Shutterfly’s “free” offers can be worth it—just remember you’ll still pay shipping. With a little strategy, you can bring the real cost way down. Before you order, check Groupon’s latest Shutterfly discount codes for an extra nudge of savings.
What “Free” Really Means at Shutterfly
“Free” usually refers to the item price (e.g., prints or extra pages), not delivery. You’ll still pay shipping, so the goal is to minimize your total cost.
The App’s Unlimited Free Prints Deal (with Limits)
On the Shutterfly app, you can order unlimited 4x4 and 4x6 prints, capped at 250 per order and 9 copies per photo. A 250-print “free” order typically ships for about $21–$22 (~$0.09/print). See our guide to Shutterfly app deals for making these offers work harder.
Photo Book “Free Pages” Promos
“Unlimited free pages” removes per-page fees but you still pay the base book price. An 8x8 hardcover (20 pages) often starts around $36–$37 before promos—sitewide sales can cut that further.
Shipping Costs: The Real Numbers
Shipping is calculated by quantity, not value. Bigger orders usually mean a lower per-print cost.
| Number of Prints |
Shipping Cost |
Cost Per Print |
| 50 |
~$9 |
~$0.18 |
| 100 |
~$12 |
~$0.12 |
| 250 |
~$22 |
~$0.09 |
Smart Ways to Actually Save Money
Use the Right Promo (Some Can Combine)
Look for offers that bundle value (e.g., free pages on photo books plus a % off the base). Some promotions can be combined, others can’t—always check terms before checkout.
Bundle to Hit Free Shipping
When available, free-shipping codes often kick in above a spend threshold (e.g., $89+). If you’re planning multiple projects, one combined order can beat paying shipping twice.
Shop the Sales Calendar
Major holidays and back-to-school bring predictable sitewide discounts (often 40–60% off). Our Shutterfly sales calendar helps you time big projects.
Leverage Free Design Services
Shutterfly’s free 24-hour designer service (book layout created for you) saves hours—real value even if it doesn’t lower sticker price.
Don’t Miss Extra Value on Groupon
Watch for limited-time rewards on Groupon’s Shutterfly page—for example, a free $10 gift card with eligible orders. These perks can sometimes stack with promo codes, boosting your total value.
Know When to Skip “Free”
During big sitewide sales, paying regular item prices with a strong %-off code (and free shipping) can beat “free” items once shipping is added. Do the math on your cart total.
FAQs
Are Shutterfly’s free prints really free?
The prints are free; shipping isn’t. Larger orders lower the per-print cost (see table above).
Does Shutterfly offer free photo books?
Occasional promos offer free books (you pay shipping), but they’re rare. More commonly, you’ll see free extra pages or strong %-off deals.
Money-Saving Checklist
- Print in batches to lower the per-print cost
- Target holiday/back-to-school sales for 40–60% off
- Use free-pages promos for photo books + a %-off code (when allowed)
- Bundle projects to hit free-shipping thresholds
- Check Groupon for stackable codes and occasional gift card perks
Next Steps
Before you check out at Shutterfly, take a moment to explore Groupon's latest Shutterfly discount codes. It's an easy way to stretch your budget without extra effort, and you might find a deal that beats even the "free" offers when you factor in shipping.
- Special Offers, Deals, Coupons, Promos, & Discounts — Shutterfly
- Shutterfly Promotions & Discounts Details — Shutterfly