Product Rendering Pricing Guide
How much do product renderings cost?
WHAT SHOULD PRODUCT RENDERS COST?
DIFFERENT TYPES OF 3D RENDERING SERVICES
One of the key factors affecting the cost of a 3D product rendering project is the type of rendering required. For instance, rendering a simple consumer product differs significantly from creating detailed visualizations of complex industrial machinery, largely due to the varying levels of complexity and detail involved. Likewise, imagery pricing will depend on the complexity of the environment required. For example, if the product is placed on a white background or a full lifestyle environment.
At XO3D, we offer a wide range of 3D product rendering services. If you are unfamiliar with the different types available, we encourage you to visit our pages to learn more about each specific service.
TWO MAIN FACTORS THAT AFFECT OF PRODUCT RENDERING PRICES
A significant factor in the cost of a 3D product rendering project is the level of expertise required. Typically, a project involves several specialists unless an individual possesses multiple skills are needed. The roles commonly include:
- Project Manager
- 3D Modeller
- 3D Artist
- Photoshop Artist
Among these, the 3D Artist often incurs the highest cost. This role is crucial as it involves setting up the scene and, depending on the artist’s skill level, may also cover aspects of modelling and post-production enhancements usually handled by the 3D Modeller and Photoshop Artist, respectively.
So, what is rendering time? Rendering time is the time it takes a computer to create the images. Rendering time is directly related to the quality of the image; if more detail is required, that results in more rendering time. Likewise, if a more prominent image resolution is needed, that also takes more. If you don’t understand image resolution, check out our guide. This should be considered if you need substantial detailed images; this will cost more money.
ADDRESSING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To create a 3D Render, a 3D artist needs to:
- Read and understand plans or drawings.
- Understand the client’s vision.
- Create a 3D Model
- Set up the lighting
- Set up the materials and textures
- Set up the camera
Check out our product rendering resources page for a more detailed read.
The most expensive component above is the 3D Artist, as they have the most work to do setting up the scene and generally can cover parts 2 and 4, depending on their skill level.
Creating a 3D render for a product involves more complexity than might initially be apparent. A skilled 3D artist can efficiently set up intricate scenes using various industry tools. However, when it comes to product rendering, particularly for items that need custom modelling, the work can be significantly more time-consuming. Custom models, such as unique furniture pieces, require detailed modelling from scratch to ensure the highest quality in the final renders. This meticulous attention to detail is essential for achieving photorealistic results that stand up to scrutiny.
Finally, when the computer has processed the 3D product render, the image is taken into a post-production software such as Photoshop and touched up. Some studios do a lot of work in the 3D render engine before post-production, while others do a lot of details within the post-production software. A studio could do no post-processing, but the best results require both to get to the higher-end results of 3D Rendering.
Below are some of the main factors that effect rendering times significantly:
- Light sources. (Interiors take longer because of more light sources needed)
- Detail of the scene. (How many different components go into the image)
- Size of the image. (Billboard or HD screen)
- Amount of polys in the model. (Amount of detail on the models)
The biggest and most important thing you can do as a client to reduce rendering times is to give as much detail to the 3D Rendering company as possible. This removes all the confusion. This allows the company to get it right the first time and not have to re-render images due to mass communications. Each revision of a render mostly requires us to re-render the image and redo the post-production.
Another apparent reason an image will take longer to render is how fast the computer is and how efficient the rendering software is. The more powerful the computer, the quicker it will render. This is why we at XO3D keep up with new and improving technology to offer the cheapest and most efficient service possible.
THE TWO PRICING STRATEGIES FOR PRODUCT RENDERING COMPANIES
PER IMAGE
In product rendering services, you are typically charged a fixed price per image, with the cost per image decreasing as the number of required images increases. This pricing model is common and particularly well-suited for smaller projects. For instance, the basic rendering of a product might not vary significantly from one project to another if the level of detail required remains consistent. Companies often charge a higher rate for a single image because setting up the scene for rendering is time-consuming. Once the scene is set up, additional images can be produced from different camera angles with minimal extra effort. This scalability makes multiple images more cost-effective once the initial setup is complete.
PER PROJECT
This pricing strategy is particularly effective for larger-scale product rendering projects that require numerous images. Such projects are often commercial in nature and allow for a customized quote once all details have been discussed and agreed upon by both parties. For these extensive projects, clients should expect to receive a volume discount based on the number of images and the overall time commitment required. By consolidating all costs into a single comprehensive quote, clients can clearly understand the financial commitment needed for their project. This approach ensures that the estimate provided is precise and aligns with the client’s specific requirements and vision.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A £150 IMAGE TO £1500 IMAGE? WHY DO 3D COMPANIES CHARGE MORE?
Firstly, this is something clients should be aware of; with the ability to get 3D renderings completed worldwide, the cost can fluctuate drastically. For example, a UK-based company or one in India could be used. The company in India will be able to create the images much cheaper due to fewer regulations and cheaper labour. In contrast, you can also find 3D artists online from the UK who are bedroom warriors. These people do not own the software nor have any overheads other than the electricity of their PC.
