Quick Answer

Kachingo is a personalised box frame service that lets you upload photos, artwork, or collages and have them printed and mounted inside a deep, shadow‑box style frame. The entire process is online – from design to delivery – and you can choose from multiple sizes, colours, and background options. Orders typically arrive within 5–7 business days.

What Is Kachingo?

Kachingo specialises in custom box frames that go beyond standard photo frames. A box frame has a depth of 20–30 mm, which creates a sense of depth and allows you to display thicker items like medals, dried flowers, or small keepsakes behind the glass. The service is designed for people who want a fast, reliable way to turn a digital image into a physical keepsake without dealing with the hassle of separate printing and framing.

The brand is built on three principles: simplicity, quality, and personalisation. You don’t need design skills – the online editor guides you through placement, cropping, and adding text. Once you’re happy, Kachingo prints your design on high‑quality photo paper, mounts it on a backing board, and assembles the frame with a wooden or MDF outer frame and a clear acrylic glazing.

How It Works – Step by Step

Creating your personalised box frame with Kachingo takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps to get a result you’ll love.

Step 1: Choose Your Frame Size

Kachingo offers a range of standard sizes, from 6×6 inches up to 24×36 inches. For collages, larger sizes work best. If you’re displaying a single photo, pick a size that matches the aspect ratio of your image to avoid cropping.

Expected result: A frame size that fits your photo and intended display area.

Tip: Measure the wall space where the frame will hang before choosing. A 12×16 inch frame is a popular all‑rounder.

Common mistake: Choosing a size that’s too small for a multi‑photo collage – the individual images will become tiny and lose detail.

Step 2: Upload Your Design

You can upload a single image or create a collage directly in the online editor. Supported formats are JPEG, PNG, and HEIC. The editor automatically checks resolution and warns you if the image is too low‑quality for the chosen size.

Expected result: Your image appears in the editor, where you can adjust brightness, contrast, and add text or embellishments.

Tip: Use images with at least 300 DPI for sharp prints. If you’re unsure, the editor will show a “low resolution” warning – resize or replace the image.

Common mistake: Uploading a WhatsApp‑compressed image (usually 72 DPI) – it will look pixelated when printed.

Step 3: Customise the Layout

Drag and drop your images, add borders, change backgrounds, and insert text. The editor has a live preview so you can see exactly how the final frame will look. You can also choose the frame colour (black, white, oak, walnut, or grey) and the matting style (single or double mount).

Expected result: A design you’re happy with, saved as a project in your account.

Tip: For a clean look, use a white or off‑white background and keep text to a minimum – let the photos speak.

Common mistake: Overcrowding the frame with too many elements – box frames are meant to highlight a focal point, not cram everything in.

Step 4: Review and Checkout

Before paying, you’ll see a final summary of your order – size, colour, quantity, and price. You can add a gift message or request a specific delivery date. Kachingo accepts major credit cards and PayPal.

Expected result: An order confirmation email with a production timeline (usually 3–4 business days) and a tracking number once shipped.

Tip: Double‑check the spelling of any text you added – typos are hard to fix after printing.

Common mistake: Skipping the preview step – always zoom in to check for artefacts or alignment issues.

Step 5: Receive and Display

Your frame arrives in protective packaging. The back is fitted with a sawtooth hanger and a stand for tabletop display. Unpack carefully, clean the acrylic with a microfiber cloth, and place it where you want.

Expected result: A ready‑to‑hang personalised box frame that matches your design.

Tip: Let the frame acclimatise to room temperature for an hour before opening the plastic – this prevents condensation on the acrylic.

Common mistake: Hanging the frame in direct sunlight – over time, UV rays can fade the print and yellow the paper.

Design Options & Materials

Kachingo offers several ways to personalise your box frame. Here’s a breakdown of the key choices.

You can also add a custom cut‑out in the mat to hold a small object like a coin or a shell. This option is available during the design phase under “Add 3D feature.”

Pricing & Delivery

Pricing depends on frame size, material, and customisation level. A 8×10 inch wooden frame starts at £29.99, while a 24×36 inch canvas‑style frame with a 3D insert costs around £89.99. Delivery is £4.99 within the UK, free for orders over £50. International shipping is available at checkout – rates vary by destination.

