Frequently Asked Questions About Our Photography Backdrops
Q: Where do I enter my coupon code?
A: After adding your products to the cart, click Checkout. On the checkout page, locate the Discount code or gift cardfield, enter your coupon code, and click Apply.
Coupon codes are not valid on clearance backdrops, digital backdrops, or gift cards. Coupon codes cannot be combined with other sales or discounts and are not valid in our Etsy store.
Q: I placed an order and now I see a larger sale. Can I receive a refund for the difference?
A: Sale prices apply only to new orders placed during the active promotional period and cannot be applied retroactively to previously placed orders.
If your order was placed within 24 hours before a sale began, we are happy to issue store credit for the difference. Outside of that 24-hour timeframe, we are unable to make price adjustments.
Orders placed during larger sales may also experience longer processing times due to the increased order volume. This is one reason promotional pricing is limited to orders placed during the active sale period.
Q: How do your backdrop sizes work?
A: The width is always listed first, followed by the height.
For example:
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A 5' W x 8' H backdrop is 5 feet wide and 8 feet tall, creating a portrait-oriented crop.
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An 8' W x 5' H backdrop is 8 feet wide and 5 feet tall, creating a landscape-oriented crop.
The crop and amount of the design shown will vary depending on the size selected. Designs are cropped at our discretion to best fit each available size.
Poly Paper backdrops may include a thin white border around the printed design. This border is included within the overall listed dimensions of the backdrop.
Q: What are your backdrops made of?
A: We offer vinyl, Poly Paper, fabric, and fleece backdrop options. Each material has different features, finishes, care requirements, and hanging methods.
You can learn more about every material we offer on our Backdrop Material Descriptions page.
Q: What is a sweep?
A: A sweep is a seamless combination of a backdrop and floor printed on one continuous piece of material.
An 8' x 12' sweep is 8 feet wide by 12 feet long in total. It typically includes approximately 6.5 feet for the vertical backdrop portion and 5.5 feet extending onto the floor.
A 9' x 14' sweep generally provides closer to 8 feet of vertical backdrop height, with the remaining material extending onto the floor.
A 12' x 8' backdrop is a landscape-oriented backdrop and does not include a floor portion. Only sizes labeled as sweeps include a built-in floor.
The exact division between the backdrop and floor portions may vary depending on the design and crop. Please contact us before ordering if you need an exact measurement for a specific sweep.
An 8' x 10' Mini Sweep includes approximately 5 feet for the backdrop and 5 feet for the floor. It is similar to pairing two 8' x 5' backdrops together to create a backdrop-and-floor setup.
Q: How can I hang my backdrop?
A: Dream Fabric backdrops measuring 8' x 6' and larger include a sewn pole pocket along the top. The crossbar of your backdrop stand can slide through the pole pocket.
All other backdrops may be attached to a backdrop stand using clamps. If your backdrop stand did not include clamps, they can usually be purchased inexpensively from a hardware store.
Backdrops may also be attached directly to a wall using thumbtacks or appropriate tape. Tape is commonly used for Poly Paper backdrops.
Q: Do you offer custom designs or edits to existing designs?
A: We are not currently accepting custom design orders or requests to alter existing designs. All backdrops are sold as shown on our website.
Q: When will my order ship?
A: Our backdrops are made to order, and processing time is separate from shipping transit time.
Please review our current Turnaround Times and Shipping Policies before placing your order.
Processing times are averages and may change based on weekly order volume. Processing may extend beyond the average timeframe during or immediately following a large sale.
Q: How are your backdrops shipped?
A: Poly Paper and vinyl backdrops are shipped rolled inside a heavy-duty shipping tube. The end caps are stapled and taped securely into place to prevent them from opening during transit.
You may need pliers or a similar tool to remove the staples and open the tube. Before sliding the backdrop out, carefully inspect the tube and make sure every staple has been completely removed.
Customers are responsible for removing all staples from the shipping tube before attempting to remove the backdrop. Any remaining staple can scratch or damage the material as it is pulled from the tube. Damage caused by failing to remove all staples is the customer’s responsibility.
Fabric and fleece backdrops are shipped folded.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes, we ship most backdrops internationally. Please contact us for a shipping quote. Floor mats cannot be shipped internationally.
International customers are responsible for all customs fees, import taxes, duties, brokerage fees, and other charges assessed by their country. These fees are not included in the product or shipping total paid to HSD Backdrops.
If a package is refused, the customer will be responsible for any customs fees, duties, return fees, and reshipping charges. The original order and shipping charges will not be refunded.
International customers are also responsible for coordinating delivery when required by the carrier. If a package is returned because of unsuccessful delivery attempts, the order and original shipping charges will not be refunded. The customer will be responsible for the cost of shipping the package again.
Q: I accidentally used an old or incorrect shipping address. What should I do?
A: Please contact us immediately if you notice an incorrect address. If the package has not shipped, we will determine whether the address can still be updated.
If the order has already shipped through USPS, we recommend submitting a forwarding address with USPS as soon as possible.
If the package is not successfully forwarded and is returned to us, the customer is responsible for the cost of shipping it again. If the package is delivered to the address entered at checkout and is not returned to us, the customer will be responsible for placing a new order.
Q: What are your business hours?
A: Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. We are closed on major U.S. holidays.
Q: I am ordering two copies of the same design to use as a backdrop and floor. Do you have any recommendations?
A: Yes. Each material may use different inks, printers, coatings, or production processes. Because of these variables, the same design printed on two different materials will not be an exact color match.
If you plan to pair the same design as a backdrop and floor, we strongly recommend ordering both pieces:
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In the same material
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At the same time
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On the same order
This provides the closest possible color match. The scale and crop of the artwork may still vary if two different sizes are selected.
