DIY photos vs professional - which better?

Hey everyone! Planning to place my first order this week but I'm a bit nervous (naturally). I've done tons of research over the past few weeks and this site consistently gets great reviews, so I feel good about it.

My questions:

1. What's the realistic delivery time to Indiana? I'm not in a huge rush but want to plan accordingly.
2. How discreet is the shipping really? I live with roommates and prefer privacy.
3. Any tips specific to first-time buyers? Things you wish you knew before ordering?
4. Is the photo process as strict as it seems? I want to get it right first try.

Also curious about payment - which method do most people use? I value both security and processing speed.

For context, I need this mainly for occasional convenience store/liquor store runs, nothing too high-risk. Just want something reliable that works without drawing attention.

Really appreciate any advice or insights from experienced buyers. Thanks in advance!