HotPrints

Several weeks back, a family member mentioned HotPrints to me.  They are a printing company that offers  photobooks (a HotBook) and photo calendars (a HotCalendar).  The neat thing about them is that they offer one HotBook per month free.  I like to make photobooks, and they can be rather expensive, so it certainly interested me.  I looked at the website and decided to do nothing.  It made no sense to me that they would offer one free each month.  Granted, they are clear that each book contains easily removable pages of advertising that do not affect the appearance of the book, but still, it just didn't make sense to me.

I've heard several reviews of the company.  Most were positive, a few were negative.  I just wasn't sure what to think of it.

This week, I finally decided to try it out.  I created my account, designed a book and uploaded my photos.  I arranged them as I wished, changing the default layouts to suit my style.  My free book was 12 pages of photos, 16 pages including covers.  I really didn't put in a tremendous effort, as I wasn't expecting much.  After I submitted my order for printing, I noticed their website said delivery should take 5-30 days from the date of order.  The company is based in the United Kingdom, so there is extra delivery time to the US. 

Much to my surprise, my first HotBook was delivered about 36 hours after I submitted my order!  Apparently, they have a printing facility here in the US.  It came with a cardboard backer for support and was protected by a plastic sleeve.   I couldn't wait to check it out.  The center four leaves were the expected advertising.  I glanced at them, then removed them.  The HotBook is made of heavy paper, similar to a magazine.  It's about the same weight paper as a magazine cover.  The pages are slightly glossy, without being too shiny.  The photo printing quality was what I would expect from a professional printer.  The typeface was clear.  In all, I am completely satisfied with my HotBook.  The only downside is the mailing address label is printed on the back of the HotBook.  I could have paid for the premium service and it would have had a separate label.

I can't wait to order my next one in May!  Too bad I waited as long as I did.  I could have had three others by now.  (According to their website, you can order more books at a cost of $3.99 each plus $2.99 s&h.  Not bad.)

Are you interested in making your own HotBook?  Click this link and get started. 

Disclaimer - This is not a sponsored post.  I was not asked to do a review.  It is 100% my opinion, based on my personal experience.