Production takes 3–5 business days, and standard shipping adds 2–3 days. Express delivery (next working day) is available for an extra £8.99.

Quality & Care Tips

Kachingo uses archival‑grade paper and UV‑resistant inks to prevent fading. The acrylic glazing is shatter‑resistant and lighter than glass. To keep your frame looking new:

• Dust the frame with a soft, dry cloth – never use cleaning sprays directly on the acrylic.
• Avoid hanging in humid areas like bathrooms; moisture can warp the frame.
• Keep out of direct sunlight – even UV‑resistant inks will degrade over time with constant exposure.
• If you need to clean the acrylic, use a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol with a microfiber cloth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: The print looks darker than expected

Reason: Computer screens are backlit, making images appear brighter. Prints are reflective and can look darker.

Solution: Brighten your image by 10–15% in the editor before submitting. Kachingo’s editor has a “brightness” slider – use it even if the image looks good on screen.

Problem: My frame arrived with a scratch on the acrylic

Reason: Protective film may have been removed during packing, or the frame shifted in transit.

Solution: Contact customer support within 48 hours with a photo. Kachingo will send a replacement acrylic panel or a full replacement frame, usually free of charge.

Problem: The 3D object I inserted doesn’t fit

Reason: The object is thicker than the 10 mm allowance for 3D features.

Solution: Choose a deeper box frame option (available on request for an extra fee) or use a thinner object. The editor shows a maximum depth guide before you add the feature.

Best Practices for a Perfect Frame

Experienced users know that a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how they approach their Kachingo order:

• Plan the layout before uploading. Sketch a rough idea of where photos and text will go. This saves time in the editor and reduces the chance of mistakes.
• Use high‑resolution images. Even if the editor doesn’t warn you, a 300 DPI image will always look better than a 72 DPI one. Take photos with a proper camera or a smartphone’s highest setting.
• Order a sample first. If you’re unsure about colours or materials, order a small 6×6 inch frame with a test photo. It’s a cheap way to see the quality before committing to a larger order.
• Consider the wall colour. White frames pop against dark walls; black frames look great on light walls. Match the frame colour to your room’s palette for a cohesive look.
• Proofread everything. Get a second pair of eyes on your text – a missing letter or wrong date will be permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload multiple photos to create a collage?

Yes. The editor lets you add up to 20 photos per frame. You can arrange them into a grid, free‑form, or overlapping style. The system automatically adjusts the spacing to keep the design balanced.

How long does it take to receive my order?

Production takes 3–5 business days, and standard shipping adds 2–3 days within the UK. Express delivery is available for next‑working‑day shipping. International orders usually arrive within 7–14 days depending on customs.

Can I include a physical object like a medal or a lock of hair?

Yes, if the object is no thicker than 10 mm. You select the “3D feature” during design, and Kachingo will add a spacer to hold the object securely behind the acrylic. Larger objects require a custom deep frame – contact support for a quote.

What if I don’t like the final product?

Kachingo offers a 30‑day satisfaction guarantee. If the frame arrives damaged or doesn’t match your design, you can request a full refund or a free reprint. They ask for a photo of the issue to improve their process.

Is the frame suitable for humid environments like a kitchen?

While the frame is built to last, high humidity can cause the paper to curl and the wood to swell. It’s best to display Kachingo frames in a living room, bedroom, or hallway. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, and uninsulated conservatories.

Checklist Before You Order

• ☐ Measure the wall space (or table surface) where the frame will go.
• ☐ Choose a frame size that matches your image’s aspect ratio.
• ☐ Upload images at 300 DPI or higher.
• ☐ Proofread all text – check names, dates, and spelling.
• ☐ Decide on frame colour and material (wood vs MDF).
• ☐ If adding a 3D object, measure its thickness (max 10 mm).
• ☐ Review the final design at 100% zoom in the editor.
• ☐ Select delivery option (standard or express).
• ☐ Keep the order confirmation email for tracking.

Conclusion

Kachingo takes the guesswork out of creating a personalised box frame. By following the step‑by‑step process, choosing the right materials, and using the tips in this guide, you’ll end up with a frame that looks professional and feels personal. Remember to plan your design, use high‑quality images, and proofread carefully before submitting. Whether you’re framing a single photo or a complex collage, Kachingo delivers a result you can be proud to display.