How does the photo transfer process work?
The photo transfer process occurs when a substance transitions between the solid and gas states without going through a liquid stage; dry ice is an example. In this unique process, an image is applied to a special coated substrate (i.e. ceramics, soft substrates, polyester cloth or metals). To accomplish this conversion change, you need a specialized printer and inks, coated paper, heat equipment (i.e. heating and/or mug presses) and controlled timed pressure. The image is actually pressed into the substrate.
Thus, different substrates require different times and temperatures. Ceramics, (i.e. mugs, tiles, cutting boards) fiber board subtrates, (i.e. ornaments, door hangers) metals, (i.e. dog tags, pet tags) and soft substrates (mouse pads, neophrene coasters) must have the special coating to absorb the transfer inks. A tile or mug that does not have the specific coating cannot be used for this type of process. NOTE: Soft substrates (neophrene mouse pads and coasters) may not provide the same vivid color transfer that would result with a hard surfaced substrate, ie. gloss tile, door hanger, switch cover plate.
Electronic photos pose no concerns. Any physical images sent via the Postal Service, however, will not be damaged in the heat transfer process. The photo would be scanned into the computer and returned with your order. The scanned image is then printed out onto the coated paper. Then, it is applied to the substrate and pressed with the heating equipment for the appropriate amount of time.
Where do I find the "browse to picture" box for transmitting my photo?
At this time, the feature to offer a "Browse to your picture" box where you would be easily able to locate, select and attach your photo is not available to us from our web host. We ask that you send it electronically (via email attachment) if you have that capability. Otherwise, you may send it via the US Postal Service.
Can I send my image to you electronically via the internet?
Yes. You may send your electronic image to us by email. For good photo quality, clarity and color transfer, the photo size should be a minimum of about a 4x6 (1200 x 1800 pixels) , large enough to have a resolution of 300 dpi and saved to a jpg format (highest quality). However, we do have software where, in some cases, we may be able to enlarge a smaller photo (of good quality and clarity) to a larger, useable size. If you have any questions about this process or if your image size is adequate, please feel free to contact us.
Will my physical photo be damaged?
No. We scan in a physical photo and the design is made from the scanned photo. If you mail us a photo, however, please ensure that it is properly protected from potential damage in transit. Your photo will then be returned, undamaged, along with your order.
Can I send my photo to you via the US Mails?
Yes. And currently, there is no scanning fee for photos sent via the US Mail. Please ensure your physical photos are properly packaged so no damage occurs. We are not responsible for photos shipped to us or damaged in transit.
How do I know the image quality of my photo?
Process to determine quality of an existing image:
- Open "My Computer" on your screen.
- Find the folder with your images and select the image you want to use.
- With your mouse on the image, you can "Right" click the mouse button one time and release. A menu will appear.
- Set your mouse pointer on "Properties" in the menu and click the "Left" mouse button one time and release. A new screen will be displayed.
- Review the tabs at the top of the page.
- Click on "Summary" - (there may be an advanced button that you need to click as well)
- You will then be able to review the image properties. Width is the image width in pixels while height is the image height in pixels. If the pixel size or your image properties shows 900 x 1500 - the image output is equivalent to a 3x5 image for printing purposes ; if it is 1200 x 1800, it is equivalent to a 4x6 image for printing. We want to be able to print your photos onto our product images in the 200-300 dpi range. You can take the pixels shown in your image properties and divide them by 300 dpi to arrive at the size of a printable image. (Questions? - just send us an email).
- Tips for a new digital image:
- Ensure your camera is set to the highest quality JPG setting before taking a picture. This will allow for your photo to be enlarged for any prints you may want and/or any products that you make want to order from our site.
At what resolution should I scan my photo?
A 4 x 6 photo should be scanned in at a minimum of 200 dpi, but preferably 300 dpi for all photos. If your scanner does not have a dpi setting, you should select the highest available setting. If your electronic photo is not of an adequate size or quality to reproduce the gift you have selected, we will advise you prior to processing your order.
How long will it take to process and/or receive my order?
Please allow a minimum of 5 business days for your order, design set up, proofing, pressing and shipping. An order could take less time or longer depending on stock availability and pending customer orders. For special order items (available but not regularly stocked), please allow 7-10 business days to process. If your need is urgent, please let us know prior to placing your order and we will determine if we can accommodate you based on those concerns.
Please note if there is an order delay notice (usually posted in red text at top of page) on the web site. We usually post it on the home page, gift store and product page if timeframes might be extended and shipping orders delayed for the specific timeframe noted. If there are no posted notices, shipping reverts to paragraph one above.
Can I pay with a credit card?
This site is operated in conjunction with PayPal for purchases - however, you will be able to use your personal credit card once you have proceeded through the initial shipping/billing/account set up pages. You do not have to have a PayPal account in order to make a purchase. In the process - where it says "Don't Have a Pay Pal Account?" - just click the continue button. We have no involvement in collecting credit card info or maintaining any such credit or personal information on our site. And PayPal is a secure site for all of your purchases from Rocky Mountain Images and The Photo Keepsake Gift Store.
How can I tell if the item is "in stock" before I order?
Stock availability can change from day to day. Many items are on hand regularly and reflect "in stock" at the order page. Other items may be temporarily out of stock and will not reflect "in stock" at the order page. We attempt to maintain as much stock as we can and we try to keep the pages updated too. However, some items may not be available all the time. If your need is urgent, please inquire before you place your order so we may confirm if the item you wish to order currently is "in stock". We can advise you as to the timeframe that it may take to get that item in stock, before you order. You will then have the opportunity to determine if we can meet any timeframes you may have.
What is a "Special Order" item?
