|
|
 In a world of corporate-run photo printing giants, SmugMug is a breath of fresh air. This company is an independent, family-owned business. It is run by only 30 employees and serves a customer base of 300,000, priding itself on its ability to offer ad-free space for photo storage. SmugMug is one of the smaller photo publishing sites out there, but it claims to be more focused on customer service than the larger companies are – a concept we can definitely get behind. So how does SmugMug compare to the other major photo sites on the Web? Read more to find out.
What's New?
- No Ads or Spam In Your Photo Galleries
- Attractive Album Formats
- 14-Day Free Trial
Star Reviews' Favorite Feature:
SmugMug’s website has an honest, grassroots feel to it. From the ad-free pages to the smiley face in the logo, SmugMug is a modest and friendly company clearly more concerned with producing a quality service than making a large profit. SmugMug makes you feel cared for as a customer and not taken advantage of, and also connects you to a number of like-minded individuals through photography blogs and forums.
The SmugMug Experience:
The SmugMug website is very simple and clear. There aren’t any excessive ads and links cluttering the pages, which allows the site to load quickly and efficiently. The basic color scheme simplifies site navigation and helped keep our focus on pictures, not business. The links at the top of the page allowed for easy access to the homepage, member login, shopping cart, and help pages.
On the sign-up page, a “Hacker Safe” emblem assured us that our e-mail address and contact information would never be given to outside parties or used for spamming. We also really liked the fact that even though the 14-day trial is attached to a $39.95 yearly fee plan, you're not required to enter your credit card information up-front.
After becoming a member, you can access a video tutorial which will guide you through setting up your account. After your photos are uploaded, you can design attractive albums for them, and order prints, photo books, mousepads, mugs, and other products and gifts.
Our team really enjoyed the blogs and forums, allowing us to participate in discussions about photos and other hobbies, which made us feel that we were really a part of the photography community.
SmugMug Features:
- Unlimited photo storage and editing.
- Variety of attractive and original photo album themes.
- Share photos with others without requiring them to sign up for an account.
- Order customized prints and gifts.
- Participate in blogs and forums about photography and other interests.
- Keep photos private with password-protected secure server.
- Power and Professional memberships offer opportunities to advertise businesses and add larger files.
SmugMug Pricing:
- Standard Membership is $39.95 per year.
- Power Membership is $59.95 per year.
- Professional Membership is $149.95 per year.
- Prints from $0.19 for 4x6 to $35.99 for 24x36.
- Greeting cards $12.95 per set of 20.
- Photo books from $12.95.
- Photo gifts in all price ranges.
- Standard shipping and handling added to all orders.
SmugMug Customer Service:
SmugMug features a Help section with a video tutorial, frequently asked questions, and comprehensive search bar. The complete FAQ list includes information on viewing, sharing, printing, adding photos, video, photos, galleries, themes, your homepage, your account, power users, professional users, getting great prints, real people, and bonus links. SmugMug also offers free e-mail support which is available 24/7, but does not offer phone support. Email support, however, is prompt. We received an answer to our question within one business day.
Upside:
Family-owned independent company, emphasis on service, gorgeous layout and album themes.
Downside:
Prices are a little higher than some.
Go To SmugMug
Customer Ratings
Email This Review
|
|