Frequently Asked Questions

 
Is it possible to drop off my order in person?
Yes, with a scheduled appointment you may drop off your order at one of our scanning facilities.  We are located in Miami, FL, but we have been scanning and digitizing materials for clients from the entire continental US, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, for over 11 years. To ensure that your photos receive the same care and safeguards as those shipped to us we do ask you to call us in advance at (888) 993-4886 ext. 0 to schedule a drop-off time. 
How long will my order stay in DittoBee's possession?
We do our best to finish every order within 3 to 4 weeks from receiving it on our premises. On rare occasions,  if that time frame needs to be longer, we always advise our clients.
Due to space limitations orders must be picked up within two weeks of completion. Orders not picked up within two weeks will be charged a $2/per day storage fee.
 
Are my photos and videos really safe?
Absolutely.  DittoBee was founded based on the recognition of the value and importance of the memories held in each and every photograph and video.  Your memories are as precious as our own. The entire DittoBee process is designed to provide the utmost care and protection to your precious memories. Your photos never leave our climate controlled facility. All scanning and digitizing is performed on state of the art, non-destructive equipment.
 
At what resolution will my photos be scanned?
The default scanning resolution for DittoBee is set at 300 dpi for photo prints. This is what commercial printers use in order to reproduce photographs at their original size for magazines, books, brochures etc. 600dpi or 1200dpi options are available. These ensure that clients could print their photos as enlargements twice the original size or bigger, depending on their needs. Also, with the advent of 4K and higher definition screens/displays, when you choose a higher scanning resolution you increase the chance that your photographs will keep their sharpness while displayed on larger, higher definition screens. Negative photo films and slides are scanned at 2400, 2800 and 3200dpi, to accommodate the same scenarios as photo prints. For higher, art quality resolution and processing, pricing will be applied on a per project basis.

What is the difference between 300 dpi and 600 dpi?  Why would I want to upgrade?
In scanning terms DPI (dots per inch) refers to the resolution of the digitized image.  We chose 300 dpi as our default scanning resolution due to the fact that it provides the perfect balance between file size and proper replication for printing provided that it is in the same size as the original. 600 dpi should be selected if you plan to create an online photo album and have it printed as a coffee table style book. This will give you the flexibility to crop and enlarge your photos.  A 4X6 photo may be enlarged to an 8X10 when scanning at 600 dpi.  1200 dpi is for those who prefer to have the very best quality and resolution. Also, as the screens get bigger, and their resolution itself increases, scanning photos at higher resolution will allow them to display without loss of quality on those types of high end screens/monitors.
 
How long does it take to get my order processed?
We can typically offer our clients a 3-4 week turnaround time.  This is faster than the industry average of 8 weeks.  If you need your order completed faster, we also offer an expedited service which can be selected at time of purchase.  For $24.99/1,000 scans we will have your order scanned in 2-3 business days, up to 5,000 total scans.

Do you offer photo restoration?
Yes. However, please be mindful that there are many different types of restorations a photograph could require, from simple color correction on faded images, to digital alteration (background removal/replacement), or even digital restoration of physically damaged original photos. As such, these services are offered on a project by project basis, after thorough consultation and advisement with the client.

Is there a risk of my scanned images to come out grainy?
Our equipment was selected and our process designed to ensure accurate replication of your photographs in the scanning process.  This basically means that your scanned images will appear just as the originals do.  If the original photograph sent to us is itself grainy, then the scanned imagery for that photo will likewise be grainy. However, as mentioned above, as part of our photo restoration services, we might be able to offer grain removal from such photographs at an additional cost.

Do you rewind my videos before you transfer them?
Yes, we rewind all tapes before we begin to the transfer process.

Where will my order be digitized?
We are meticulous when it comes to quality control and the safeguarding of your memories. Your photos, slides, videos and reels never leave our facility until they are ready to be returned to you.  During their stay here they are always in a climate controlled environment.  DittoBee NEVER outsources any part of our scanning work. Unlike other scanning services which often send photos overseas, your memories are always safe and sound at our facility in the USA.

Why should I even bother scanning my photos or transferring my video?
Photographs and videos are more than a chemical reaction on photosensitive paper or film. They capture moments in time; they provide a nest for your memories.  They are valuable and irreplaceable.  Sadly, the threat of fire, flood and theft always exists.  In Florida, where hurricane damage is just a matter or "when" rather than "if", it is all the more important to make sure your memories are digitally preserved. Even if you were lucky to escape such unfortunate events, time itself is an enemy to your photos, videos and film reels.  As they age, they fade.  Digitizing them offers you the best solution to safeguard your precious memories. Also, while most people tend to rightfully think of those materials as their own, few realize that the memories they hold might actually belong to others as well, starting with the people immortalized in those photos or movies, but also being quite a cherished possession to their descendants for generations to come.  Additionally, scanning also offers you an easy way to share your photos with friends and family via email, social networks, etc.