Frequently Asked Questions
- FAQ's Photo Scanning Service
- FAQ's Slide Scanning Service
- Negative Scanning Frequently Asked Questions
- VHS, VHS-C and Hi8 Frequently Asked Questions
- E-gift Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
- View All FAQs
Scanning-Services
Q. How many VHS tapes fit in your prepaid fill the box option?
You should be able to fit up to 14 standard VHS tapes in the box for $371.90. We will accept any combination of VHS, VHS-C and Hi8 tapes up to a maximum of 14 tapes in each box. Once you place the order, we will ship you the prepaid shipping box to fill. Simply drop it off at your local USPS location for delivery.
Q. What are the specifics of the prepaid fill the box option?
For $245, we will ship you a box for you to fill with your tapes to transfer to DVD.
We will ONLY accept standard size VHS, VHS-C and Hi8 tapes for this service. No 8mm reels, BetaMax or any other type of videocassette is valid with this option. Any video included in the box that is not a meet these requirements will be returned with your order without transfer and no credit will be issued.
Additionally if you send a damaged for copyrighted VHS tape, it too will be returned without copying and no credit will be provided.
Make sure not to send any professionally produced VHS tapes, such as recorded television programs, theatrical motion pictures, etc.
If organized properly, you should be able to fit up to 14 standard VHS tapes in the box. Once packed, simply drop off the box at your local USPS location for delivery. When your order is complete, the DVD's and tapes will be shipped back to you. We do not, nor will not, dispose of your old VHS tapes.
Q. Can you combine more than one tape to one DVD?
No, each tape is transferred to one DVD.
Q. PrePaid Box and Packages Refund Policy
Digitization refund policy
Key Takeaways
- The Digitization refund policy states that all sales of digitization services are final once an order is placed.
- Refunds aren’t possible because preparations start immediately, incurring costs like shipping and backend processing.
- This policy ensures transparency, fairness, and consistency for all customers.
- Customers can seek guidance on photo preparation to avoid issues with removing photos from albums.
- The policy aims to provide a stress-free, predictable experience while valuing each customer’s memories.
Understanding The Digitization Refund Policy: Why All Sales of Digitization Services Are Final.
Digitization Refund Policy Explained: Digitizing your photos is an important step. These aren’t just pieces of paper; they represent family stories, milestones, and the memories that have shaped your life. Because of this, we want every customer to feel understood and supported before, during, and after placing their order. However, we also want to be clear about an important aspect of our service: all sales of digitization services are final once an online order is placed.
This isn’t about being strict or unfriendly. It’s about transparency, fairness, and the real work that begins the moment an order comes in. We want you to feel confident, informed, and never surprised.
Why Refunds Aren’t Possible After Checkout
When someone places a digitization order for any services, our team immediately begins preparing for their project. Even before your photos arrive, real costs start right away. These include:
- Shipping and packaging
- Creating your customer account
- Backend processing
- Setting up workflow steps
- Reserving production time in our scanning schedule
These steps begin instantly, not later. So even if someone changes their mind, whether they decide not to remove photos from an album or choose not to continue, the investment on our end has already happened. That’s why refunds and partial refunds are not available once an order is submitted.
Refund Policy, Explained Clearly
Photo scanning and digitization are custom services made just for you. As soon as you place your order, we get to work. Your order is logged, scheduled, and prepared for scanning right away. Because this work begins immediately, refunds are not available after an order is placed. This also includes issues related to pre-existing damage to your originals, as well as delays and problems caused by shipping carriers. Once your completed order is delivered, please review everything carefully within 5 days to ensure it looks right. We also strongly recommend making backup copies of all your scanned images as soon as you receive them. Save your files in more than one place. Use cloud storage, external hard drives, flash drives, or other media you trust. Always keep at least one backup outside your home or office. Many people ask a trusted friend or family member to hold a copy, which is a smart extra layer of protection. If you ever notice a scanning issue, reach out right away (within five days of receipt) so we can take a look and help.
Important Service Limitations
We do not scan photo albums. Photos must be removed from albums before sending. Albums sent in will not be scanned and are not eligible for refunds. Each scanning service has specific ordering and preparation instructions. Please carefully follow all instructions for the service you choose, including how to prepare and pack photos, slides, negatives, or other media. Orders that do not follow the published instructions cannot be processed.
