They are photo quality prints done on fujifilm paper. I have been pleased with the quality.
It sounds like you are having some of the problems I had a short time ago. They do not print 12 X 12's. You have to create a layout that is 12 X 18 ".
Then, you will set your completed 12 X 12 page onto the 12 X 18 layout. You will have six inches left over where you can add some digital prints, enlargements or whatever you want.
They can help you work this out so make them do so. I wasn't happy so I complained, and I got a couple of phone calls to make it better. I was told these are very simple questions to answer, and they get them all the time, so if you encountered a clerk who couldn't/wouldn't help you do your 12 X 12 layouts, you need to speak with someone else. Tell him / her that you know they can do this...mention the 12 X 18 pages, and ask to speak to someone else if they still can't help.
Go to the Costo.com website and see how it has been set up. You will learn lots there about how you can format your files so they print out correctly. This info is supposed to
be up and running in Canada soon when they launch the online uploading service. I hope this helps.