Q: Will a backdrop match my props, clothing, or décor if they use the same color name?
A: Not necessarily. Color names such as white, ivory, cream, beige, blush, blue, or green are broad descriptive terms, not standardized color formulas.
For example, white may be stark white, cool white, warm white, soft white, or off-white. Ivory can range from a very light cream to champagne, beige, peach, or blush-toned ivory.
A backdrop described as ivory and a dress, chair, balloon, cake stand, or photography prop also described as ivory may still be two noticeably different shades. The same applies to any other color name.
The name of a backdrop is intended to identify the design and describe its overall color palette. It does not guarantee that the backdrop will match another product that uses the same color name.
We recommend reviewing the product images carefully and considering whether the design appears warm, cool, neutral, peach-toned, blush-toned, or cream-toned rather than relying solely on the name.
There will always be some degree of color variation between what appears on a screen and the final printed product. Screen brightness, monitor calibration, display settings, room lighting, camera settings, and the material being printed can all affect how a color appears.
Color variation is often more noticeable in monochromatic designs because most of the image contains closely related shades. In a design with many colors and details, such as a Christmas fireplace scene, the variation may be less noticeable.
Because of these factors, we cannot guarantee an exact color match to clothing, props, décor, paint colors, furniture, or other products. If coordinating colors are especially important for your session, please contact us before ordering. We are happy to help describe a design’s general undertones, but an exact match cannot be guaranteed.
Q: Why does my backdrop look different from the example shown online?
A: Screens and printed products display color differently. Monitor settings, screen brightness, device calibration, lighting, camera settings, ink, and the selected backdrop material can all affect the final appearance.
Please read more on our Backdrop Color Variation page.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Please review our complete Return Policy before placing your order.
Q: My backdrop arrived damaged. What should I do?
A: If your product arrives damaged, you must contact us within 48 hours of delivery.
We will require clear photos showing:
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The damage to the backdrop
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The shipping tube, box, or exterior packaging
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Any visible damage to the packaging or end caps
These photos are required so we can file a damage claim with the shipping carrier. You may also receive an affidavit that must be completed, signed, and returned.
Once all required photos and claim documents have been received, we will arrange for a replacement.
For international orders, you must file Form 2856 with USPS and email us a copy. A replacement for an international order will be sent after we receive the completed form and all required damage photos.
Q: I received the wrong backdrop. What should I do?
A: We sincerely apologize if this happens. Although every order is checked before shipping, occasional mistakes can occur.
Please inspect your order as soon as it arrives. If you received the wrong design, contact us within seven days of delivery and email us a clear photo of the backdrop you received.
Once the issue has been verified, we will create a replacement order for the correct design.
Q: I received a defective product. What should I do?
A: We sincerely apologize if this occurs. Please inspect your order as soon as it arrives.
If there is an issue with your backdrop, you must contact us within seven days of delivery. A short video clearly showing the defect is required within that seven-day period so we can review the issue and assist you promptly.
Q: Can I use my backdrop for a cake smash session?
A: Yes, but we recommend placing a sheet of non-glare plexiglass over the backdrop to help protect it from frosting, liquids, stains, and damage.
Vinyl may be gently wiped with a damp cloth, but frosting and liquids can still stain or permanently damage the printed surface.
Q: How should I store my backdrop?
A: Vinyl and Poly Paper backdrops should be stored rolled inside the original shipping tube to help prevent creases, scratches, and other damage.
Fabric and fleece backdrops may be stored folded.
Q: Is there a difference between a backdrop and a floor drop?
A: There is no difference between a standard backdrop and a floor drop. A backdrop may be used on the floor, and a floor design may be hung vertically as a backdrop.
Only products specifically labeled as a floor mat or rubber-backed floor mat include a rubber backing.
You can view our Rubber-Backed Photography Floor Mats here.
Q: Can I use your physical backdrops to create digital backdrops or stock images for sale?
A: No. HSD Backdrops retains the copyright to all of our designs.
Our physical backdrops may not be photographed, scanned, copied, or otherwise used to create digital backdrops, stock art, design assets, or other digital products for resale. Selling digital products created from our backdrop designs is a copyright violation.
Q: Where can I find your copyright notice for digital backdrops?
A: Our complete copyright information can be found on our Digital Backdrops Copyright Notice page.
Q: How do I contact HSD Backdrops if my question is not answered here?
A: Please visit our Contact Us page and complete the contact form. We will respond as soon as possible during our regular business hours.
Q: Why is my finished backdrop slightly shorter or narrower than the listed size?
A: Backdrop dimensions are measured before printing and finishing. The finished product may measure slightly smaller because of hemming, sewing, material shrinkage, or the addition of a pole pocket.
Dream Fabric backdrops measuring 8' x 6' and larger include a sewn pole pocket, which uses a small portion of the overall material height.
For example, a backdrop listed as 10' x 8' may measure slightly under those dimensions after printing and finishing. All listed backdrop sizes should be considered approximate.
Q: If I order the same backdrop design again at a later date, will it be identical to my previous order?
A: We cannot guarantee an exact match between orders placed at different times.
Printer calibration, ink, material batches, production methods, and technology may change over time. Designs may also be updated, corrected, or enhanced after their original release.
If you need multiple coordinating backdrops or floors to match as closely as possible, we strongly recommend ordering them at the same time, in the same material, and on the same order.
By placing an order through HSD Backdrops you agree to our Shipping Policy, Return Policy and FAQ page.
HSD Backdrops reserves the right to alter these FAQs & Policies or any other Site policies at any time, so please review the policies frequently. We reserve the right to decline your order for any reason. By purchasing from HSD Backdrops you agree to all of the policies above.