Removing background from multiple product shots

Considering the quantity of images and their expected final display size likely being a thumbnail over a display image, I would look into creating an action similar to:

1) Select subject

2) Select contract: 2 or 3 px

3) Select > modify smooth: 4 or 6 px

4) Enter quickmask mode

5) Filter > noise > median: 20 to 40 px

6) Exit quickmask mode

7) Convert Background to layer

😎 Apply layer mask

9) Image > trim: transparency

10) File > automate > fit image

11) Resize canvas as required

Then batch to new files without overwriting the originals. You can also use Image Processor or Image Processor Pro scripts and possibly move resizing/fit image to the script rather than the action.

Steps and values are subject to taste/result after testing on multiple samples.

Select subject takes time. If you reduce the image size first, select subject can be a bit faster which may help when batching.

Good luck!

There is one more potential issue: A clipped image may not work great when set against all backgrounds, so if it should be unpredictable which backgrounds the customer will use it may be advisable to decontaminate the edges.

Which would add to the time-factor. 

As already suggested, tough stuff to easily automate your task. I ave tested using Automated Select Subject and using Magic Wand but none of options are giving perfect result. You can try to use blendin modes or some other techniques like Apply Image to make things easier for automated options and batch process, oterwise you will need some manual adjustment for perfect result without shadow.

Next time you will know how to shoot for batch bgr removal!

I am afraid the shadow (see screenshot) will make automation (Select > Subject, Magic Wand as per @JJMack ’s advice, …) difficult and all or most of the Masks may need manual amendment. 

Please post sample images. 

Depending on the background it might be possible to automate (or semi-automate) the task. 

You could also check out http://remove.bg which might provide somewhat better results under certain circumstances, but at a cost. 

There are also other professional clipping services, some of which seem pretty cheap.