1. Hourly Rate Model

This is the simplest approach: you charge clients based on the number of hours spent scanning and/or processing.

• Typical rate: $100–$250/hour (USD), depending on scanner quality and expertise
• Best for: Short jobs, time-based consulting, clients who want transparency
• Tip: Track both field time and post-processing time separately in invoices

2. Per Project Flat Fee

Offer a clear quote based on the scope of the project — useful for construction, heritage, and industrial work.

• Pricing factors: Site size, travel, deliverables, resolution, risk
• Example: $1,200 for a small retail building scan with point cloud + 2D floor plan
• Tip: Always define scope clearly to avoid underquoting

3. Per Square Foot / Square Meter

Used mainly in architectural or real estate scanning, especially when volume is high or jobs are repetitive.

• Typical rate: $0.20–$1.50 per square foot ($2–$15 per square meter)
• Useful for: Residential or commercial floor plans, large warehouse scans
• Watch out: Doesn’t account for complexity — multi-level or congested sites may need premium

4. Value-Based Pricing

For complex or high-impact projects, base your pricing on the value you create — not just hours or square footage.

• Ideal for: Manufacturing inspections, reverse engineering, clash detection
• Example: $8,000 to scan and deliver inspection reports on custom turbine blades
• Tip: Demonstrate ROI and savings to justify premium pricing

5. Retainer or Subscription Packages

Offer ongoing scanning and modeling support for property managers, engineers, or construction firms.

• Structure: Monthly fee for a set number of scans or service hours
• Example: $2,000/month for 3 site visits and as-built documentation
• Bonus: Helps stabilize revenue and build long-term client relationships

Factors That Affect Pricing

• Scanner type: High-resolution metrology systems can command higher fees
• Deliverables: Basic point cloud vs. full BIM model or inspection report
• Travel time and site access: Remote or hazardous environments raise costs
• Client urgency: Rush projects often justify expedited rates
• Post-processing time: Complex alignment and modeling increase labor hours

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all pricing model for 3D scanning services. The best approach often involves a mix — hourly for consulting, flat fees for standard jobs, and value-based pricing for specialized work. The key is to know your costs, define your value, and price confidently.

Need help estimating your costs or building pricing packages? Check out our scanning business toolkit or explore our starter equipment bundles.