SECTION I. ABOUT THIS SERVICE:
Our Rapture Transfer portal is priced for family budgets so read carefully as some things may require additional fees. If you would prefer not to place your order online, or you have a various items that you would prefer to take care of at one time, feel free to reach out to us with your contact information and the items you have (including photos if you need any help identifying what you have) and one of our Team Members can issue you a quote that will give you best pricing available. We can also take your payment by phone or pre-approve you sending a check with your order. However, we still encourage you to read about our services here.
The number 1 thing that goes wrong with any order comes from the customer not taking the time to read. By making this purchase, you acknowledge that you are responsible for any information you fail to read along with any delays, losses, or extra costs associated with instructions that you do not to follow.
SECTION II. REGARDING THIS LISTING:
This listing is for the scanning of your photographs. This listing is NOT for undeveloped film. It covers the standard sizes of
3 1/2 x 5
4 x 6
5 x 7
8 x 10
These are the sizes that can run through our automated system.
NOTE: If you have slides or negatives, please use that listing instead.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER SIZES?
We do recognize that you may have other sizes like wallet or older odd sizes or even photos larger than 8 x 10. While there is no limit to how small a photo you can send us, the largest we are able to scan is 13 x 19.
NOTE: Any sizes that cannot go through our automated process will make your job take longer to complete and ANY PHOTOS THAT YOU SEND WHICH REQUIRE MANUAL HANDLING FOR SCANNING WILL BE BILLED AN ADDITIONAL 50 CENTS EACH.
IF YOU WANT PHOTOS KEPT IN A CERTAIN ORDER
The price you pay here does not cover maintaining sequential order. We will need to quote that separately based upon what you have and that labor will be significantly higher than the budget prices reflected here.
There is a 100 scan MINIMUM price so, for this process, you will select 1 order for every 100 photos that need scanning. If you are slightly over the 100 mark on any order, we will bill you for the additional ones. For example, if you are sending 300 but is it over by another 30, we will let you know before sending your items back.
If you have a lot photos, you can estimate and we will send you an adjusted bill before shipping back.
When your transfers are complete, we will send you a 30-day link to download all of your files.
You may also send ONE appropriately sized USB thumb drive that we will save your files to, or you may purchase one from us separately.
You are responsible for shipping to us. We will return ship to you free of charge unless you request that we not return your items. If you DO NOT need anything shipped back, ask for a custom discounted quote.
You are responsible for the cost of any expedited shipping or return shipping costs associated with extra weight from not following our packing instructions.
Your pricing does not include repairs, editing, correcting, or speeding up your order.
SECTION III. WHAT WE CAN AND CANNOT TRANSFER
A. PHOTOGRAPHS ONLY
We are not a film developing service.
B. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
Our transfers are for not intended for commercial purpose nor to infringe on the copyrights of others.
SECTION IV. HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER
A. FIRST, make sure you have selected the correct listing for the item you will be sending. Look at the listing photo.
If it looks different or you are not sure what it is you have, it is best to send us a message and ask. We schedule transfers based upon what you tell us you are sending. Don’t worry, sometimes folks still get it wrong, but it will cause your transfers to take longer if we open your box and it isn’t what you said it was.
B. Select the appropriate option for the range of photos that you have and whether or not you want them returned. Since the weight of photos factor a lot in return shipping, there is a savings when you no longer need your photos after you receive your digital files.
You must make sure you select BOTH the appropriate price range and the proper count. Remember 1 order counts for 100 photos.
After you get your counts and price ranges properly set, you can then add this to your cart and check out. Or continue shopping afterward if you have other items or add-ons left to select.
* WHAT ABOUT THE DPI?
300dpi is the scanning standard for photos and is the best size for sharing among family and friends. However, if it is your intent to print these larger or do detailed photo editing, you may select a higher scan setting.
SECTION V. COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY TRANSFERS
While you can request and pay for faster services. All orders are priced for 4 to 6 weeks return timeline. Depending on the condition of your items, the size of your order, how many different types of items you send us, and how busy we are at certain times of the year, most orders are returned well before that time.
