If you’ve googled it, you’ve likely seen pricing estimates all over the map. From £200 freelancers on Fiverr to five-figure-plus agency quotes, it’s hard to know what you’re really paying for (and what to expect in return).

In this article, we’ll break down what influences the cost of 3D product rendering, what you can expect at different budget levels, and how to make sure you’re investing in visuals that will actually perform.

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Why 3D Product Rendering Costs What It Does

3D rendering isn't just about clicking a button and exporting a pretty picture. It’s a highly skilled process that combines product design, lighting, materials simulation, and visual storytelling. Every image is built from the ground up - sometimes literally, using dielines, CAD files or even just a sketch.

So when you see vastly different prices, you’re not just paying for the end result. You’re paying for the depth of the process:

• How accurately is your packaging modelled?
• Are materials like foil, gloss, or frosted glass properly simulated?
• Is lighting aligned with your brand’s aesthetic?
• Are renders optimised for eCommerce or campaign use?

The more complex the requirements, the more time, and therefore cost, goes into the project.

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The Hidden Cost of Cheap CGI

Let’s be upfront: yes, you can find 3D rendering services online for a few hundred pounds. But like most things, you get what you pay for.

Cheap CGI often means:

• Inaccurate product proportions
• Generic lighting that doesn’t reflect your brand
• Flat, unrealistic materials
• Limited (or zero) revision rounds
• File formats that aren’t actually eCommerce-ready

We’ve worked with plenty of brands who’ve come to us after trying the Fiverr route,only to realise the renders weren’t usable. In the end, they paid twice.

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What You Can Expect to Pay

At Unearth3D, our projects start from £2,500. That covers full CGI asset creation including 3D modelling, material simulation, lighting setup, and final renders optimised for your channels.

Pricing increases based on:

• Number of SKUs or pack variants
• Animation requirements (e.g. motion, 360° views)
• Number of image outputs needed
• Custom environments or campaign scenes
• Turnaround time (need it yesterday? We’ve been there)

This isn’t just design work. It’s precision-built visual content for eCommerce, marketing and brand storytelling.

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What Goes Into a CGI Quote?

If you’ve requested quotes from different studios or freelancers, you might wonder why one price is double another. Here's what influences a typical quote:

1. 3D Modelling

Are we starting from scratch or working from CAD files? Custom model creation is a significant portion of the cost.

2. Material & Finish Simulation

Foil, gloss, glass, plastic, paperboard - it all takes time to simulate realistically. The more accurate the finish, the higher the quality (and the cost).

3. Render Setup & Output

Studio renders, lifestyle compositions, animation loops, each output type needs its own setup.

4. Revisions & Flexibility

Need rounds of feedback? Faster delivery? Different image crops? Each of these adds scope.

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Upfront Cost, Long-Term Efficiency

Here’s what often gets overlooked: while CGI may come with a higher initial cost than a photoshoot, it delivers exponentially more value in the long run.

Once your base models are built, they can be reused again and again. Want to launch a new flavour, a new label design, or a limited edition? There’s no need to reshoot everything. Just swap the label or adjust the texture, and your render is ready, usually within a couple of hours.

This scalability means massive time and cost savings for marketing teams managing dozens (or hundreds) of SKUs. It’s also a lifesaver when packaging changes late in the process. Instead of rebooking a studio, you just re-render.

It’s not just more efficient. It’s more future-proof.