Should I use a local company to transfer my VHS tapes or ship them out?
Potential clients to Digital Roots Studio often ask why some of our prices are more expensive than some of the big box companies that people see online and advertised on TV. Unlike some of the bigger mail in companies, we do not outsource any of the work, all work is done in house by the owners of the business. Another benefit of working with a smaller company like Digital Roots Studio, you can speak with the person who is working on your project, unlike bigger mail in companies that only offer communication via email. Whether you should mail out your VHS tapes for transfer to digital or use a local company depends on various factors such as your preferences, the reliability of the mailing service, the reputation of the company, and your budget. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Convenience: Mailing out your tapes can be convenient if you don't have a local company nearby or if the local options are not satisfactory. However, it may take longer to get your tapes back compared to using a local service. Also, when you mail your tapes out, you can’t always speak to the person who is working on your project, but with a company like Digital Roots Studio, you can speak about your project directly with the person working on it, and once you receive back the project you can always ask questions.
Security: Consider the security of your tapes during transit. Make sure to choose a reputable mailing service with tracking options and insurance to protect your tapes in case of loss or damage. USPS offers tracking, but you can only know the location of the package once it is delivered.
Quality and Expertise: Research the expertise and experience of both the mailing service and the local company in transferring VHS tapes to digital format. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge the quality of their work.
Cost: Compare the cost of mailing your tapes to a service with the cost of using a local company. Factor in any additional expenses such as shipping fees, insurance, and taxes when making your decision.
Customer Service: Consider the level of customer service offered by both options. A local company may provide more personalized service and be more accessible for inquiries or special requests.
Turnaround Time: Determine how quickly you need the digital copies of your tapes. A local company may offer faster turnaround times compared to mailing your tapes, which can take several days or even weeks depending on the distance. Many orders are outsourced by larger companies, so you should confirm first.
Quality Control: Find out about the quality control measures implemented by both the mailing service and the local company to ensure that your tapes are transferred accurately and without loss of quality.
Ultimately, weigh these factors against each other based on your priorities and preferences to make the best decision for transferring your VHS tapes to digital format.
Digital Roots Studio
Transfer your family video tapes into a convenient digital format, preserving your memories for future generations.