However, perfect conditions don’t usually exist with items so old, so you need to be realistic about your expectations. There are no shortcuts. It isn’t as simple as popping them into a group of machines the day after we receive your package. We usually have thousands of hours of transfers ahead of you already.
Any number of unforeseen situations can occur with a customer order. Sometimes even one of your items can damage and take a transfer unit down for repair. All of this adds time.
Our customer reviews will tell you that we make extra efforts to recover things that often cost us more time than we usually charge. Our focus is on getting it right. If you fail to appreciate this and you are persistent in asking us about progress, instead of allowing us to do the job on your behalf, we will assume time is more important than results and give you what was transferred rather than making extra efforts on your order. We also reserve the right to cancel and return the order of a customer who is abusive, disrespectful, snarky, or failed to take the time to understand and abide by the policies we fully disclose here.
B. IS IT OK TO ASK FOR A FASTER TURN AROUND TIME
The best thing to do is to explain your circumstance BEFORE placing your order. While the price you pay does not include rush services, sometimes we can tell you whether it is possible to meet your deadline without a rush fee. We also have customers who are in no hurry and sometimes they are willing to wait longer so we can move your job up. Any efforts we make to accommodate a special circumstance will also be based upon assuming there are no issues with the items you send. If complications arise on a deadline order, we may require you to pay an additional rush charge if it means having to assign someone to prioritize a repair to meet your deadline.
C. WHAT THINGS CAN CAUSE MY TRANSFERS TO COST EXTRA OR TAKE LONGER?
When it comes to photos, time will always be dependent upon the following:
1. The condition of the photos.
2. If they can run through the automated scanning process.
3. Did you organize them the way we requested.
4. Are you requesting they be kept in a specific order.
QUESTION FROM ONE OF YOU:
“I see that you do not keep photos in any kind of order when they are scanned. I have several different groupings of events/years that I don’t want to mix (they are old photos and I am not sure I could separate them into the right year if they are not kept together). I don’t care if each set of photos gets out of order, I just don’t want to mix 2001 with 2002 (etc.)
OUR REPLY:
“Thank you for your question. If you have a large order and require groupings, we can keep the groupings together. However, our groupings policy is intended for large orders where someone has sent hundreds of slides or photos and wants them batched, making it easier for them to organize later.
It is not intended to organize small orders on behalf of a customer. The amount of manual labor required to stop and group an order many times would make an automated job take 10 times longer. We could not do that without charging you extra as our pricing is for automated services.
We do not guarantee maintaining the specific slide or photo scan order because slides and photos are first separated by size or format which is a more efficient process to scan all the standard sizes on units set up for them. But the results are then sent to the same folder for that group. So as long as you designate the groups that is fine. However, if you overly divide your groups, we will charge you a manual handling fee of $5 per group beyond 2.”
D. HOW DO I RECEIVE MY FILES WHEN THEY ARE READY?
Your purchase includes you receiving a link to download your files online. This link will lead to a folder that contains all your individual JPEG files and will be good for 30 days. It is usually sent prior to returning your material so you will have an opportunity to make us aware of any corrections while we still have your stuff. You will need to be sure to check the email address that you used to place the order for any communication from us. If we don’t hear back from you after a few days, your order will usually ship back to you.
NOTE: Please note that your links are issued for online correction preview and for downloading. If you attempt to use your download link like a YouTube share with multiple family members, you could cause others who are downloading to experience interruptions that could corrupt their files. So please be mindful to not stress the download server.
Also, if you get a screen that asks you to sign in, that is because you are attempting to download too many large files at one time. Videos, especially, need to be downloaded one at a time.
