Photo Lab FAQ

Yes, we can ship to most countries via US Postal Service / Your local mail system or FedEx.

If you are not in the US, it is best to order online.  You will see additional return shipping options that are not listed on our order form.  We are not responsible for duties and taxes required for international shipping.

Please note that our postage-paid shipping labels for inbound film are only good in the U.S.

We prefer to receive sheet film in the manufacturer 3 piece boxes.  Film boxes will be returned.

If you do not have access to the boxes, you could use a dark bag made for sheet film.  They are available at bhphotovideo.com. Search for “Delta 1 Light Tight Safe-T-Bags”.  If you use one of these bags, please pack it carefully so it is not cut by postal equipment.

Note if film is submitted in film holders, there is a $1.00 surcharge per holder.

Make sure you identify exactly what kind of film is being submitted as many notch codes are very similar.  Also, do not combine different film stocks in a bag or box.

You can choose various methods for return shipping.

USA

US Mail First Class / USPS Ground Advantage – This usually takes 2-6 days to reach most parts of the country from our California Lab.  This return service does not have tracking.

US Mail Priority Mail – This usually takes 1-3 days to reach most parts of the country. You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab.

FedEx 2 Day – Takes 2 business days to reach almost all destinations in the 50 states.  You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab. No PO Boxes.

FedEx Ground – Usually takes 2-5 business days to reach most parts of the country. You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab.  Not available to Alaska or Hawaii. No PO Boxes.

FedEx Priority Overnight – Available via Online Ordering Only. Next business day delivery. You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab. No PO Boxes.

US TERRITORIES – Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (US), American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, United States  Minor Outlying Islands.

US Mail First Class – Service times vary depending on your location.  This return service does not have tracking.

US Mail Priority Mail – Estimated service time is 1-3 days.  You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab.

FedEx – Service times vary depending on your location.  Available via Online Ordering Only. You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab. No PO Boxes.

CANADA

US Mail/Canada Post – Will take 3-14 days to reach most areas of Canada.

FedEx – Services and times vary depending on your location.  Available via Online Ordering Only. You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab. No PO Boxes.

INTERNATIONAL

US Mail/Your Mail/Post – Service times vary depending on your location.

FedEx – Services and times vary depending on your location.  Available via Online Ordering Only. You will receive a tracking number when the shipment leaves the lab.

ADDITIONAL SHIPPING NOTES

Please note that orders that contain different Photo Gift products (Canvas Prints, Acrylic, Metal Prints, etc.) may ship separately. Aditionally, Photo Gift and Print Orders will likely ship separately.

Occasionally, we will substitute USPS for FedEx and FedEx for UPS, etc., especially during the holidays.

You will receive an email notification when we enter your order into production.  Also, you will receive an email if we have any questions about your order before it enters production.

 

Yes, we can ship to our Northern friends. You will need to apply the correct postage because our prepaid mailers only work in the U.S. Then select the Canada shipping for return shipping. Your package will arrive back via US Mail / Canada Post.  FedEx is also an option for return shipping if you order online.

You can use this label on your package to send to us.  You will need to check with Canada Post to determine the proper postage rate.

DOWNLOAD SHIPPING LABEL

Use for international shipping or large packages

If you are wondering if we have received your film yet, please check your inbound tracking number with the Post Office. If tracking shows your film has arrived at our post office, but you have not been notified, please allow 1 – 3 business days to enter production.

Additionally, check your SPAM folder for notification or in case we sent an invoice for an additional payment due. We use the Paypal platform for invoicing. You do not need a Paypal account to pay an online invoice, any Visa, Mastercard or AMEX credit or debit card will work.

Almost all film we receive is via the US Postal Service using our free postage paid mailers, or our labels taped to a 6×9 envelope. Make sure you record your tracking number before mailing.

Instead of using our free postage paid mailers, some customers feel more comfortable using FedEx, UPS, or DHL, as their shipping systems do offer better tracking of your shipment and a guaranteed delivery time to us.  If shipping FedEx, UPS, or DHL, be sure to read the FAQ for FedEx/UPS as you cannot ship to our P.O. Box, you must use our physical address.

FOR CRITICAL FILM, WE SUGGEST USING FedEx OR UPS SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO OUR LAB.

The Darkroom does not have the ability to track inbound USPS shipments and cannot assist with USPS issues.

If you prefer to ship to us using FedEx , UPS or DHL, you will need to ship to our physical street address and NOT to our P.O. Box address.

The Darkroom
946 Calle Amanecer, Suite A
San Clemente, CA 92673 USA

Note that the postage paid inbound labels are only for USPS. The shipping choices on the order form or online are for RETURN shipping only.

1. 1. Print very clearly
      When completing the order form, please take the time to make sure easily read, especially your address and phone number.
   2. Take a photo of your tracking number
   3. Label/make notes on your film
      In addition to setting your options when ordering or completing the order form, using a Sharpie (permanent marker), write any development instructions on the cartridge itself.
   4. Use a heavy-duty zip-lock bag if you have lots of rolls.
      All orders must arrive in a single shipment.  Orders that arrive in multiple shipments will be considered separate orders.
   5. Only send in film.
      With the exception of sheet film holders, any packaging, cameras, or containers, etc. will be automatically recycled or discarded.
   6. How long will it take?
      Most orders are shipped within 3-12 business days after it enters production. We are located in Southern California, so mail takes 2-5 days to reach us from almost anywhere in the country. More details on film developing turn-around time. 
   7. Critical Film Shipments!
      For irreplaceable film, some customers prefer to use FedEx or UPS to ship to us.  See additional information here.
   8. Do not use Priority Mail Envelopes!
      If using one of our postage-paid labels, do not use USPS Priority Mail or Express Mail Envelopes.  These will be upgraded to Priority Mail by the post office, delayed and we/you will be billed accordingly.

15 creative ways to mail your film!

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For Fun

15 Creative ways to mail your film

Aside from seeing some truly amazing images, we see some very creative techniques ways our customers ship their film.