In Reality - deviantART Prints

You go to a website, see all that glamour and flashy designs and clicky buttons trying to persuade you to part with your money. In this new series I'll tell you the reality of the what its like to give them your money for something you want. For the first of these experiments I decided to test out a highly scrutinized service. dA Prints.

The Idea
Artists create mind-blowing pieces of art and sell them through dA for a profit on both sides of the argument. Pictures can also be put onto t-shirts, calendars and mugs to name a few alternative products. Buyers get an easy, secure way to support their favourite artists.

The Process
Simple really placing an order. Find the print you want, click 'add to cart' and choose your size, finish and if available a frame. Prints can also be added to a wishlist so visiting deviants to your page who are feeling generous can buy you stuff. It also reminds you what you want.

Next, set the delivery address and payment method. For this test I decided to use my finally active Paypal account. dA only accepts US dollars even though it displays your own native currency when browsing. Changing currencies in Paypal is easy and can be done in seconds. Paying a different currency with a credit card could be a bit more complex. Minor hassle and I'd changed currencies in Paypal before coming to the shop (£10 = about $17 at the time). Click click, instant transfer of money into dA's account. Transfer charges are included in the delivery charge.

Oh, before paying you have to choose a delivery method. US Airmail will get the order to you in about 5 days and is the cheapest option with either airmail letter (big envelope) or airmail parcel (cardboard tube, looks good in storage). Everyone knows FedEx and they deliver in 1-2 days. Expensive though, same sub-options as US Airmail (you know you want that rippy strip envelope). I opt for the cheapass option and pay for the goods.

The Wait
3 emails come from dA during the wait period. The first is a confirmation email to say that payment has been recieved successfully. The second says that your order is being processed (printed and packed) while the third informs you that your order is on its way. I chose to boast and irritate the hell out of my friends during this period. I suggest you do the same.

The Delivery
So, they're here. First thing seen is the big white envelope. Not even the UK Postal Service could bend this thing. Second thing seen is that dAhQ is located on Beaver Ridge. Once I stopped giggling I set about attacking the envelope.

Big White Envelope

Inside were (obviously) the prints but what else? Well 2 airmail letters with cool mini shots of the prints. Printed on the same paper in the same size.

'Peaceful Evening' Letter

'Innocence' Letter

There's also a big bit of cardboard for some reason. The smaller prints come in a natty little photo envelope.

The Reality
dA has become a money making machine and many of its members disagree with that. However the quality of the prints service is undeniable.

Next On 'In Reality'
Amazon.com's Super Saver Delivery. Spend over £19 and get the lot delivered free. With a few conditions.