box or envelope with bubble wrap or packing peanuts, which all adds to the cost.
In addition, they often have to ship items via UPS or FedEx, which can be quite expensive. While it may be frustrating to pay high shipping costs, it’s important to remember that these costs are necessary to ensure that your items arrive safely and in good condition.
2. Product Weight
When it comes to shipping costs, product weight is one of the most important factors to consider. And when it comes to the product weight, few products are as heavy as photo books.
That’s one of the reasons why Shutterfly’s shipping costs are so high. Of course, Shutterfly isn’t the only company that charges high shipping fees for heavy products.
But because photo books are such a popular item, Shutterfly’s high shipping costs have become a point of frustration for many customers.
If you’re planning on ordering a photo book from Shutterfly, be prepared to pay a hefty shipping fee. But if you’re willing to pay the price, you’ll be getting a high-quality product that will last for years to come.
3. Delivery Distance
Delivery distance is indeed one of the major reasons for Shutterfly’s exorbitant shipping rates. While the company offers free shipping on orders over $39, the average order value is much lower, making it difficult for customers to avail of this offer.
Additionally, most of Shutterfly’s products are bulky and heavy, further increasing the shipping costs. In fact, delivery distance and product weight are two of the most important factors that go into determining shipping rates.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Shutterfly charges high shipping fees.
4. Shipping Speed
Shipping Speed is one of the most significant reasons that make Shutterfly shipping so expensive. Customers want their prints as soon as possible, and Shutterfly’s printing turnaround time is exceptionally fast.
Shutterfly offers two main shipping options: Rush and Super Rush. Rush shipping typically takes 3 to 4 business days, while Super Rush shipping takes just 1 to 2 business days.
The quicker delivery time comes at a premium, however, with express shipping costing nearly twice as much as standard shipping. For many customers, the extra cost is worth it in order to receive their order more quickly.
Here are Shutterfly shipping tiers
| Shipping Method | Processing and Shipping Time |
| Economy | 6 – 10 business days |
| Standard (USPS) | 5 – 7 business days |
| Expedited (UPS or FedEx | 4 – 5 business days |
| Rush (FedEx or UPS) | 3 – 4 business days |
| Super Rush (FedEx or UPS) | 1 – 2 business days |
| Canada Delivery | 7 – 14 business days |
| Other International | 9 – 17 business days |
5. Gas Price
Gas prices have risen significantly over the past few years, and this has had a direct impact on the cost of shipping. When fuel prices go up, it affects the price of everything from transportation to the packaging of products.
This is why free shipping offers are often seasonal because, during certain times of year (usually the holidays) when demand is high and gas prices are low, companies can subsidize the cost of shipping.
However, during other times of the year when gas prices are high, shipping also becomes more expensive. So if you’re wondering why Shutterfly shipping is so expensive, gas prices are one of the main culprits.
6. Quantity of Products
When it comes to online printing and photo book services, Shutterfly is one of the most popular names out there. However, their shipping costs can be quite pricey, especially if you’re ordering a large number of items.
Part of the reason for this is that Shutterfly products are physically larger and heavier than those of its competitors. For example, a standard 8×10 print from Shutterfly weighs 1.2 ounces, while a similar print from Snapfish weighs just 0.7 ounces.
This means that Shutterfly has to use more materials and ship more weight, which ultimately raises its shipping costs.
7. Size of the Product
One major factor that contributes to the high cost of shipping for Shutterfly is the size of its products. For example, a 12×12 photo album generally costs about $13 to ship.
The same album from Snapfish, another popular photo printing service, costs only $5.99 to ship. Part of the reason for this difference is that Shutterfly’s albums are about an inch thicker than those from Snapfish.
This may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference when it comes to shipping costs. In addition, Shutterfly’s products are often larger than those of its competitors.
For instance, their standard 8×10 print is nearly an inch wider and an inch longer than a similar print from Snapfish.
How to Save on Shutterfly Shipping
1. In-Store Pickup
One of the best ways to save money on Shutterfly shipping is to take advantage of in-store pickup whenever possible. Many retail locations, including CVS, Target, and Walmart, offer Shutterfly products for purchase online and in-store pickup.
This option allows you to bypass the shipping fees altogether, and you can usually pick up your order within a few hours. In addition, some stores offer additional discounts when you choose in-store pickup, so be sure to check for any available deals before placing your order.
2. Take Advantage of Promo Codes
The use of promo codes is another way to bypass the Shutterfly shipping fees. These codes can be found online or in stores, and they can provide a significant discount on your purchase.
Many codes will offer free shipping or a percentage of your total order. You can also find codes for specific items, such as holiday cards or photo books. By taking the time to search for promo codes, you can easily save a significant amount of money on your next Shutterfly purchase.
3. Buy Several Products
Another great option to save money on Shutterfly shipping is to buy several items at once. By bundling your purchases, you can often qualify for free or discounted shipping.
In addition, Shutterfly frequently offers featured deals on specific product categories. For example, you might be able to get 50% off all photo books, or free shipping on all holiday cards. By taking advantage of these special offers, you can save a significant amount on your total order.