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Wednesday, February 12th
Zazzle emerged as an early player in the DIY print shop sector, debuting in 2005. It showcases creations from independent Designers and Makers, and also offers the opportunity for customers to craft their own projects from the ground up.
Visually cluttered
If you're feeling overwhelmed by starting out in the "All Calendars" section, Zazzle does break things down into subcategories like Photos, Modern, Minimalist, Family Pictures, and Simple. However, we didn't feel like there was much of an aesthetic difference between the options represented from one category to another. We felt that overall, Zazzle's impression is that of clutter. Even the way the pricing is listed is distracting: every calendar has a struck-through "comparable value" price and then a "discounted" price in red below it. We'd much prefer to see just one price to reduce visual mess and streamline the browsing process than be subjected to cheap tricks to make us think we're getting a deal when really, that calendar has always been that price and probably always will be.
Pricing is decent
Speaking of pricing, Zazzle is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest option out there. The majority of their most popular customizable photo calendar designs are around $20. A pop-up notified us that you can unlock 25% off your order when you sign up for Zazzle's mailing list.
Filters to narrow things down
Zazzle has lots of calendar sizes to choose from, unlike some competitors that only offer one or two. They also have a wider range of prices - you can filter to see only calendars under $15, which brings up mostly single-page calendar photo cards. We wondered at the option to filter for calendars $100 and over, not being sure what features a calendar could have to justify that price. It turned out that there was only one result there… and it was a calendar featuring a selection of near-nude photos, which appeared to be a custom design from a freelance designer listed in an attempt to make some money. Quite shocking, Zazzle!
Creator Program means catalog is huge but less curated
Indeed, Zazzle actually has a Creator Program that lets members, known as Makers, create and monetize their own product designs. This includes calendars, greeting cards, and even throw pillows. That's why they have such a huge catalog of calendar design options, although sometimes they may not hit the mark, since the designers aren't employed by Zazzle as a professionally trained and curated team united by the same design standards.
Use designs as templates
To save calendars you like for later, simply click the heart icon to add them to a list. Once you've decided on a design, you can go into the editor and swap out the example photos with photos of your own. Just click the blue "Personalize” button. While you generally won't be able to make major changes to it, you can choose different grid styles, the wire binding color (black or white), and one- or two-page layouts.
Design tool may be unintuitive
Here is also where you'll be able to select which holidays you celebrate: your options are United States Events and Holidays, United States + Christian Events and Holidays, United States + Jewish Events and Holidays, or None. Zazzle does seem to allow users the flexibility to mark their own special events and occasions (such as birthdays or regular appointments) by toggling on Calendar Grid Transparency and opening the more advanced Design Tool. However, we had a difficult time figuring out how to do it. You might have an easier time marking those with a sharpie after you receive your order, the old-fashioned way.
Start with a blank canvas
If you're feeling particularly creative, you do have the option to start with a completely blank calendar and let your imagination run wild. This gives you the freedom to design a calendar that truly reflects your personal style and preferences without someone else's influence. The possibilities are endless. Just click the blue "Customize This Design” button and you can upload photos, choose from preset backgrounds, add icons and overlays, and insert text.
30-day returns and 100% satisfaction guarantee
Zazzle provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which means customers can exchange, receive credit, or get a refund for all orders - even customized ones. They have an extended holiday return policy for purchases made between the start of October and the end of December, allowing returns until the last day of January. For purchases made before the beginning of October, they can be returned within 30 days of receipt.
Shipping costs not readily available
To get an accurate shipping quote on Zazzle, you'll need to go through the checkout process, which involves creating an account and entering your shipping and billing addresses. Only then will the shipping options and pricing be displayed, along with the overall order price. We wish Zazzle were as transparent here as some of their competitors. However, we did appreciate that when browsing their calendar selection, you can sort your results by delivery date, which is nice if you need to know if something will arrive by Christmas.
Rated highly by customers
A mark in Zazzle's favor are their great Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau rankings: 4.3 stars on average and an "A+”, respectively. People are happy with the quality of their products, and customer support appears to be responsive wherever there are customer complaints.
Patience is a virtue
One of the key reasons we rate Zazzle so highly for purchasing calendars is their excellent return policy. Despite the shopping experience being a bit clunky, the sheer variety of pre-designed and fully customizable templates means there's something for almost everyone. Plus, if the final product doesn't turn out the way you hoped, their hassle-free refund process has you covered. So, if you don't mind navigating through the multitude of choices and tweaking your calendar to your liking, chances are you'll end up with a calendar from Zazzle that you adore.
In today's digital age, where our lives are increasingly managed through screens, the charm of physical calendars, diaries, and planners still holds a special place in many hearts. There's a unique pleasure in using a tangible calendar: the feel of turning over a fresh page to reveal a new month, the satisfaction of writing down events and appointments, and the joy of physically crossing off completed activities.
For those who cherish personalization, custom calendars with photos add a sentimental touch to daily planning. However, finding a good selection of paper calendars in local stores can be surprisingly challenging. It's no wonder that this shift in availability makes online calendar shopping an increasingly popular choice.
Many retailers have reduced their in-store offerings, making it hard to find calendars that are both unique and appealing, no matter when you're shopping. On the other hand, online stores offer lots of options, from stunning landscapes and animal themes to motivational quotes and artistic designs.
Whether you need a wall calendar for the family kitchen or a compact desk calendar for your office, the selection online is extensive and varied. Plus, prices online are often more competitive than in physical stores, and if you're looking to create a custom calendar with personal photos, many online retailers offer fun and user-friendly design tools.
When choosing which online calendar store you want to shop with, you should consider the following factors:
Top Consumer Reviews has thoroughly reviewed and ranked the best online calendar retailers available today. We aim to help you find the perfect calendar that not only organizes your year but also adds a touch of personal or aesthetic value to your space.
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