When Refunds May Be Considered
- A billing or processing error
- A duplicate or erroneous charge
- An internal issue that prevents us from completing your order
- If any of these occur, we will make it right.
More Insights
If something does not look right and you believe there may be a scanning issue or defect, please get in touch with us within 5 days of receipt so we can review the concern. Our goal is to deliver results you are happy with. Please ask before ordering. If you have any questions, reach out to us before placing your order. We are happy to explain services, quality expectations, timelines, and preparation requirements so you can order with confidence.
We have been preserving photo media since 1990. Customers choose us because they value careful handling, clear expectations, and professional results. Your originals matter. That is how we treat every order.
A Policy That’s Clear, Fair, and Designed to Support You
We want you to feel confident when you place an order, which is why our policy is clearly presented during checkout and must be acknowledged by every customer before payment is accepted. There are no hidden fees or surprises—just simplicity and honesty. Treating every customer the same way ensures a fair process. Making exceptions for some people but not others can lead to confusion and frustration. Consistency helps protect everyone. While refunds are not possible, you will always have support and real options available to help you move forward.
What If You Can’t Remove Photos From an Album?
Always review and understand exactly what you are ordering and make sure your images comply with our preparation instructions. We understand. Old sticky albums and tightly glued pages can be stubborn. They were never designed to last this long,
and many people run into the same challenge. There’s no “wrong way” to start this process, and you’re not alone. When that happens, our goal is to try to support you. For help, read this helpful guide with easy steps for removing photos safely. Another important guideline to study before ordering is this guide on preparing your images for scanning.
You also have this option that many customers find helpful:
-
Ask us for guidance.
We can walk you through techniques for loosening photos to limit damaging pictures in albums.
Why Clarity Matters
The no-refund policy isn’t meant to add stress — it exists to keep the entire process fair, predictable, and stable for every customer. Digitization is detailed work that starts long before scanning begins, and a clear policy ensures you always know what to expect.
A Note of Thanks
Thank you for trusting us with your photo memories. Every order means something to us. When we open a box of photos, we feel the same gentle wave of nostalgia you felt when you packed them. Your stories, your moments, and your history matter — and we’re grateful every time you choose us to help protect them. If you ever have questions before ordering or need help preparing your photos, we’re here to guide you with patience, care, and respect. Ask us.
Q. Can you make a DVD of a VHS video movie I have bought at a store?
Due to copyright laws, we cannot transfer any movie that is copyrighted including commercial movies, concerts, sports events, TV broadcasts without written permission from the owner of the copyright. While under "fair use" regulations, you yourself are allowed to make backup copies, we cannot offer this service as a business charging money for our service. It is illegal for us to do so.
Before having ScanMyPhotos.com transfer your VHS tape to DVD, you agree to indemnify our company of all copyright restrictions. You agree not to have us violate any copyright laws. Your personal movies that are not copyrighted are ok, but if you have anything, from TV shows, theatrical movies, or anything that you do not own the rights to make sure not to send it to us.
We are serious and honor all copyright laws.
Q. Can recorded DVD's be played in my DVD player?
Most DVD players can play DVD-R's. While nearly most new models can play recorded DVD's, we ask that you please check your player's specifications before placing an order. We do not offer refunds because your DVD player does not play recorded DVD's.
Q. What video format are my tapes converted to?
Our video to DVD transfer DVD's are in a VIDEO_TS format, designed to be played in your home DVD player. VIDEO_TS files contain video, audio, subtitle and menu contents multiplexed together into a stream form and thuse are not designed to be edited in on your home computer. You will need software such as HandBrake that can convert VIDEO_TS files to another format such as MPEG or AVI.
Q. What videotapes formats can you convert to DVD?
We accept standard VHS, mini VHS, VHS-C, and Hi8 NTSC format tapes.
Q. Can you convert PAL videos to DVD?
No, we can only accept standard VHS, mini VHS and VHS-C NTSC tapes for transfer to DVD.
Q. What if my tapes are encrypted?
We cannot duplicate any videos if they have encryption on them, regardless of whether they are your own tapes or not. We cannot legally break the encryption due to copyright laws and our equipment will suspend all such transfers immediately. No refund, full or partial, will be given to prepaid boxes for tapes that are sent with encryption.
