Retainer Pricing Calculator
Calculates optimal monthly retainer fee based on estimated hours, hourly rate, and overhead margin
Expected number of hours you will work each month
Your standard hourly billing rate
Additional margin to cover admin, communication, and scope buffer
Recommended monthly retainer price
Your effective hourly rate including the overhead margin
Total annual revenue from this retainer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a retainer agreement?
A retainer is a recurring monthly fee where a client pre-pays for a set amount of your time or services. It provides predictable income for you and guaranteed availability for the client. Unused hours may or may not roll over depending on your terms.
How do I price a retainer?
Multiply your estimated monthly hours by your hourly rate, then add an overhead margin (10-25%) to cover admin time, communication, and priority access. Some consultants offer a small retainer discount (5-10%) compared to ad-hoc hourly billing.
Should I offer a retainer discount?
A small discount (5-10%) can be justified because retainers provide guaranteed income and reduce your sales and invoicing overhead. However, do not discount heavily, as clients are also getting priority access and guaranteed availability.
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