With the inception of digital media, less people these days actually print out photographs they have taken. The ubiquity of data storage devices such as SD cards, memory sticks, or even online storage platforms, has led to lesser people printing their photos. Furthermore, not everyone has access to home photo printers that allow you to print in the comfort of your own room. To add, it is also a hassle to head down to a photo shop to get your photos printed. However, many still agree that printed photos are still ideal in this day and age, as they represent a tangible form of preserving one’s memories.
Enter SPARK, a Singapore-based service that allows you to print your photographs for free! In all honesty, when I first heard of SPARK from a friend, I was undoubtedly sceptical. It simply sounded too good to be true. Especially in a country like Singapore, where you have to pay for almost everything from iced water in cafes, to extra chilli sauce sachets in certain restaurants, I couldn’t help but wonder where the proverbial catch was. But since their website, www.Spark-asia.com, insisted that the service did not come at a price, I decided there was no harm trying it out.
Upon downloading the application (available on both the App store and Google Play), my first impression of it was a positive one. Simplistic and unrefined, it was definitely easy to navigate. With a tutorial available to help the less tech-savvy, I got myself registered pretty quickly and selected a few photos to send in. This was where I encountered a problem of sorts.
The app only allows you to send in 10 photos, and not one less. Not much of an issue here, but I must admit I had to scroll through quite a number of photos that I didn’t want printed just to hit the minimum requirement before my order could be processed. Credit has to be given to SPARK in the sense that as a user, my job is complete at this stage. They guaranteed delivery of my prints within 5-7 working days, and I received them nicely packaged in 4. While the quality of my photos wasn’t stellar, they exceeded my expectations as I was not forking out a single cent for this service, including the delivery to my doorstep.
What was interesting though, was that on the flip side of my photos, there were eye-catching advertisements printed.
While I was not outright pleased, I had to say that this caught my attention, and I went back to SPARK’s website to find out more. Apparently, these adverts gave me access to exclusive promotions, discounts and giveaways from a carefully curated selection of brands, exclusive to the SPARK platform. My displeasure quickly gave way to elation. Apart from free photos, I was entitled to freebies as well? I took advantage of this, and just to check out if it was legitimate or not, took note of one particular photo which had an advert from SOI55 (which sells Thai tea and coffee).
A few days later, I headed down to SOI55 and well what do you know, it came through. I managed to get two drinks for the price of one, just by flashing and redeeming that particular deal on my SPARK app! What were the rest of the adverts behind my photos? Promotions from a whole gamut of cafes such as Reedz, Jekyll & Hyde, 23 Jumpin, La Barca and more!
Just for kicks, I dropped SPARK an email to learn more. I was heartened to receive a prompt reply within an hour. Ostensibly, the adverts printed on the back of my photos weren’t just randomly selected. SPARK prints adverts they think will be relevant to the user.
For a first time user, I have to say that SPARK seems to be an app to download if you haven’t already done so. While the user interface has room for improvement, I must say that being able to print free photos each month is enticing.
A mini photo insert which you receive in the envelope along with your photos prompts you to hashtag or mention them on Instagram/Facebook, and this entitles you to an additional 2 photo credits each month. While a month might seem like a long wait for some, I guess there isn’t much to complain when you don’t have to spend a single cent in exchange for 10 photos. As SPARK repeatedly emphasises on their site, “Because your memories are priceless”, there’s no time to waste if you want these precious memories printed out and kept by your side in the years to come.
(Header image credit: SPARK Asia)
Also read: Here’s An Ingenious Way To Easily Save 10% Off Your Dining Bills