E-J. NOT APPLICABLE
K. HOW LONG CAN I DOWNLOAD AND WHAT IF I RUN OUT OF TIME?
There is a 30-day download limit. To offer anything longer, we would have to triple our prices. We have had occasions where situations have affected a customer’s ability to download their files in the time allotted, or they flat out forgot, or they discovered that their computer or device or internet connection just was not that fast for downloading large video files and came back to us several months to almost a year after the fact and there was nothing we could do to help them once the files were purged from the download server.
So let us be clear that we absolutely CANNOT guarantee that we will still have your files after 30 days. At best, we MAY be able to recover your files within 30 days after your expiration for a $25 charge. Please inform us BEFORE that time has expired if you require additional download time or come back and purchase a USB from us to send to you before your downloads expire.
If you are not sending a large order where we automatically give you a USB copy of your files, we strongly suggest ordering one of our USB thumb drives or sending ONE along for your personal copy since you can still share the links.
L. IF I PLAN TO SEND MY OWN USB, HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE I NEED?
1. If you are deciding what size of your own to send, the following USB sizes will accommodate your files.
• 16 GB UP TO 5 TRANSFERS
• 32 GB UP TO 10 TRANSFERS
• 64 GB UP TO 20 TRANSFERS
• 128 GB UP TO 50 TRANSFERS
• 256 GB UP TO 100 TRANSFERS
2. These are estimates based upon the average 2-hour video tape delivered as an MP4 file. Smaller format tapes are likely to take up less space so if you have tapes like VHSC (compact) or MiniDV, you can often double and even triple the number of transfers that will fit. Also, dozens of 3-inch film reels can fit on a small USB. Our recommendations are just the safe bet but if you over purchase from us and need a smaller USB, we will automatically reduce the size and refund you the difference.
NOTE: HUNDREDS OF AUDIO FILES AND PHOTOS CAN FIT ON EVEN THE SMALLEST USB SO A LARGE USB PURCHASE IS NOT NECESSARY FOR AUDIO, SLIDE, OR NEGATIVE TRANSFERS.
3. If you send your own storage, be it USB, Memory Card, or Hard Drive, you must send the appropriate size to accommodate your order (That means the minimum recommendation or larger).
4. We will not save your files to multiple smaller drives and, due to computer virus precautions, we do not guarantee to save any files that are already on a drive that you send so it is best to send a drive that is empty.
5. If you send anything larger than a USB thumb drive, you will be responsible for the return shipping of that drive.
6. If you send a USB for an order that already qualifies for a complimentary USB, you will not receive both. Your USB will be used instead.
NOTE: WE DO NOT guarantee any data saved to any customer provided device.
7. You may use the link below to add a USB drive to your cart.
https://rapturetransfer.com/product/usb
M. WHAT IF I REQUIRE MULTIPLE FLASH DRIVES AS GIFTS
You can ask us to make copies on multiple flash drives as gifts. If you send multiple flash drives, the fee is $1 per video file transfer added to each additional flash drive. That means if you have 10 items transferred that you want to put on multiple flash drives, it will cost you $10 per USB that you provide. There are no additional transfer charges if you buy each USB from us.
N-O. NOT APPLICABLE
P. WHAT KIND OF DIGITAL FILES DO I RECEIVE AND WHAT ARE THEIR QUALITY?
Photos are scanned and uploaded as JPEGS. 300dpi is the scanning standard for photos and is the best size for sharing among family and friends. However, if it is your intent to print these larger or do detailed photo editing, you may select a higher scan setting.
Q. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL EMBARRASSING CONTENT OR MATERIAL THAT REQUIRES DISCRETION.
Customer privacy is of utmost importance to the credibility of our service. We generally do not make it a point to view material beyond quality inspection of transfers. We just don’t have the time. Yes, there are things we run across which our customers make us aware of, or sometimes inherited, or forgot, and are rather embarrassed about when receiving their downloads and often apologize for things we never even saw.
All we can say is that “life happens” and time passes. Nobody can judge that. The other thing is that we are not prudes here judging people’s lives. We understand that you trust us with the most intimate views of your life. Outside of a blatant crime, exercising any other action regarding your material would be unethical and is beyond what we consider honest service to you.
