How Much Does Image Clipping Path Cost in the USA: A Complete Cost Breakdown
The competition in e-commerce marketplaces is becoming tougher day by day. Your e-commerce success rate heavily relies on product visuals. Customers always prefer high quality product images to see intricate details of the product. This is why businesses need to choose a reliable clipping path service provider. They must have an in-house post-production team to provide industry-standard photo editing services.
One of the key aspects is to consider the clipping path services pricing structure. If you are living in the USA and wondering “How much does image clipping path cost in the USA,” you have landed on the right place. This article will give you a complete idea of choosing a perfect photo clipping service provider based on your budget.
What Factors Affect the Clipping Path Cost?
The clipping path pricing will vary depending on various factors such as:
- The image complexity
- Number of images
- Turnaround time
- Photo editing agency’s expertise
- Additional services
Let’s go for an in-depth discussion to understand each factor deeply.
Clipping Path Pricing Based on Different Types
All clipping paths are not the same. They vary in complexity. Their editing techniques vary, too. Hence, the clipping path pricing structure will not be the same for all.
Simple Clipping Path
The cost of a simple clipping path is approximately $0.33 per photo. A simple clipping path technique is applied for objects with straightforward shapes. Their edges are smooth and uncomplicated. A simple clipping path requires more time and effort than a basic clipping path. For instance,
- Simple jewelry items
- Round coffee cups
- Chairs, tables, and other single furniture
- Books, phones, bags, etc.
Standard Clipping Path
Medium clipping path costs around $0.39 per image. It is tougher than the basic and simple clipping path. This mid-range clipping path is suitable for multiple objects with moderately intricate shapes. Hand drawn photo editing techniques are needed to isolate each object accurately. For instance,
- Some vehicle parts
- Jewelry (like bracelets or pendants)
- Multiple shoes in a group
- Multiple watches in a group
Complex Clipping Path
A complex clipping path price is around $3.99 per image. Images with several objects and complex design, irregular shapes, and multiple curves need complex clipping path services. Graphic designers use an advanced hand drawn Photoshop cutout technique to isolate multiple objects from the background. For instance,
- Furniture with complex shapes and curves
- Bicycles, strollers, etc.
- Garments with lace, embroidery, or other detailed patterns
- Hair accessories, machine parts, etc.
Multiple Clipping Path
Multi clipping path costs $0.99 per image. Graphic designers use the Photoshop Pen tool to clip out several sections of a product photo that contain different elements. Then, use the clipped objects for further editing and manipulation. For instance,
- Mesh or net objects
- Bookshelves with cutout designs
- Necklaces with chains and multiple gemstones
- Cosmetic sets, toolkits, or utensil bundles
Various Types of Pricing Structure for Clipping Path
US-based Professional clipping path service providers offer various types of pricing structures for clipping paths.
Hourly Paid Rate
The hourly rate of photo editing agencies can be anywhere from $6 to $45 or higher. It depends on image complexity, the reputation of the company, and other factors. For instance, new graphic designers will charge less compared to experienced image editors. Top-level expert designers can charge $100 to $200+ per hour.
Flat Rate Pricing Structure
A flat rate pricing structure has a fixed or unchanged rate. It doesn’t matter how complex the images are or how many hours you spend editing or manipulating them. The image editing company will give you an idea about the flat rate at the beginning of the project. Contact them clearly to avoid disputes in the future.
Project-based Pricing
Some US-based image editing companies charge based on the project. They consider image complexity, number of images, and their editing pricing policies to set the pricing. For urgent image editing, payment per hour is the best choice. You may need to edit a small number of images or a large volume. Clearly discuss with your preferred photo editing agency before making the final deal.
Service Packages
Some photo editing companies may offer various service packages to provide clients with the flexibility to select their preferred options. For instance, Retouching Zone provides four packages for clipping paths, including:
- Simple ($0.33$): 24 hours
- Standard ($0.39$): 24 hours
- Complex ($3.99$): 24 hours
- Multiple ($0.99$): 24 hours
Retainer
Some image editing companies provide retainer options for clients. Here, you will pay a fixed amount of money in advance for a specific period of time. The photo editing company will be liable to provide you with image editing services during this timeframe. The minimum fee is $1000 or more. The cost and number of allowed image editing will vary depending on the agreements.
3. Bulk Order Pricing
Many image editing agencies offer a discount for bulk orders. The more product photos you order, the more discounts you get.
Some offer discounts on a percentage. For instance, Retouching Zone provides up to a 25% discount for bulk orders. However, the percentage will vary based on the image number.
Many provide a fixed discount rate regardless of the number. There is also a long-term contract where you will be charged a particular amount per image or a fixed amount for a specific number of images.
4. Level of Expertise
Not all image editing companies charge the same. Renowned agencies generally charge higher rates due to a higher level of expertise and top-notch clipping path work.
They have special industry-based experience to fulfill your unique image editing requirements. Plus, these reputed companies use advanced tools, technologies, and editing techniques to provide high quality results. For instance,
- Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, AI-powered tools, etc.
