Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ's are sorted into three sections.  The first section, General Questions, provides information on our company, the ordering process, professional design, and timelines.  The second section focuses on specific computer and hardware/software questions you might have.   The last section is "all things" related to fotoflex, and provides some "how-to" help when working in the application. 

General Questions
 

How soon can I expect my cards after I submit my order?

We usually can print and ship your order within five days.  As it gets closer to Christmas we have had success speeding this up but if you are in a hurry your best bet is to contact us via email and we will let you know the current schedule.   Note to our visitors and customers:  Due to economic factors, MyChristmasCard.com will have limited print dates in 2010.  Our next print date will be the week of November 29 - December 3rd, 2010.

How much is shipping/handling and what are my shipping options?

We ship via the United States Postal Service using Priority Mail (2-3 days) with tracking.  Our shipping charges are simple and affordable - $8.00 for all orders/sizes for all domestic U.S. addresses, $6.00 for all Washington addresses (we are based in Seattle).  We do not charge a handling fee.  Express (overnight) shipping is available on rush orders for $30.  Contact us for International shipping.


Does my order include envelopes?

Yes.  MyChristmasCard.com includes with your order quality envelopes in a choice of white, red, and white with gold lining.  You choose your style after finishing your card in fotoflex.  See our Envelopes section for images and more detail.
 

How do the cards arrive?

MyChristmasCard.com will box your cards flat and scored down the middle for folding.  Flat cards are easier to write on and  maintain a higher resistance to damage when shipping.  Your cards and envelopes are enclosed in a presentation box, then shipped in a standard, sturdy shipping container.
 

How do I upload photos to your site?

The photo upload tool is built into fotoflex.  Once you are logged into fotoflex, you will find the upload tool at the second step, after selecting your card.  Click on the “browse” key, and your computer will show the files on your computer.  From there, click through your files to find the photos you want to upload.  Hint:  Once you are browsing your files, right click and hunt to this icon and click on it.  That will show your files in thumbnails, giving you a better idea which photos to use.  We are building a tutorial in flash that will demonstrate how simple the uploader works in fotoflex.
 

What kind of printer do you use?

The fotoflex process transfers your card seamlessly to a Xerox iGen3 laser printer, a printer designed for personalization and high quality color photo reproduction. 
 

Can someone without design experience use your site?

Yes.  Fotoflex is designed for the first-time user.  The process is intuitive, moving from card selection, to photo placement, to writing your message.
 

How long does it usually take to make a card in fotoflex?

It mostly depends on how much you want to say.  Uploading photos, and then dragging and dropping them into the templates is a straightforward process (uploading can take longer depending on your connection - we recommend using a cable or dsl connection).  Writing and placing copy - and checking it - usually is what will take more time.  Depending on the card design you choose, an average user will spend between a half hour and an hour building their card.  Cards with more photos or copy (like a family letter) will probably take longer.  Hint:  you may want to sort through your year's photos to choose ahead of time the pictures you want to use on your card.  That way, when uploading your photos in fotoflex, you will know exactly where the files are located.
 

Do you offer professional assistance in making my cards?

Yes.  MyChristmasCard.com offers a professional design service as an option for anyone who prefers a professional build their card.  More information on this service can be found here - MyChristmasCard.com Professional Design Service.

Computer, Hardware and Software Questions
 

What kind of computer do I need to work in fotoflex?

Virtually any computer purchased in the last five years can run fotoflex.  The resource requirements (processor and memory) are minimal given today's standards.  The two "must have" factors when using fotoflex are 1) Macromedia's Flash 8.0 or higher (pre-installed on most of today's computers) and 2) a high-speed DSL or cable connection.
 

Can I use a dial up modem to work in fotoflex?

You can, but uploading and moving your photos will take a long time and you may lose work along the way.  For dial up modem users, we suggest you look into our professional design option.  Although that includes an upload procedure (to get your photos to us), we can work with you to do that more efficiently.  If you have a dial up modem and want to pursue this option, please contact us at info@mychristmascard.com.
 

I have Flash on my computer, but fotoflex does not appear to be working.  Why?

That is probably because you have an earlier version of Flash on your computer.  It is easy (and free) to upgrade to version 9.0 at Adobe's website here - Adobe Flash Player Download Center.
 

Some of the photos I would like to use are from an older digital camera.  Is that ok?

Yes.  We suggest you use a digital camera with a minimum megapixel rating of 2.0.  Most cameras sold today are in the 3 to 6 megapixel range, and will produce sizable images.   But even 2 megapixel cameras can produce large enough photos to print well in most of the fotoflex templates.  Hint:  If using photos from an older camera with a smaller image output, try to minimize your usage of the "zoom" function.  This is because zoomed images that go beyond certain resolutions - that look ok on your screen (screens are usually 72 or 96 ppi) - will pixilate when printed at 300 dpi.
 

How can I tell if my photos will pixilate on my card?

Fotoflex ends with a "Viewprint" function, where you can see a magnified image of your card.  You will want to check this out reasonably carefully, looking specifically for pixilation, if you have a concern that your photos were not very large to begin with or you used the zoom function significantly.  Again though, if using a 2.0 megapixel camera or higher, and not using the zoom function or using it only a little, your print quality will be excellent.

Fotoflex Questions
 

What is fotoflex?

Fotoflex is unique.  Created  by MyChristmasCard.com, fotoflex is the online application used to personalize your card with your photos, text, and greetings.   The application is designed to be easy to use, providing maximum "personalization" flexibility for the user while sustaining the horsepower to reproduce images at high resolutions.  What the user sees is the tip of the iceberg;  the software "engine" that drives fotoflex is actually an extensive combination of flash, image enhancement, and database programming.

Watch a step by step demonstration of fotoflex here (about 3 minutes) -

Is there a time limit when logged into fotoflex?

No.  You can use the application for as long as you like, any day, any hour.  If you plan to step away for more than half hour, we do suggest you save your work.  In fact, we suggest you save your work every ten minutes or so, just to be safe.
 

Can I write my Christmas message in Word and copy it into the template?

Yes - in fact, we recommend that.   Write your message in any word processing software, and when it is complete copy it over.  Since at this time we do not have a spellchecker built into our site, it makes sense to use the capabilities of a word software to polish your message.  The only thing that will not translate are font styles - use fotoflex to select the font style for your card.
 

Can I write copy anywhere on the card?

Yes.  The copy function in fotoflex can work anywhere.  If you desire, you can forego placing an image in a photo frame and instead use that for a letter.  You can write over images as well.
 

Can I place an image anywhere on the card?

No.  Images are limited to the frames.  The software that translates your card to a printable image needs to have specific dimensions.  We are working on dynamic image placement - look for that in fotoflex 2.0!
 

I need help using fotoflex.  Where can I learn more about a specific step in the process?

If you run into any problems, let us know!  We will be happy to help you!  Contact us here - mail@mychristmascard.com