R. HOW SHOULD I SHIP? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SHIPPING MY PRECIOUS MEMORIES.
Feel free to use any of the major shipping companies as we do receive packages from them all daily and we have a good relationship with our local carriers.
Up until COVID-19, we had very few issues with delivery. Most of the issues that occurred were due to customer error and we worked fast to help resolve it. We go out of the way to look out for your packages. It is why we annoy you so much about sending us tracking.
However, you should keep in mind that our prices only include return shipping through USPS MEDIA MAIL which is the cheapest but also the SLOWEST. You do have the option of having us quote you a price to return ship via FedEx or UPS as well.
Keep in mind that, though rare, Media Mail can take up to 2 weeks to arrive. That is because these packages are the lowest priority and usually move across the country filling in open spots on postal trucks. As a result, they will sometimes track clear to the other side of the country before arriving before arriving at their destination.
If you are really hoping to have something back under a deadline, you may want to consider paying the extra money to use FEDEX or UPS, or at least go with USPS Priority Mail. But you will find that if you are in no rush, you absolutely CANNOT beat the savings going with USPS Media Mail for heavy boxes of video or audio tapes and film reels.
Besides, once most customers get their video files online, they aren’t too concerned about the time it takes to get their tapes back. And for those who ordered a USB, you can also opt for separate 1st Class return shipping so that they arrive before your tapes.
NOTE: If you need items returned to a different address or only your tapes returned to you while a thumb drive is sent someplace else, make sure you drop us a note on the Order Notes section during checkout, so that it becomes a part of your file. Shipping to more than one address will require you to pay for the additional shipping and handling.
A FEW OTHER THINGS ABOUT MEDIA MAIL:
• If you have orders that include slides, photographs, or negatives to be scanned, you CANNOT include these in USPS MEDIA MAIL. Since media mail is subject to inspection, your box could be sent back to you or forwarded to us with postage due so be mindful when choosing this as an option.
• Also please DO NOT include a printout of your order with Media Mail. Some overzealous Postal workers interpret that as prohibited advertising material. Simply include a slip with your address, contact information, and your order number. That keeps us from having to battle inconsistent interpretations of Media mail rules.
S. HOW SHOULD I LABEL MY ORDER?
ORGANIZING YOUR PHOTOS
Remember we do not guarantee keeping pictures in the same order that you give us, but only that we will place them in the same group. However, you may select an upgrade to maintain a specific scan sequence to your order.
When it comes to photos, negatives, or slides, we don’t actually need anything numbered unless you are asking us to separate them by group. Then it would be necessary to number each baggie so that those images are placed in a folder number that corresponds to the bag they were in.
You get 2 groupings per 100 free. After that, it is $5 per group since we are really treating each baggie as almost a separate job run as opposed to us just separating all of your photos by size and running them.
So it really does not matter how many you put in a baggie. However, you need to make sure that your photos are separated by size even if you want to keep certain groups together. So if you have a group of photos that you want kept together and they are different sizes in a baggie, bundle each size before placing them in the baggie.
ALSO when you are bundling, make sure your photos are turned in the proper direction. For example, if you have a bundle of 4×6, stack all of the longways photos together in the same directions, and then stack all of the vertical photos in the same direction.
If we have to spend time sorting through and separating your photos by size and direction, you will be billed a minimum charge of $15 per 100 or you will receive your files in whatever direction you failed to sort and will have to flip them yourself.
T. PACKING YOUR ORDER
DO NOT SEND PHOTO ALBUMS. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE EXTRA WEIGHT AND LABOR TO REMOVE THE PHOTOS. Remove all photos and please wrap or place them in plastic baggies as a moisture barrier and then pad the box properly. Just throwing them in loosely, you will end up paying more if we have to repair any from shipping damage caused by shifting.
When we get a box that someone hastily threw in a bunch of material unprotected, your order will sit until we have a chance to assess the damage and to inform you of sorting costs.