There are a few items on our web site that are noted as "special order". This means they are available, but not regularly maintained in our stock inventory. You may purchase one of these items with the understanding that there is a 7-10 day delay in processing a special order item. We will process your order as quickly as we can, upon receipt of the special order item from our supplier. If you have any questions, please contact us first before you order.
Where do I add personalized text and does it cost extra?
Personalized text can be added when you are at the order page. There are options boxes on the right hand side of the order page. There is a box that says "If you want to add personalized text, please add it here".
Personalized text is included at no extra cost.
How do I use the Online Gallery?
Our images are free to use with any keepsake gift purchased from our site.
1) If you decide you might want to utilize a photo from our "Online Gallery", please jot down the Gallery Title and the Image ID number (i.e. Colorado Landscapes, #15, Mountain Scenics, #12) for future use.
2) When you are ready to use a gallery photo for any online product, you will order from the specific product page.
3) You will note the option boxes to the right of the order page. All the boxes say "Click on drop down menu" until you make a selection from the drop down menus. The first box will allow you to choose whether you want to send your own photo via email or through the Post Office. The second options box will allow you to select a photo from the gallery that you have "jotted down". The third options box will allow you to select the ID number assigned to the photo. The fourth box is for personalized text, sentiment and/or comments or questions you may have. Or, please feel free to contact us prior to ordering.
What are option boxes?
You may see 1-3 option boxes to the right side of the order pages and above the shopping cart. The option boxes always display "Click on drop down menu" until you click on the drop down list to make a selection.
SEND PHOTO - One option box will allow you to notify us that you are planning to use your own, personal photo for a gift item by selecting how you wish to transmit your photo.
RMI PHOTO GALLERY NAME - Another option box will allow you to choose a design shown or a photo from RMI Online Gallery. Clicking on the drop down menu list you will find several selections. If you are planning to use a photo from Rocky Mountain Images, you will have to know the gallery where you found the photo you wish to use. Jot that information down for use at the order page.
RMI PHOTO IMAGE ID # - Option Box 3 will allow you to select the actual photo number assigned to the photo that you may want to use and there you will see numbers ranging from 1 to 35. Jot that ID number down for later use.
PERSONALIZED TEXT - If you want to add personalized text - add it in the box that says "If you want to add personalized text, please add it here".
How do I order a personalized keepsake photo gift?
If you don't know what type of gifts are offered - you can first check the alphabetical subject listing to see if we offer the product you are looking for. You can find image links on both the home page and in The Photo Keepsake Gift Store.
Whenever you click on the product link you want, you will be able to make some selections from a drop down menu on the order page. You will see "Click on drop down menu" in the boxes to the right - when you click on the drop down menus you will be able to make some selections. If you are using your own photo, drop down menu options box 1 will permit you to select how you wish to send the photo (electronically or via the mails).
If you want to use a photo from Rocky Mountain Images Online Gallery - you should remember to notate the gallery and ID # of the photo for use at check out. The second drop down menu box will permit you to select the proper gallery where you found the image you would like to use (i.e. RMI Online Mountain Scenics) and in the 3rd drop down menu option box you can select the ID # assigned to that image.
If you want personalized text or sentiment, there will be a final box to the right of the order page that will allow you to add personalized text.
Click "Add to Cart" and you are done.
Can I use professional photographer photos?
Professional studio photos can be used. However, please do not send us professional photos of you, the family or the pet without faxing us a release from the professional photographer who took the photos. Although you have purchased the photos, the photographer still owns copyright to those photos. So although we can apply the photos to any of our products, we cannot use them without permission from the photographer. Please have the photography studio fax us a release (on the photographer's professional letterhead) to 719-748-7015.
Copyright Issues
Please ensure that you are the owner of any photo image that you want us to use for your photo keepsake. This may not be an issue with photos taken by family members or friends. No copyrighted cartoons please. If the photo is from a professional photographer and/or studio, please provide a copy of a release to use the photo on your gift item. Although you have purchased the studio photos that were taken, the photographer/studio still owns the copyright to those photos. There may be a release printed on your paperwork or it may be provided as a separate form and can be transmitted electronically, via the mail or faxed to us. If you forward us your request to your photographer asking them for permission to use a specific photo and they comply by emailing us the photo, we will consider that as a release to use the photo.
If you select one of our photos, you will obviously have our permission to have the item reproduced through Rocky Mountain Images.
What are your shipping fees?
Please note "Shipping fees" are included in the price quoted. Simply click on the "shipping included in price" link at shipping table.
Should you receive any merchandise damaged in delivery, please contact us, and retain the carton and packing until we can contact the shipper involved. We will determine how best to process any returns or refunds, due to damaged shipping.
What if I receive my order damaged?
If the order was received damaged in shipping, it is absolutely necessary for you to retain the shipping carton and packing until we can contact the involved shipper for pickup. We will replace items damaged by the shipper as quickly as possible.
What is your return policy?
We want to provide customers with a quality product and customer satisfaction in a timely manner each and every time we complete a business transaction. And we want to do it right the first time.
We will strive to send you a quality product and one free from defects. Regrettably, we cannot be responsible for customer errors resulting from misspelled text on personalized products. So, please ensure the correct spelling of any text items prior to transmitting your order.
All merchandise returns must be authorized by Rocky Mountain Images within 5 days of receipt of the item by the customer and accompanied by a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. RMA numbers can be obtained by contacting Rocky Mountain Images at (719) 748-9015 or via email at lana@rmigallery.com. Unauthorized returns will result in delays in processing your replacement and/or any refund action. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
No return authorization can be given without the original sales order number located in the upper right hand corner of the purchase invoice.
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