Frequently asked questions

How do I send my tapes to you?

Damaged and Mouldy Tapes

Please send your tapes to us using a Recorded or Tracked postal service to ensure they arrive safely. When packing your items, please include a note with your order number, full name, address, and contact telephone number. This information is essential, as we receive likely to receive many tapes each week. Without these details, we may be unable to identify your order, which could result in unnecessary delays to processing and returning your memories.

We can only convert tapes that are in a condition suitable for playback. Unfortunately, we do not repair broken tapes or accept tapes that are contaminated with mould. Mould can permanently damage our professional playback equipment and may also contaminate other customers' media.

If a tape is found to be broken, heavily damaged, or affected by mould, we will contact you before proceeding. If you're unsure about the condition of your tapes, please get in touch before sending them, and we'll be happy to advise you on the best course of action.

How long does the transfer process take?

Our turnaround time depends on when we receive your tapes and our current workload. Once your order arrives, it will be added to our processing queue and completed in the order it was received.

All video tapes are transferred in real time to ensure the highest possible quality, so the conversion process cannot be rushed. Larger orders or longer recordings will naturally take more time to complete.

If you have a specific deadline, such as a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, please contact us before placing your order. We'll do everything we can to accommodate your request.

We'll keep you updated on the progress of your order whenever possible, and if you'd like an update at any time, simply get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Can I edit my files?

We offer two tape transfer options: DVD and USB. Both provide a great way to preserve your memories, but if you plan to edit your videos, we recommend choosing our USB service.

Videos transferred to USB are supplied in the widely compatible MP4 format, making them easy to view, copy, share, and edit using most free and professional video editing software on Windows, Mac, and other devices. While videos on DVDs can also be converted into editable files, our USB option offers the most convenient and flexible solution for home editing.

We also offer video editing services from £20 per tape.

Do you return the tapes to me?

My question is not covered here?

The price quoted covers the transfer of one tape to a digital format and does not include the cost of returning your original tapes.

You can choose to leave your original tapes with us for a short period after receiving their USB or DVD. This gives you time to check that you're completely happy with your digital copies and create your own backup if you wish. As VHS and other older tape formats are often no longer playable, many customers find there is little benefit in keeping the originals once they have been successfully digitised.

If, after reviewing your order, you would like your original tapes returned, we'll be happy to send them back to you. You'll only be charged the actual cost of return postage.

If you have any questions that aren't covered in our FAQs, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us using our online contact form or give us a call, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help with your enquiry.

What if my tape gets damaged whilst processing?

We take the security of your precious memories seriously and operate with care, professionalism, and good faith. We have appropriate insurance cover in place to provide peace of mind while your tapes and digital media are in our possession. Our aim is to handle every item with the highest level of care, ensuring your treasured recordings are protected throughout the conversion process.

What will the quality of the footage be like?

The quality of your converted footage will depend on the condition and age of the original tapes. Over time, analogue tapes naturally deteriorate, which can result in reduced picture quality, colour fading, visual noise, or audio imperfections. While we use professional equipment to achieve the best possible transfer, it is important to understand that we cannot restore detail that has been lost over time. If you would like to improve the overall viewing experience, our advanced editing service can help by enhancing the presentation with colour and brightness adjustments where possible, reducing the appearance of minor imperfections, trimming unwanted sections, adding titles and transitions, and creating a polished, easy-to-watch final video.

Free Tape Assessment

Not every tape is in the same condition, and we understand that many customers are unsure whether their recordings can still be recovered. That's why we offer a free tape assessment before any work begins. We'll carefully inspect your tapes, check their condition where possible, and explain the best options for preserving your recordings. If we discover any issues, we'll discuss them with you honestly before proceeding, so you can make an informed decision with no obligation. Our aim is to give you confidence that your precious memories are being handled with the care and attention they deserve.

What's Included?

Will anyone else watch my recordings?

£15 includes

• Real-time transfer up to 3 hours per tape

• Digital MP4 file

• USB or DVD

• Original tape returned if using our collection service

• Free assessment

Your recordings remain private and are only viewed where necessary to ensure a successful transfer and check the quality of the finished video.

£20 Basic Editing includes

Trimming blank footage from the beginning and end of the recording
Basic brightness and colour correction where appropriate
Audio level balancing to improve consistent volume
Stabilising the start and end of recordings where possible
Saving your videos as high-quality MP4 files compatible with modern devices

Why should I choose Trafford Tape Transfer?

Family-run local business
Qualified videographer with 25+ years' experience
Free tape assessments
Careful handling of every tape
Drop-off, collection and postal options
Every original tape returned
High-quality digital MP4 files

£35 Advanced Editing includes:

Removal of unwanted sections or mistakes
Combining multiple tapes into one video
Splitting footage into separate chapters or events
Titles and captions (e.g. names, dates, locations)
Background music (if requested)
Noise reduction and enhanced colour correction where possible
Custom edits for sharing with family

What happens to tapes if they are not collected?

Just a friendly reminder that your tapes will be kept for two weeks after they are ready for collection. If they haven’t been collected within this time, we’ll unfortunately need to securely destroy them. Please make sure to arrange collection within the two-week period so we can keep your precious memories safe.

How do I pay?

You can pay at 25% deposit online and the remaining balance by card upon completion.

We do not accept cash.