Have Faded Photos? We Tried Costco’s Photo Restoration!

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holding up before and after costco photo repair

Did you know Costco offers photo restoration?

My family and I are no doubt dedicated Costco fans. We buy their bulk foods, yummy prepared meals, cakes in their bakery, prime cuts of steak in their meat department, and I even get my glasses in their eye department!

I shop there for household items often, but today I’m sharing yet another reason why I love my Costco membership– their photo department! We buy photo prints and photo Christmas cards, and have always been happy with their quality.

costco photo department in-store sign

Costco’s photo department repairs photos, too!

This year, my husband noticed on their signage in-store that they offer photo restoration repair and decided to try it out as a gift for me, and the result was so AMAZING, I had to share!

costco photo repair before and after

Here are our before and after photo restoration results!

At our wedding nearly 15 years ago, we had guests sign the photo matting around our engagement pics. We’ve always had this photo with signatures of loved ones hanging in our home in a 16×20 picture frame.

Unfortunately, over time the sun faded both the signatures and photo, and some of the special people at our wedding have now passed away, so this is such a special item to us.

example of costco photo repair

My husband took this into Costco’s photo department and they did an awesome job of restoring both the faded signatures and photo! I am so happy with the result and think this was such a thoughtful gesture.

Instead of a separate matting and photo, this is all one piece that fits perfectly in the frame to display for years to come as part of our home’s photo gallery. I also have a digital copy. Hooray!

framed photo that has been restored

Here are more details about Costco photo restoration:

    • What is the cost? Photo restoration is $29 and you get a digital copy with it.
    • What is the process? You drop off the photo you want to be restored in-store at the photo department and let them know any specific requests you may have. The cashier let me know you can have people photoshopped in or out, and they can do all kinds of touch-ups and editing. 
    • How long does it take? Our photo was ready in about a week. They call to let you know when it’s ready to be picked up. We were able to look at the photo and approve it before paying.
    • Does Sam’s Club offer photo restoration? After searching their photo website, photo repair doesn’t appear in their list of services.

woman holding framed photo with bow

Do you have any old faded or damaged photos that could use photo restoration?

I think this would make a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift or a special gift for just about anyone. If your parents have a special old photo, this could be a great Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift that is so thoughtful. I noticed that you can also have old home movies transferred to digital movies too as another neat service Costco photo offers! WHO KNEW?

If you’ve also had experience with Costco’s photo repair, let us know in the comments! 


Try this clever photo hanging hack using toothpaste!


About the writer:

Lina has a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University with 11 years of blogging and photography experience having work featured in Today.com, Martha Stewart, Country Living, Fox News, Buzzfeed, and HGTV.


Join The Discussion

Comments 18

  1. Candy M

    So Nice! I never knew this existed. Thank you

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      YES!! Thanks so much Candy. I hope it’s helpful to someone <3

  2. Lora

    That’s a beautiful photo. You still look lovely today, Lina, after 15 years.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Aw thanks Lora -that’s very sweet!

  3. Shelly

    U look pretty with those hair… should try ‘em back again 😍

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Ha thanks Shelly!

  4. Kristy

    My Sam’s club no longer does photos at all anymore 🙁 I loved getting my photos printed there.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh darn- that is a bummer.

  5. mary

    That was such a sweet gesture on his part. Very thoughtful. Enjoy your beautiful picture!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      I agree! Thanks so much!

  6. acgold

    You look and looked beautiful! What a great idea for a newly engaged couple!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Thanks so much!

      • Elizabeth Martinez

        The same company that does the restorations at Costco will still be available on their own website and its BETTER!!! they give you more prints so its more for your buck! Here is the website:https://www.photorepairpro.com. I got one done of my grandpa and it was so beautiful!

  7. Debbie Dinardo

    Just announced

    Costco is closing all their photo centers

    I think they said in the next couple weeks

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