In today’s online marketplace, shoppers don’t get to touch or hold your product. They rely on what they see—and that means your product photo isn’t just an image. It’s your storefront.
Whether you sell on Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, or TikTok Shop, your photos are doing the selling for you. But raw images from your DSLR or smartphone aren’t enough. They need retouching. Background cleanup. Color correction. Sometimes even advanced work like ghost mannequin edits or shadow creation.
This brings us to an important question for brands, photographers, and eCommerce sellers:
How much does ecommerce image editing actually cost?
It’s not always easy to pin down. Pricing depends on many things—how complex the edits are, how many photos you have, how fast you need them, and even what kind of product you’re selling.
This guide breaks it all down so you know what to expect, how to budget, and how Pixel Retouching can help you save without compromising on quality.
What Is Ecommerce Image Editing?
And why it’s not as simple as it sounds
At its core, ecommerce image editing means cleaning up and enhancing a photo so it looks professional, platform-ready, and persuasive.
But that simple definition can cover a lot.
For example, a basic edit might mean adjusting the white balance and removing dust from a plain product photo. But more advanced editing might involve removing the background, applying a drop shadow, smoothing out fabric wrinkles, or creating color variants for different product options.
For fashion items, this often includes the ghost mannequin effect, where the clothing appears worn but the model is invisible. For jewelry, it could mean pixel-level retouching to remove dust, polish stones, and balance reflections.
At Pixel Retouching, we handle all of it—across categories, from bulk product edits to high-end retouching for premium brands.
Why Businesses Outsource Ecommerce Photo Editing
If you’re selling 10 products, editing them yourself may seem doable. But once you’re managing hundreds or thousands of SKUs, things change quickly.
In-house editing takes time, resources, software licenses, and skilled labor. Many businesses find that it’s more cost-effective—and less stressful—to outsource.
Here’s why most eCommerce teams and DTC brands turn to services like Pixel Retouching:
1. It Saves Time
Time is money, especially in eCommerce. Launches, sales, and listings can’t wait for slow edits.
Outsourcing means you don’t have to get stuck in Photoshop or Lightroom. Our team handles the edits. You focus on selling.
2. It Cuts Costs
Hiring, training, and managing editors is expensive. A full-time photo editor in the U.S. can cost $45,000–$60,000 annually, not including equipment and software.
Outsourcing with a service like ours can reduce costs by 30–50%—especially when you scale.
3. It Ensures Quality and Consistency
One of the biggest benefits? Consistency. Every image gets edited with the same standards and attention to detail.
That’s important when you’re building a brand. Consumers notice even subtle inconsistencies.
4. It Scales With Your Needs
Have a seasonal product launch or flash sale with 300 new photos? No problem. We scale on demand. No hiring scramble or production delays.
What Impacts Ecommerce Image Editing Cost?
Now to the big question: how much should you expect to pay?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number. Instead, think of it as a range—because cost depends on several key factors:
1. Editing Complexity
This is often the biggest pricing factor.
| Type of Editing | Typical Cost per Image |
| Basic Enhancements | $0.49 – $3 |
| Advanced Retouching | $3 – $15 |
| High-End Jewelry Editing | $15 – $100+ |
Basic edits include things like color correction, straightening, and minor cleanup. These are quick and inexpensive.
Advanced edits—like ghost mannequin effects or realistic shadows—take more time and expertise. High-end edits, especially for jewelry or luxury goods, are the most time-intensive and costly.
2. Quantity of Images
The more you send, the better the rate.
Most services—including Pixel Retouching—offer bulk discounts. Editing 1 image might cost $3. Editing 1,000 might drop that rate to $1.50 or even lower, depending on complexity.
3. Turnaround Time
Need it fast? Expect to pay more.
Standard turnaround times are usually 24 to 72 hours. But rush requests—especially overnight or same-day—often carry a 25% to 50% premium.
We offer express delivery options, but always recommend planning ahead to save on rush fees.
4. Type of Product
Not all products are created equal when it comes to editing.
- A bottle of lotion on a white background? Easy.
- A diamond-studded necklace with reflective stones? Much more complex.
The more intricate your product is, the more time it takes to mask edges, balance highlights, and remove imperfections. That drives up the cost.
5. Type of Service Requested
Different services carry different price points. Here’s a quick look at typical ranges:
| Editing Type | Average Price Range |
| Background Removal | $0.49 – $2 |
| Clipping Path | $0.29 – $1.50 |
| Ghost Mannequin | $3 – $12 |
| Natural/Drop Shadow | $1 – $5 |
| Color Variant Creation | $0.79 – $3 |
| Amazon Infographic | $10 – $25+ |
At Pixel Retouching, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. You only pay for what you need.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Here are some actual pricing examples based on common eCommerce scenarios:
- White background + basic cleanup for 500 images: ~$0.75/image
- Ghost mannequin edits for 100 fashion shots: ~$4–6/image
- Jewelry retouching (high-resolution, close-up): ~$20–50/image depending on complexity
- Color variant generation for 200 products: ~$1.50/image
Need help estimating your project? We offer custom quotes and even a free trial edit so you can see our work before you commit.
How to Estimate Your Editing Budget
If you’re preparing for a product launch or catalog update, it helps to know what to expect cost-wise.
Here’s a simple process:
- Count the number of images you need edited
- Identify the level of work needed for each image (basic, advanced, or high-end)
- Determine your required turnaround time
- Multiply by the rate (ask us for a quote)
- Factor in any discounts (bulk orders, subscription plans, seasonal offers)
We also offer an interactive cost estimator tool on the Pixel Retouching site to make this process easier.