Q. If I have more than 14 VHS tapes, can I reshape the bulk transfer box so they fit?
No. We will only accept up to 14 standard VHS, VHS-C or Hi8 tapes.
If organized properly, you should be able to fit 14 standard VHS tapes into the box. However, if you have more than 14 VHS tapes, please order additional boxes. As noted on the USPS website, the provided USPS Priority mail Flat-rate box must have the contents of the flat rate box must be neatly contained inside the box with adhesive packaging tape, the box must close securely and retain its shape when taped with adhesive and the shape of the box may not be changed or enlarged to fit its contents.
Q. I am worried about the quality of output movie. Does conversion from VHS to DVD degrade the quality?
Unlike video duplication of the past, digitizing your VHS movies to DVD can improve the quality of the picture (though not guaranteed).
While this is not a dramatic improvement, nor do we offer any additional movie cleaning, the process of converting analog to digital format does bring some noise filtering. As with anything though, the higher the quality of the original, the better the quality of the conversion.
An important note: The longer your video is, the more we will need to compress it to fit on a DVD. For the best quality, a tape should be 2 hours or less.
Q. Why is there a limit of 2 hours per disc? Can you transfer longer videotapes?
While it is possible to fit more than 2 hours of video on a DVD, we prefer not to because of quality degradation. In order to fit more data on a DVD-R more compression is required. MPEG2 compression used in DVD's is lossy: the more you compress the lower quality you get. We can transfer longer tapes to DVD but we do not advise it and the quality of the transfer will suffer the longer the tape.
Q. What happens if the quality of my tapes is too poor to copy onto a DVD?
Please review your tapes prior to sending, as we do charge for the service whether the quality of the tape is good or not. If we are unable to view, play or copy your tape, you are still charged for the service.
Q. After conversion of the VHS tapes to DVD, can the DVD's be saved to my computer and edited?
The DVD's are formatted to be played in your home theater DVD player, not for editing. If you have software that can convert VIDEO_TS files to another format, you would then be able to edit the movies in another program such as iMovie. Please note however that all video work is done in a PC format and data may not be visable on a Mac. It will still play but may not be editable.
Q. Will my DVD be playable in other world regions?
Yes, we create region free DVD's. but we only accept NTSC VHS tapes so VHS tapes from outside of the U.S. cannot be transferred.
Q. Will my DVD be copy-protected?
No, DVD's we record are not copy-protected. They are your movies and you can make copies if needed.
Q. Do you view your customer's home movies?
Your videos are private and we don't view videos sent to us, however we do have to view the beginning to ensure that it is not a copyrighted video to comply with Federal Copyright law and we'll randomly spot check the final DVD for quality assurance purposes.
Q. Do you keep a copy of your customer's video?
After transferring video data successfully, we erase the information from our hard drives and we don't keep any duplicate copies.
Q. What happens if my order is delayed during mailing and how about guarantees?
Upon receipt at ScanMyPhotos.com, your VHS tapes are digitally transferred to DVD.
Your original VHS tape and the new DVD disc will be returned together.
When shipping your own box, or ordering our prepaid, fill-the-box VHS Tape service, we recommend that upon receipt that you add other USPS Priority mail tracking and confirmation products and services - click here.
However, please note, understand and recognize that by mailing us any items, we cannot and do not warrantee or guarantee delivery by third-party couriers. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT YOUR ORDER IS MISPLACED, DELAYED, LOST OR DAMAGED, YOU AGREE THAT SCANMYPHOTOS.COM AND 30 MINUTE PHOTOS ETC. IS NOT LIABLE AND THERE WILL BE NO COMPENSATION OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND. We assume no responsibility for any loss and/or damage to client's materials while it is transported by the mail, courier, and transport companies or while in the possession of ScanMyPhotos.com. Our company is also not liability, for damage, loss, delay or irregularity to person or property in connection with any service advertised herein or by services provided by third parties over which ScanMyPhotos has no control. Click here to read full terms.
Q. What are your limits of liability?
IMPORTANT
Before ordering any of our products or services, you must first agree to read and agree to our terms, including the limit of liability and copyright agreement. You can read our limit of liability here along with the copyright agreement.
Q. My question is not answered here. Where can I obtain more information?
You may use our Live Support (banner above our service menu to the left) to instant message with an online support technician, call us at 949-474-7654 during normal business hours or email us at [email protected].