Billing & Studio Credits FAQ
Answers to common questions about pay-as-you-go credit packs, non-expiring balances, automatic failure refunds, and tax receipts.
Simple Pay-As-You-Go Studio Pricing
BestShots operates on a transparent, pay-as-you-go credit model designed specifically for the seasonal workflow of professional photographers. You only pay for the frames you submit for AI evaluation, with no recurring monthly subscriptions or hidden platform fees.
How Credits Work
1 Credit = 1 Photo Analyzed
Each credit covers complete AI evaluation for one photograph:
- Eyelash-level sharpness and iris focus verification
- Subject face recognition and person grouping
- Micro-expression and smile evaluation
- Burst sequence clustering and standout Hero selection
Uploading photos, viewing high-resolution previews, manual keyboard culling, filtering, and exporting XMP companion sidecars are always 100% free. Credits are only deducted when you explicitly choose to run AI analysis.
Free Welcome Credits
Every new BestShots account includes 100 free credits upon email verification. No credit card is required. You can test the platform on a complete shoot sequence before deciding to purchase a credit top-up pack.
Pricing Tiers & Credit Packs
Credit packs are one-time purchases that provide immediate access to analysis credits:
| Pack Tier | Included Credits | Best Suited For | Cost per Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 500 Credits | Portrait shoots, family mini-sessions, engagement sets | $0.040 |
| Pro | 2,000 Credits | Full weddings, corporate galas, multi-day sports events | $0.025 |
| Studio | 5,000 Credits | High-volume studios, commercial shoots, busy wedding teams | $0.018 |
Purchased credits deposit instantly into your account balance and are visible in your workspace header and Credits Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do purchased credits expire?
No. Credits never expire. Photographers frequently experience busy summer seasons and quieter winter months. Any unused credits remain permanently in your studio account until you need them.
Is there a recurring monthly subscription?
No. There are no monthly commitments, maintenance charges, or annual contracts. Buy credits when shooting volume demands it, and let them sit safely untouched when you are off the clock.
What happens if an analysis fails or is cancelled?
If an analysis job encounters an unrecoverable processing error (such as a corrupted RAW file), or if you cancel a queued batch before analysis begins, the exact number of deducted credits is automatically and instantly returned to your balance.
How are payments processed?
All credit pack transactions are processed securely via Stripe. BestShots never receives, handles, or stores raw payment card numbers. All checkouts take place over encrypted connections directly with Stripe.
Where can I find VAT or GST tax invoices and receipts?
Every purchase automatically sends an itemized receipt to your account email address. You can also view purchase history, add your business name and tax registration number (VAT, GST, ABN, or EIN), and download PDF tax invoices at any time via Credits Settings.
Can I share credits across multiple team members?
Credit balances currently attach to individual registered user accounts. Shared studio pools and associate photographer seats are planned for future studio releases.
What is the refund policy?
If you are unsatisfied with your first credit pack purchase, contact our team within 14 days of purchase at support@bestshots.ai or through our Customer Support Portal. Unused credits are eligible for a full refund.
Credit Lifecycle & Zero-Cost Ingestion
Learn how BestShots analysis credits work, enjoy zero-cost project ingestion, and rely on automatic refunds if any processing job fails.
Studio Invoices, Receipts & Tax Details
Manage payment methods, purchase pay-as-you-go credit packs, customize business tax IDs, and download official PDF receipts for your accountant.