Working overseas or with a single 3D artist will often cause significant problems. Let’s note a few below:
- Language barriers
- Reliability
- Illegal software
- Image quality
- Time zones
These are usually at the lower end of the spectrum and can’t guarantee a good quality image or service.
In contrast, images created by a 3D studio with a £50-£200 price tag should be taken within the concept and design phase. 3D studios can create images for this price, but the detail will not be required for the top-end images. What you pay for is what you get. If you wish to try your luck with cheap rendering companies, beware—it may cost you more in the long run.
TIMES WHEN THE CHEAPEST OPTION IS BEST:
- The time frame is not a concern
- Quality is not a concern
- The budget is very tight
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
- Always check portfolios
- Does the work look realistic?
- Does it look like client work?
- Is all the work consistent in quality?
- Are the details good enough?
- Is there a pleasant environment?
- Are there nice reflections?
- Are there nice appliances?
- Do the models look good quality?
- What are the hidden costs?
- Do they charge for higher-resolution images?
- Do they charge for more revisions?
- How long has the company been in business?
- Do they have a physical address?
- Do they have a phone number?
- Do they have any reviews?
Secondly, this price range is generally better quality than the tier 1 pricing bracket; this usually represents a better quality experience. Projects in this price bracket are typically outsourced by companies and managed by themselves. They may have a team overseas that speaks the same quality of language as the native company.
This type of pricing is best for bare-bones residential exterior renderings, as in-house 3D artists can edit them quickly in Photoshop.
TIMES WHEN THE END PRICING OPTION IS THE BEST:
- Budget is the primary concern.
- The final quality needs to be good but not excellent.
- The purpose of the project is for development approvals.
- When you are a homeowner looking for renovations.
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
- Always check portfolios
- Does the work look realistic?
- Does it look like client work?
- Is all the work consistent in quality?
- Are the details good enough?
- Is there a pleasant environment?
- Are there nice reflections?
- Are there nice appliances?
- Do the models look good quality?
- What are the hidden costs?
- Do they charge for higher-resolution images?
- Do they charge for more revisions?
- How long has the company been in business?
- Do they have a physical address?
- Do they have a phone number?
- Do they have any reviews?
- Do they offer multiple-quality tears, or are they just priced high?
This price range is the most used option for architects, designers, developers, and estate agents. Typically working on higher-end homes. Likewise, this would be less suitable for a single homeowner unless they have a larger-than-average property. These homeowners may find it difficult to differentiate between tiers 2 and 3; the best option depends on the desired outcome, and it is always best to consult a professional 3D rendering company to guide you. They may be able to show you some examples of the results you may receive between the two tiers.
TIMES WHEN MIDDLEWEIGHT PRICING IS THE OPTION IS BEST:
- You need your images to stand out.
- For professionals:
- Architects
- Designers
- Developers
- Estate Agents
- Marketers
- The primary purpose of the rendering is for sales, designer planning, regulatory approvals or conceptualisation.
- The price of the images is not in the big picture.
- Will higher-quality images sell the product faster?
- Could it get approval faster?
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
- Does the company have a high quality of work?
- Are they knowledgeable?
- Are they professional?
- Will they offer what they advertise?
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have good reviews?
- Do they meet competition render quality?
- How long will they take?
- Are they local? A face-to-face conversation is always the top way of communication.
Finally, the highest end of 3D product rendering pricing. The usual customers include large corporations where top quality is essential. These renders are not for general use; they usually showcase something BIG, such as a new mobile phone launch or a new high-tech device that can make millions in sales. Projects like this require hundreds of thousands of pounds, and the price of the images is a minor cost.
TIMES WHEN HIGH-END PRICING IS THE OPTION IS BEST:
- You need your images to stand out.
- You are a top professional and want to work with the best in the industry.
- Spending thousands of pounds on images is a drop in the ocean.
- For professionals:
- Tech Brands
- Marketing Companies
- The primary purpose of the renderings is for sales.
- This project needs to turn heads and get sales.
- The price of the images is not in the big picture.
- Will higher-quality images sell the product faster?
- Could it get approval faster?
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
- Do they offer any guarantees associated with their render quality or turnaround time?
- Who are the 3D Rendering companies and previous clients?
- Top local and international companies.
- Do they have testimonials or reviews?
- Can you have direct meetings with them in person?
- Are they willing to connect you with their previous clients for references?
- Does the company have a high quality of work?
- Are they knowledgeable?
- Are they professional?
- Will they offer what they advertise?
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have good reviews?
- Do they meet competition render quality?
- How long will they take?
- Are they local? A face-to-face conversation is always the top way of communication.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I CHARGE FOR PRODUCT ANIMATION AND DESIGN WORK?
If you don’t know how much to charge for your creative skills, you’ve come to the right place. The most straightforward way is to calculate the cost of your time plus overheads, then multiply that by the time it will take you to complete the work. Our animation and design price calculators are built to give artists a starting point and help them consider the practicalities of pricing their creative services.
Enter your figures in our calculator to get started!
Alternatively, if you are a business looking to cost an entire project, try out our animation price calculator and packages page.