Your retouching service lives or dies on clear expectations—and the fastest way to lose clients is to argue over revision counts and turnaround times mid-project. A solid SLA (Service Level Agreement) protects both your business and your clients, prevents scope creep, and keeps cash flowing predictably.
Why Retouching Needs Written Agreements
Retouching is subjective work. One client's "skin smoothing" means airbrushing; another's means subtle blemish removal. Without a written agreement, you end up in email chains about whether a background blur counts as a revision, or if color grading was included in the package price.
An SLA also sets you apart from freelancers who disappear or miss deadlines. Serious clients—agencies, e-commerce brands, studios—expect documented turnaround times and revision policies. They'll choose you over a cheaper competitor if your terms are transparent and professional.
Core SLA Components for Retouching Services
Turnaround time is non-negotiable. Standard ranges for retouching typically fall between 2–5 business days depending on complexity:
- Basic retouching (minor blemishes, color correction): 2–3 days
- Standard retouching (skin smoothing, object removal, color grading): 3–5 days
- Complex retouching (extensive compositing, hair/fabric work): 5–10 days or quote per project
State exactly what "delivery" means: raw files only, compressed JPEGs, or both? Does it include backup formats (TIFF, PSD with layers)? Spelling this out prevents the "I expected layered files" conversation after invoicing.
Revision limits keep scope creep at bay. Most retouching businesses offer 1–3 revisions per package:
- 1 revision: budget/entry-level packages ($50–$150 per image)
- 2 revisions: mid-tier ($150–$400 per image)
- 3+ revisions: premium or retainer clients ($400+)
Define what counts as a revision. A revision is a change to the edit direction (e.g., "make skin less glossy"). Asking to process a different image or recoloring an entire section typically costs extra. Be explicit: "Up to 2 rounds of minor adjustments. Major direction changes billed at $X per hour."
Payment terms should specify when you invoice and when you start work:
- 50% upfront to reserve your time slot
- 50% on delivery, or NET-15 if you work with regular clients
- Rush fees (20–50% premium) for <48-hour turnarounds
- Rush work paused if payment isn't received within 24 hours
Communication & Delivery Protocols
Set response-time expectations in your SLA. Most retouchers commit to:
- Revisions responded to within 24–48 business hours
- Client communications checked once daily (not instant Slack responses)
- Final files delivered within 48 hours of revision approval
Use a single communication channel: email, Asana, or a branded portal. Don't ping clients across Slack, WhatsApp, and email—it creates chaos and missed deadlines.
Create a simple revision request template clients must use. Something like:
> "Which specific areas need adjustment? (e.g., 'Soften skin on face, deepen shadow under chin')"
Vague requests like "make it better" waste time and frustrate both parties.
Red Flags to Protect Against
Scope creep often enters through "free work." If a client asks, "Can you also whiten the teeth?" after 2 revisions, that's revision #3. Charge for it or document it as out-of-scope.
Scope inflation happens when clients blur the line between retouching and redesign. If they ask you to recompose the shot, add new elements, or heavily stylize the image beyond the original brief, it's a different service. Lock down the original scope in writing before work begins.
Unrealistic timelines kill your margins. Never commit to "same-day turnaround" unless you're charging 2–3x your standard rate. You'll burn out and deliver poor work.
Getting Found & Scaling Your SLA Practice
Listing your retouching services on Mercoly helps you attract clients who actively search for contractors with transparent terms—they see your SLA upfront, know your revision policy, and self-select into your ideal customer profile.
Document your SLA in a one-page PDF you send with every proposal. It signals professionalism, reduces pre-project friction, and gives you legal ground to enforce boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I charge extra if a client provides poorly lit source images? Standard retouching SLAs assume usable source material. If images are severely underexposed or low-resolution, assess the work required and quote separately or add a surcharge (typically $20–$50 per image).
Q: What happens if a client doesn't approve revisions before my deadline? Your SLA should state that files are delivered on the agreed date regardless of revision approval status. If they need changes after final delivery, they're billed as new revisions or new projects.
Q: Can I include "unlimited revisions" in a premium package? Yes, but cap it: "Unlimited revisions for 7 days after delivery; after that, revisions are $50/hour." This prevents clients from treating you as their permanent free editor.
Start with a lean, one-page SLA and refine it as you work with more clients.