Turnaround time is our commitment to delivering your final assets within a defined window—depending on the project type, scope, and retouching needs. At Squareshot, we structure turnaround time in two different ways based on how your project is built: per-image or per-hour.
Let’s break down how it works.
Per-Image Projects
Turnaround time for per-image projects covers both the production and post-production stages—from the moment we receive your items and payment to the delivery of your final, retouched images.
In this case, turnaround time is referred to as Image delivery speed.
When It Starts
The countdown begins at 9:00 a.m. on the next business day after both of the following have occurred:
We receive your products and review them against the shot list
We send and receive payment for your invoice
Before turnaround time begins:
We complete a review of your delivery and send your invoice.
After turnaround time begins:
We proceed with production and post-production, and deliver final retouched images within the selected Image delivery speed.
Image Delivery Speed Options
For projects with up to 40 standard images, you can choose from the following options:
Name | Description | Extra cost |
Standard | 8 business days | Included in the price |
Expedited | 6 business days | +25% to the image cost* |
Rush | 4 business days | +50% to the image cost |
*Growth members can upgrade to Expedited at no extra cost when placing their request.
If your project includes more than 40 standard images, turnaround is quoted based on volume. As a general rule, we add +1 business day per 40 additional images, but the final timeline will always be shared in your proposal.
What happens if my project includes a test before full production?
We complete the test using Rush delivery speed (4 business days) at no additional cost. After your approval, we proceed with the full project based on your chosen delivery speed. This process ensures accuracy but extends the total project timeline. Check more information about it in this article.
Do more complex products require more time?
Yes. The standard delivery time applies to standard product types. Items with unique shapes, reflective surfaces, or specific styling needs may require additional time. You can review product complexity categories in this article.
Are revisions included in the turnaround time?
No. Edits requested after the final delivery are handled separately. Here's how long they take:
Retouching edits — 3 business days (up to 40 standard images)
Reshoot edits — Same delivery window as your original project (e.g. 8 business days for Standard)
Does this apply to model shoots?
Not exactly. Per-image delivery speeds don’t apply to model shoots, since these projects include additional steps like scheduling the shoot, client approvals, and selecting images before retouching. Instead, we use Retouching speed as the turnaround time for per-image model projects, starting once we receive your final image selection.
Per-Hour Projects
These projects are billed by studio time and are typically used for model shoots, creative setups, or when on-shoot approval is required. Here, turnaround time covers only the post-production stage, since final image selection happens after the shoot.
In this case, turnaround time is referred to as Retouching speed.
When It Starts
We start counting from 9:00 a.m. on the next business day after we receive your image selection. This usually happens the same day as the shoot, but in some cases, we’ll send you raw files to make your selections after the session.
Before turnaround time begins:
Once the payment is received, we confirm the shoot date. After the production is complete, you choose images for retouching.
After turnaround time begins:
Once we receive your final selections, we begin retouching and deliver images within your selected timeline.
Retouching Speed Options
For projects with up to 40 standard images, you can choose from the following options:
Name | Description | Extra cost |
Standard | 4 business days | Included in the price |
Expedited | 3 business days | +10% to the image cost* |
Rush | 2 business days | +20% to the image cost* |
*Image cost is defined as per-hour project total + any retouching add-ons.
How to Keep Things Moving
Regardless of your project type, here are a few ways to help us move faster:
Be thorough with the brief.
A clear and complete shot list helps us quote your project accurately and avoid back-and-forth during planning. Include styling notes, angles, references, and any product-specific details upfront.
Ship right after signing (if applicable).
Once your proposal is approved, sending your items right away allows us to start processing and stay aligned with the expected timeline. Delays in shipping will delay your project start.
Organize your shipment for easy intake.
Label SKUs clearly, group items by type or use, and double-check quantities. This helps our studio team process and log your items faster, avoiding issues with mismatched product lists.
Pay the invoice promptly.
For all project types, timely payment keeps things moving. It either starts your turnaround time (per-image) or secures your shoot date (per-hour). Delays in payment can push your timeline back or impact scheduling.
Squareshot Holidays
Below is a list of holidays when our studios and support team are closed. These dates are excluded from turnaround time calculations and are not considered part of active production or studio hours.
If your project timeline falls near any of these dates, we recommend factoring in an extra buffer when planning. We typically announce upcoming closures on our social media channels as reminders.
Date | Holiday |
January 1, 2024 | New Year's Day |
January 15, 2024 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
February 19, 2024 | Washington’s Birthday |
May 27, 2024 | Memorial Day |
June 19, 2024 | Juneteenth |
July 4, 2023 | Independence Day |
September 2, 2024 | Labor Day |
October 14, 2024 | Columbus Day |
November 11, 2024 | Veterans’ Day |
November 28, 2024 | Thanksgiving Day |
November 29, 2024 | Day after Thanksgiving |
December 25, 2024 | Christmas Day |
December 30, 2024 | Squareshot's Day Off |
December 31, 2024 | New Year’s Eve |
Still have questions about your project timeline?
Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help.