How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Image Editing Service
Not all editing providers are the same. Some are great with bulk turnaround but lack finesse. Others excel at luxury-level retouching but come at a premium. So how do you choose?
It starts by asking the right questions.
1. Do They Specialize in Ecommerce?
There’s a big difference between editing for weddings and editing for products.
Ecommerce images have platform-specific requirements—especially on Amazon, Walmart, and other marketplaces. White backgrounds, resolution minimums, pixel-perfect alignment. Your provider needs to understand those standards, not just general retouching.
At Pixel Retouching, our team is trained specifically on Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, and eBay listing requirements. We also tailor edits for DTC websites and ad creatives.
2. What’s Their Turnaround Time—Really?
Fast delivery is great. But it means nothing if the results are sloppy.
Look for services that offer both speed and consistency. Ask if they offer:
- Next-day or 48-hour options
- Guaranteed delivery windows
- Time estimates for bulk projects
We provide 24-hour standard delivery for most projects and same-day express options when needed.
3. Can They Handle Volume?
If you’re a growing brand or agency, your photo editing needs will grow too.
It’s important to partner with a service that can handle high-volume batches—without sacrificing quality.
At Pixel Retouching, we process thousands of images per week and maintain dedicated editing teams for ongoing clients. Whether it’s 10 or 10,000 images, turnaround and quality stay consistent.
4. Do They Offer Revisions or Support?
Mistakes happen. Products evolve. Sometimes you just change your mind about a shadow.
A good provider should offer revision support, ideally included in the cost.
We include free revisions for every project and assign dedicated account managers for businesses and studios.
What Sets Pixel Retouching Apart
There are hundreds of editing services online. But Pixel Retouching was built specifically for ecommerce and product photography teams who want more than cookie-cutter edits.
Here’s what makes us different:
1. Specialization in Product Photography
We don’t edit wedding photos or do random Photoshop gigs. We focus solely on product imagery—from flat lays and fashion to jewelry, cosmetics, and tech gear.
2. In-House Editing Teams
No outsourcing to anonymous freelancers. Our editors are trained in-house with strict quality control.
Every image goes through a three-step QA process before delivery.
3. Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. No vague estimates.
Our pricing is clear, flat-rate, and volume-friendly. You’ll know exactly what each image costs before we begin.
4. Flexible Delivery and Bulk Discounts
Whether you need 50 images this week or 5,000 this month, we’ve got capacity—and bulk pricing to match.
Ask us about monthly plans and ongoing partnerships for studios, agencies, and multi-SKU brands.
How to Reduce Ecommerce Editing Costs Without Cutting Quality
Good editing doesn’t have to break your budget. Here are some ways smart sellers and photographers save money:
1. Batch Similar Edits Together
Editing 100 images from the same photoshoot costs less per image than editing 100 unique scenes. Try to group similar shots into one order.
2. Skip What You Don’t Need
If you only need background removal, don’t pay for full retouching. Some sellers pay for edits they don’t need.
We help clients build custom edit bundles—only pay for what’s necessary.
3. Use Color Variants Instead of Shooting Each Item
For products with multiple colors or patterns, you can shoot one version and request digital color changes.
This works well for clothing, shoes, packaging, and accessories—and costs far less than reshooting.
4. Plan Ahead to Avoid Rush Fees
Rushed edits can cost 25–50% more. Plan your photo shoots with some buffer time to save.
5. Choose a Long-Term Editing Partner
Most editing services offer discounted rates for ongoing work.
Pixel Retouching offers retainer plans and recurring packages that save 30–40% over one-off orders.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Expect to Pay?
So, what’s a reasonable ecommerce image editing cost in 2025?
Here’s a simple framework:
| Editing Level | Typical Cost per Image | Best For |
| Basic | $0.49 – $2 | Cleanups, white BGs, shadows |
| Advanced | $3 – $12 | Ghost mannequin, lifestyle prep |
| High-End Retouching | $15 – $50+ | Jewelry, cosmetics, reflective objects |
If you’re an Amazon seller with 100 products and need background removal + shadow creation, expect to pay $1.25 to $2 per image. For 500 images, that rate can drop closer to $0.79 per image with bulk pricing.
High-end retouching, like diamond rings or close-up skincare, can start around $20 per image—but results are print-quality and ad-ready.
With Pixel Retouching, we tailor each quote to your project. You don’t overpay for things you don’t need. And every image is delivered with pixel-level precision.
Try Pixel Retouching for Free
Not sure if outsourcing is right for you? Start with our free trial edit. Send us one photo. We’ll show you what’s possible.
No obligation. No credit card. Just great results.
Start your free trial or request a quote now.
FAQs About Ecommerce Image Editing Cost
How much should I budget for 100 product photos?
For standard edits like white background and cleanup, budget around $1–$2 per image. For 100 photos, that’s $100–$200, possibly lower with volume pricing.
Is jewelry editing really more expensive?
Yes. Jewelry requires micro-level cleanup, highlight control, and often stacking or HDR work. Expect $20–$50 per image for quality work.
Do I need ghost mannequin editing for apparel?
If you want a clean, 3D look without a visible model, yes. Ghost mannequin editing typically costs $3–$8 per image, depending on complexity.
What file types should I send for best quality?
We recommend sending high-res JPEGs, RAW (CR2, NEF), or PSDs. The better your input file, the better the output.
Can you match Amazon or Shopify guidelines?
Absolutely. We’re experts in marketplace image standards—Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, eBay, and more.
Need a Quote or Help Deciding?
Whether you’re a photographer, DTC brand, Amazon seller, or creative agency, we’re here to make your product photos sell better.
Let us know your project details. We’ll guide you, quote you honestly, and get you started with a free trial so you can see the Pixel Retouching difference.
Start your free trial or request a quote now.