And please be careful in trusting a packing company. Often the worst packages we get were done by a paid packing service. If your box is heavy from a lot of photos, be certain to make sure it is packed tight to avoid shifting and that you do more than just tape the folded ends. You should tape around the box to give it added support or it may arrive with the seams busted and some materials lost.
U. DELAYED SHIPPING, REFUND, AND CANCELLATION POLICY
1. Cancellations can be requested within 24 hours of your initial order without penalty if your order has NOT been shipped.
2. Because we schedule based upon incoming orders, your purchase is a binding service contract. After 24 hours, there is a minimum $5 or 15% (whichever is larger) cancellation fee within the first 15 days of an order not being sent.
3. Any orders placed but not shipped to us for processing after 15 days are NOT refundable and will be moved from active to completed status as a credit on file for future use. If transfer rates have increased at the time of credit use, you will be responsible for the price difference. If your state law requires a refund, it will be followed, less a $5 or 15% cancellation fee, whichever is greater.
4. We will make every effort to reach out to you after 15 days of not receiving your order. Then we will move the estimated completion date to give you more time to send your order. But help us to avoid this by sending your order off and giving us the tracking, at least, within a week of placement or notifying us if you will take longer so that we can coordinate with you.
In the age of COVID with so many falling ill, we have run into a great many delays in shipping situations. Just communicate with us as soon as you can so we can accommodate your situation in a timely manner.
V. CAN I CALL TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT MY ORDER OR TO CHECK ON MY ORDER?
If you need assistance placing your order, feel free to call. There are no assigned administrative staff so be patient as we are usually working on transfers but will call you back.
As for checking on your order, while we understand your excitement and anticipation, we are not staffed to stop, track down, and respond to requests for order updates.
We only contact customers:
1. When we receive your package.
2. When there is an issue with an order or deadline.
3. When an order is complete.
Our ability to keep prices affordable and to process orders in a timely manner for everyone depends on each customer taking care to understand our process and respecting the time it takes to get something done right.
W. WHAT OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS ARE AVAILABLE THAT COULD REDUCE MY PURCHASE PRICE?
• If you have an order of ten or more transfer items.
• If you have a large order but a limited budget but not in a hurry, you ask for a Custom Quote by sending us a list of everything you have and the budget you are under.
• If you are a school, nonprofit, church, or military organization, send us a message and we will do a custom discounted quote.
NOTE: Discounts and promotions cannot be combined. If you have a promo code, it cannot be combined on top of any other offer or discount.
X. SPECIAL OFFER: CAMCORDER CREDIT: If you have a no longer needed (tape based only) camcorder, we offer credit if you send it along with your order. This is for camcorders only, not hard drive or memory card or disc-based cameras. Only tape based.
• Compact VHSC Camcorder Any Brand $25
• Full Size Camcorder Any Brand $40
• BetaMax Camcorder Any Brand 75
• Video8 Camcorder Any Brand $25
• Hi8 Camcorder Any Brand $50
• Hi8 Camcorder Sony $75
• Digital8 Sony Camcorder $125
• Standard MiniDV Camcorder $50
• Any Consumer HDV Camcorder $125
• Any Pro HDV / DVCAM Camcorder $200
• Any PAL Based European Camcorder $150
• VHSC VCR CADDY (That thingy you put the small VHSC tape in so you can play it in your VCR) $15
RULES
1. The camcorder must be in full working condition and come with a power supply. If there is no power supply but the camcorder still works, ask us before sending. We may still accept it but our credit offer may be less.
2. You must send us a photo of the camcorder and model number for approval before sending. This is the only way we can be sure of the credit amount for your order.
3. This is NOT a cash offer but is issued as a refund to your order.
4. Your order MUST be more than the amount of the credit issued.
5. You are responsible for including the camcorder with the items you send us for transfer.
6. If your camcorder does not work, you will be responsible for the return shipping of non-working camcorder, or we will recycle it as scrap.