The Photo Card Chef is unique in many ways from other photo card companies. Common questions about our photo cards are answered below so you can get familiar with our goals. We strive to make your experience on our website as simple and enjoyable as possible. If your question isn't listed below, please contact us and let us know how we can help.

How to Order

1. Will my order come with envelopes?
Yes, mostly. All of our cards come with envelopes except for directions cards, return address labels, and magnets. Our standard envelopes are white woven.  Some photo cards have an "ivory parchment" envelope option available for an additional charge. We have added the "ivory parchment" envelope option to the photo cards we feel match the ivory style nicely. For instance, a black and white card will not have the ivory envelope option available, whereas a brown card most likely will.

2. How long will it take to get my proofs?
You are allowed two free proofs.  Your first set of proofs will be sent to your e-mail within 48 hours on business days with standard proofing. We also offer a 24-hour proof option and a same-day proof option during checkout. At that point, you can request changes concerning errors, or make other requests about your cards (such as photo cropping or placement).  After you have submitted the requests, it may take another 24-hour business day to make the changes and send out your second set of free proofs. Additional proofs required will be $10.00.  We require that you approve your proofs before we can send to print. Once you have approved the proof, your order will be submitted for printing.

3. What if I don’t receive my proof within 48 business hours?
It might be a weekend or a holiday, so check again on the next business day. Another possibility is that your spam filter may have blocked the e-mail. Let us know and we will resend the proof. In this case, it’s recommended that you offer an alternate e-mail address. Many times customers enter the incorrect e-mail address or phone number so we are unable to contact them. Please use our contact form to inquire about your proofs.

4. What if I decide I want to use a different card design after viewing my proofs?
For complete card changes, an additional $20.00 will be invoiced. The first two proofs are free - each additional proof thereafter will be a charge of $10.00.  Please be as specific as possible with your directions, and as accurate as possible with your card text.

5. How long until I get my order? Is there tracking information?
In the US, all cards except for return address labels and magnets are shipped via UPS ground and will take up to 7 business days to arrive. We also offer a 2 business day shipping option, and an overnight shipping option. These ship times do NOT include print time, which usually take 48 business hours. International orders may take up to 24 business days to arrive.

Tracking information is available upon request only.

6. What postal provider will deliver my order?
Your photo cards order will be delivered via UPS to the lower 48 states. International addresses, Hawaii, and Alaska require additional ship time. We do not ship to P.O. Boxes. International packages are shipped via USPS.

7. Can I re-order if I run out of cards?
Yes, but you’ve gotta be quick! We will keep your card on file for 1 month. After that point, you will need to begin the process again. Simply contact us with your request.

8. How will the Photo Card Chef get my photos?
It it important to read the "More Photo Information" tab before ordering. Photos are usually uploaded on each product page. Since we require such large files, the website may have a hard time processing the request.  Therefore, on cards that have 5 or more photos, we ask that you simply e-mail them to us after your order. Once in a while even a few photos take such a long time that the website times out and the item is not added to your cart successfully.  You can always place your order without photos and e-mail them to us afterward.  Please specify where you'd like each photo placed on your photo cards.

9. What size do my photos need to be?
Great question. For best results, you photo needs to be between 900K and 10MB. A bigger size will produce a better product. Sometimes the website can't process larger photos and the photos will need to be e-mailed after your completed order. We do not recommend using scanned photos, as photo quality is usually too low to reproduce.

10. What kind of paper is used?
Quality, heavy card stock is used on all cards with a choice of professional finishes.  Semi-Gloss, High Gloss, Smooth Matte Recycled, and Pearl Coated cards are printed on 110# card stock.  The Smooth Matte finish is printed on 100# smooth white card stock. The Matte Linen finish is printed on 80# card stock, and the Matte Watercolor Paper Card Stock is printed on 90# card stock.

11. What payment methods do you use?
Payment is via Mastercard, Visa, or through the security of Paypal.  Paypal also accepts credit cards and transactions through Paypal accounts. Applicable sales tax will be applied to orders shipping to Colorado. Orders are not taken by phone.

12. What if I’m not happy with the finished product?
All sales at Photo Card Chef are final. We expect the customer to carefully review the card design before ordering a card, including the card size, layout, fonts, etc. We do not offer refunds or reprints if no errors were made on our behalf. It is your responsibility to review your proof for errors and to make sure you are completely satisfied with the layout, design, and photo cropping of your card before approving your proof. Spelling and typographical errors not brought to our attention prior to approving the proof are the customer’s responsibility. Please note that up to 1/4 inch will be cropped off around all sides of your card during printing, which is not reflected in your proofs. We will offer a reprint with expedited shipping if an error was made on our behalf. We do not take responsibility for color variances.

