Frequently Asked Questions
How to upload my photos?
You can send us your photo file by uploading them with our "upload link". You'll find this link at the end of the ordering process.
We ask you to please scan your original, lab developed photo at a 150 to 600 dpi resolution. Save your photo file as a .jpg , .bmp, or .tiff file. Digital file size must be at least 500kb (kilobytes) in disc space to render an acceptable printed image. Larger is recommended, rendering your photo to a lampshade size may require minor cropping. Please do not change the size of original photo or try to sharpen the image. We can do this for you. If possible, always submit images in FULL COLOR.
Note: The photos you upload should be clear and sharply focused, not blurry. Your Lifeshades custom photo lampshade will likely become a cherished keepsake or perhaps even a treasured family heirloom, so please choose those photos carefully. Also, be sure to check your spelling if your Lifeshade is being personalized with text.
REMEMBER; IF YOU HAVE YOUR PHOTO FILES ON A DISK, CD, OR ON A CAMERA MEMORY CARD, ETC…THEY MUST BE COPIED ONTO YOUR COMPUTER HARD DRIVE FIRST.
Check your file size before using the "upload link", by right clicking on the file name, and when the information box pops up, choose properties. This will tell you the size of your file. We can not be responsible for very small files.
Will I be notified if the photos I upload are not ideal for this purpose due to composition, resolution, etc.?
Yes. Photos for an order are viewed when the order is next in the design queue. If there are problems with the images we will notify you immediately at that point. Please do not submit images of babies/children/adults that contain nudity. Images where all or a partial amount of the genital area is visible will be deleted from our files immediately upon opening. We can not make exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your understanding.
How long does it take for my order to be processed?
Once we receive your order and uploaded photos, our print and manufacture process usually takes 14-18 days. We work with your photo, or photos to create a beautifully designed, custom photo lampshade, printed on luxurious silk fabric, laminated to a sturdy styrene backing. We then assemble and trim your Lifeshade, and carefully package it for shipping. Your completed order is now ready to be shipped to you, or a recipient of your choosing (if it is being sent as a gift).
So the entire process can take 3 to 4 weeks before you or your recipient receive your shade. Expect this process to be longer for holiday deliveries and during the late summer and early fall, when many summer brides have received their wedding photos and are redeeming gift certificates, as well as ordering thank-you gifts for attendants, family and friends. Once shipped, you can track your order.
How will my order be shipped?
We exclusively use Federal Express. We ship FedEx ground which takes between 1 - 5 business days for shipments within the continental U.S. Your FedEx tracking number will be sent to you in a shipping confirmation email, once we have shipped your order. Shipping cost is calculated in the order form.
Orders shipping outside the continental US will incur an additional handling fee of $5.00 each.
Will I be charged sales tax?
Orders placed online by Massachusetts residents will be charged sales tax of 5%.
How is my privacy protected?
When you place an online order with Lifeshades, your personal information and credit card information is encrypted before being sent over the internet. We use 128 bit SSL technology to prevent your information from being stolen or intercepted while being transferred to us. Your credit card information is always stored in encrypted form to keep it safe. Lifeshades, Inc will never sell your personal information to anyone for any reason. We value your privacy as much as we value ours.
What is your return policy?
We take great pride in every Lifeshades custom photo lampshade order and build our reputation on customer satisfaction.
- If we make a mistake on your order, please accept our sincere apology, and we will express ship the corrected order to you a.s.a.p. at no charge to you.
- If you provided us with incorrect information, unfortunately, those errors would be the sole responsibility of the customer.
- If you are not happy with the photo you sent us, we will be willing to work with you to correct the problem.
- Colors may vary a bit when printed on our machines. If there is a color difference between your original photos and your Lifeshade, it may be because of this; our monitors are calibrated with our printers for matching colors of ink combinations, which results in the true image color. Your monitor may present to you a variation in colors when you print, if not calibrated properly. We do not take returns or give refunds on custom produced items.
Note: The photos you upload should be clear and sharply focused, not blurry. Your Lifeshades custom photo lampshade will likely become a cherished keepsake or perhaps even a treasured family heirloom, so please choose those photos carefully and be sure to check your spelling.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please consider that our Lifeshades custom photo lampshades are designed and made by real people, who use their talents and spend the time necessary to create each unique order. Therefore, after you have completed the ordering process in which your photos have been uploaded and the order has been paid for and submitted, the order is final and cannot be canceled. By submitting an order, you are agreeing to this policy.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit card payments via our secure server.
How do I select the font for personalization?
When placing your order, you will be asked to choose a font for printing names, dates, etc. The font is the typeface, or the style in which text appears. We have two (2) plain font styles and two (2) fancy font styles for you to choose from. All personalization on each Lifeshade will be done in the same font style. You may also choose the font color by using our handy color picker.
We will use our discretion to determine the appropriate font size. The more characters you have (names, dates, etc.), the smaller the font size, and the less you have, the larger the font size.
Can I use a photo from a studio or professional photographer?
Yes, you may, HOWEVER, It is unlawful to reproduce images that are copyrighted without the express written permission of the person or entity that created the original work. If you have a copyrighted image, please contact the photographer to request a signed copyright release. This is your responsibility and by submitting photos, graphics or artwork, you agree to hold harmless Lifeshades, Inc. for all costs, expenses, attorney fees or a judgment resulting from any claims or lawsuits made against Lifeshades, Inc. for any grounds claiming that the work produced violates any copyright or proprietary right of any person or entity.
Use and Care
Your Lifeshade custom photo lampshade may become a little dusty from time to time. We suggest you use a feather duster or dry cloth to remove dust.
Redeeming Gift Certificates
Every one of our gift certificates is worth $60.00 toward the purchase of our custom photo lampshades. They are redeemable online only through our website. During the ordering process, you will be presented with the opportunity to type in the certificate code, which is located on the bottom right portion of your gift certificate. Doing this will automatically deduct $60.00 from the total of your order.