- Techniques: Frequency separation, color grading, compositing, etc.
- Technologies: 4K resolution monitors, colorimeter, etc.
5. Turnaround Time
The delivery time of a photo clipping service provider can affect the cost of the clipping path. Some may take as low as 3-6 hours, while some take up to 24-48 hours. Image editing companies charge more for quick turnaround time.
- Standard: 24 hours to 72 hours or more, depending on the project complexity and image volumes
- Express Delivery: 12 to 24 hours based on agency policies
- Same Day Delivery: More expensive than regular options
- Weekend or Holiday: Extra costs for weekend work
6. Additional Associated Cost
Besides clipping paths, you may need other image editing services, like shadow creation, color correction, ghost mannequin, etc. This adds an extra cost to manipulate further or retouch the product photo.
Many image editing companies offer a few revisions for free. But if you didn’t mention specific image editing requirements in the guidelines, you will have to bear additional costs to revise the product images. Make sure to ask for detailed information before making the contract.
What to Look for When Choosing an Affordable Clipping Path Service In the USA?
Higher conversion rates mean higher revenues. Most types of businesses strive for this goal. When it comes to hiring the best clipping path service provider, you have to be cautious to ensure that it fulfills your photo editing requirements.
The following are the primary aspects to consider when hiring the best photo editing company.
Pricing Structure
One of the most important factors when looking for the best clipping path service provider is their image editing pricing structure. It usually varies among image editing companies based on the image complexity, turnaround time, and image volumes.
Retouching Zone offers an affordable and flexible clipping path service. For instance, RZ charges only $0.33$ per image for a simple clipping path.
Your chosen image editing company must have a clear image editing pricing structure. Ask them if they charge any extra fees or have any hidden costs. They may provide various photo editing packages or a discount for editing a large volume of product images.
Quality Work
Carefully inspect their previous works or samples to assess their image editing quality. Ask them relevant questions to understand their photo editing skills and what kind of services they provide. For instance:
- What technique do they use to apply effects to an e-commerce photo?
- What techniques do they use to feather in Photoshop?
- Can they replace the background color to improve the visibility of your ecommerce products?
- How many times do they provide free revision?
- What quality assurance procedure do they follow?
This type of question can help you measure their Photoshop skills and the quality of their hand drawn clipping paths.
Turnaround Time
Businesses may struggle to manage time for image editing while focusing on their core jobs. This is when they feel the need to hire a professional photo clipping service provider.
Image editing agencies may charge extra for submitting projects faster than their standard delivery time. Carefully go through their pricing struggle based on different turnaround times.
Image Volumes
Businesses that want to launch new products or seasonal products may need to edit a large number of images. Select the best image clipping path provider who can edit a large volume of images with consistent high quality.
Choose an agency that can deliver high quality e-commerce product images for better sales and ROI. They must maintain the industry standard while editing the product image to satisfy the target customers.
Customer Support Team
Choose a clipping path service company that maintains clear and fast communication with clients. Poor customer support can lead to the inability to submit a project within the deadlines. They are more likely to fulfill your image editing requirements.
Select a photo editing company in the USA that provides 24/7 customer service. Even if the two location times conflict, you will still get an instant response.
Customer Reviews
Go through online reviews of your preferred clipping path service provider before making the final deal. Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Clutch, etc. are some of the best online platforms to read verified reviews.
Visit their official website to read their testimonials and other important information. It helps you understand their expertise level and the industries in which they provide clipping path services. Plus, you can select a reliable partner who truly values your business goals and roadmap.
Free Trial
Utilize the free trial of your chosen company to assess its image editing quality. Besides, it gives an idea about what tools and technologies they use. You will learn their time management and communication. The turnaround time for a free trial might be higher than regular ones based on the image complexity and their busy schedule.
FAQs about Image Clipping Path Pricing
Why does the clipping path price vary?
They differ in image complexity, clipping path work, quantity, and delivery speed.
Who needs image clipping path services in the USA?
Professional product photographers, e-commerce businesses, advertising and marketing agencies, printing & publishing houses, and real estate companies mainly need clipping path services in the USA.
How to keep your images and personal information secure?
The image clipping path service provider you choose must follow a strict privacy policy to keep the images and personal data protected. Select an agency that maintains non-disclosure agreements to protect your confidentiality.
How much do rush or express image editing services cost?
They cost 30% to 100% higher than the regular clipping path price to submit images on a strict deadline.
Which file formats support clipping paths?
PSD, PNG, TIFF, SVG, EPS, PDF, JPEG, etc. are some of the best file formats for clipping paths.
Do image editing companies provide free revisions in clipping path services?
It depends on the company’s policy. Some may offer revision for a limited number of times, and some may charge extra money for revisions.
Conclusion
Choosing a reliable US-based clipping path service provider doesn’t mean you have to break your bank account. But it doesn’t mean you will choose the cheapest options that won’t add any value to your images. The key is balancing between cost and quality. We have already discussed “How much does image clipping path cost in the USA”. Our article also covered which factors to consider when selecting an image editing company that aligns with your business goal and roadmap.