13. Can I have the web address removed from the back of my photo card?
Yes.  There is a $50.00 charge to remove the web address from you cards.  A web address removal can be ordered here.

14. What size are the cards?

• Wedding Invitations, Graduation Announcements, Birth Announcements, and Halloween Greeting Cards are 5x7.
• RSVP Cards, Thank-you cards, Save the Date Cards, Halloween party invitations, Baby Shower Invitations, and Bridal Shower Invitations are 4x6.
• Wedding Directions cards are 2x7
• Save the Date Magnets and Graduation Contact Cards are 2x3.5
• Cards are flat unless otherwise stated in the product description

15. What is Difference Between the Different Finish Types?

• Smooth Matte is a flat matte card with a smooth, untextured finish. The card stock is 100#.
• Semi-Gloss is just as it sounds. The finish is semi-glossy. This card stock is 110#.
• High Gloss UV-Coating can be added to your cards to protect from sun damage and scratches.  The coating gives the cards a heavier, thicker feel, while making your photos more crisp and clear.  Most of our customers add the High Gloss UV-coating to their cards to create a more "high-end" result. This card stock is 110#.
• Pearl UV Coating gives your cards a shiny, shimmery, pearly sheen, while still protecting from minor scratches and sun damage. The Pearl coating is a stunning option and is for those who want to truly impress their guests with their wedding invitations. This card stock is 110#
• Matte "Watercolor Paper" Card Stock looks like the cards have been printed on a thick watercolor paper. The card has a slight texture to it and is a matte finish. This card stock is 90#.
• Matte Linen Texture literally has a slight cross-hatch linen feel. The linen texture is a matte finish. This card stock is 80#.
• Matte Recycled is a perfect way to go green with your wedding invitations. The card stock is 100% recycled and is 110# weight. The cards are bright white with very minimal flecks of 'recycled paper' in it.  The finish is completely smooth matte with no texture. We can add our green arrow recycle logo on the back upon request at no charge to show others you've gone green for your wedding

16. My Photos Won't Upload
Simply place your order without photos, then e-mail all photos to Photos@PhotoCardChef.com along with your name and the order in which you'd like your photos placed.

17. When I try to place an order, the website says I don't have any items in my cart
This problem can occur when the photos are too large for the website to process.  Go ahead and place your order without uploading photos, then e-mail your photos to Photos@PhotoCardChef.com along with your name and the order in which your photos should be placed. We appreciate your patience as we work out the kinks in our image upload feature.

18. Why don't I see a preview before completing my order?
Photo Card Chef has more complex cards than what you'll find elsewhere. We prefer our designers to 'hand craft' each order to ensure that the photo cropping is just right, and that your customized card text will fit nicely onto the card. Companies who have instant previews put limitations on your text - only a certain number of characters are allowed on each line, and the photos are usually centered, even if the subject is on the right or left. We like our customers to have complete control over what text is included on their invitations. Once our designers have created your cards, you will be e-mailed a set of proofs to look over with a chance to make changes. Two free sets of proofs are included with every purchase. Your cards are only sent to print after you have reviewed and approved your proofs.

Please note that proofs are NOT available before your order is completed. Once a designer has e-mailed your proofs after your order, you have the opportunity to request changes and see another set of free proofs.

19. Can I cancel my order after viewing the proofs?
You may cancel your order at any time during the proofing process if you are unsatisfied with the proofs, however, there is a $40 cancellation fee. Please check the size of your photos to make sure they are suitable for printing before placing your order.

20. Can I change the fonts on my photo card?
Yes. You can order a font change and request up to two different fonts for your photo cards. The font change can be added to your cart here.

21. Can I change the design or modify the layout of my photo card?
Yes, but there is a fee associated with this request. You can request minor card design modifications by ordering our "Minor Re-Design" fee.  Such modification include and are not limited to: adding or ommiting a photo or photos, changing the layout of the photos or text, changing photo orientation (vertical to horizontal and vice versa), and other small modifications. Extensive modifications will likely not be allowed and you will need to create a "Custom Card." Please contact us to see which category your modification falls under.

22. Do You Have a Catalog?
We do not offer a catelog. Our product line is constantly changing. We add between 2 - 7 new cards weekly, and so, cannot keep up with a print catalog.