Simply to Impress produces some of the most expensive, but also some of the best photo cards out there. The company provides discounts when you order in large quantities, so you can save money on big events like weddings and showers. In fact, it feels that Simply to Impress was designed with bulk orders in mind, as the minimum number of cards you can order is 15.
We tested 5x7, folded cards with three photos on each of our tests and we found that we could order 15 for $48.60 excluding taxes and shipping - the most expensive site we saw for a mid-size order. A decent bulk discount got the price of 100 cards down to $229. If you’re looking for something cheaper, consider Mixbook. Shipping with Simply to Impress was roughly $9 and we weren’t charged tax. These charges vary depending on the state you live in, but we found them reasonable when compared to sites such as Snapfish which charged $30 in fees.
Simply to Impress review: Quality and services
- High quality, even with pearl shimmer
- Option to review proof copies
- Great envelope options
Our experts liked the paper quality of both the classic matte cardstock and the premium pearlescent cardstock cards. Both types of cards were thick and displayed accurate coloring. We were surprised that the pearl shimmer looked so good considering that pearl tends to make images a little off-color and blurry. Simply to Impress made the images super crisp and true to color. The back of the matte card is white with only the Simply to Impress logo, whereas the backside of the pearl card is blue and matches the colors on the front. The Simply to Impress logo is also on the back of the pearlescent card. Both cards came with decently thick envelopes. They weren’t the best envelopes we received, but they didn’t feel cheap, either.
Simply to Impress stands out from the competition, and the company does all it can to ensure your cards are of the highest quality and appear exactly how you wish. After you’ve submitted your order, a design team member reviews your submission to ensure that your photos are clear and crisp and that you have not made any obvious mistakes. You can also order a proof copy to make sure you like the finished product before committing to a big purchase.
Simply to Impress can also address the envelopes, print your return address on them and mail them for you. Although it costs a little more for these conveniences, including paying for postage, it may be worth it for large orders. Envelopes also come in white and ivory and (for 10 cents extra) gold, silver or rose gold lined.
In addition, this photo card service offers both digital and paper proofs, which is a great benefit, especially if you plan to order a large quantity. If you’re not satisfied with your proof, a graphic designer will help you get the exact design and look you desire. You can also order envelopes before your cards arrive, giving you plenty of time to address the envelopes and get them ready to send.
You can choose from a variety of paper types, including a photo-style paper with a satin finish, folded premium cardstock and premium cardstock with a glossy, matte or pearlescent finish. There are also a few options for envelopes, such as off-white, silver foil-lined and gold foil-lined envelopes. The foil lining costs a bit more and may not be worth it for every order, but it's a nice option if you want an extra touch.
Simply to Impress review: Product options and creation
- Easy customization
- Limited search
- Good variety of templates, but not the best
At a minimum, the best photo card services should provide customers with stylish designs. Simply to Impress has fresh and original designs in every category, and you can choose from templates with single- or multiple-picture layouts. We found a range of themes for weddings, birth announcements, party invitations and Christmas cards. There were also a few options for more specific needs like Diwali, Kwanzaa and Rosh Hashanah, although we found that Zazzle had far more options for these holidays.
A few more search filters would make this service even more convenient. Other photo card printing services help you narrow your search by size and price range in addition to the photo quantity and orientation.
Simply Photo Cards is a feature that gives you the artistic freedom to create your own photo cards. These custom cards begin with a blank template and allow you to add one or several photos. You can use this design feature to create personalized invites, holiday photo cards, thank-you photo cards and more. You can also add text on the front of your cards to give them an even more personalized touch.
We were impressed by how easy it was to customize and create a personalized photo card using this service. After choosing from a large selection of templates, you can personalize the card with the online design tool. In this menu, you can easily upload photos using drag-and-drop capabilities. You can also quickly add text boxes and adjust the font, size, alignment, line spacing, color and other aspects of your text.
There’s four options for card shapes, from rounded to scalloped edges, and Simply to Impress saves your photos so you can make different designs with ease. You can’t edit parts of the card design such as illustrations or background color, which is limiting compared to sites such as Shutterfly which have comprehensive editing options. However, you can still change the text, font and photos. The layout of the inside of the card is fully customizable and you can edit the color and photo options on the back of the card too. Not the most customizable site, but this won’t be an issue if you find the perfect design for you.
Simply to Impress review: Support and customer service
- Total satisfaction guarantee
- FAQ page and lots of options to talk directly
Simply to Impress offers a total satisfaction guarantee, which is rare. This company’s design team works closely with you until you are completely satisfied with your cards. If you have questions or problems with an order or when designing your card, you can contact a representative via email, telephone or live chat.
In addition, FAQs, a blog, and shipping-and-pricing information are available on the company's website. Some of the best support options we’ve seen.
Should you order from Simply to Impress?
Simply to Impress' website makes it easy to find a variety of designs. The photo cards arrived on thick paper and had very good print quality. It's an expensive service, but you do receive a high quality product for what you pay. Not ideal if you’re looking to make a small order due to the minimum order of 15 cards, but a great service if you’re looking to make a bulk purchase of high-quality cards.
