Clinch

Consulting

Consulting Retainer Agreement Template

Consulting retainers run on trust, but trust works better with a written scope. This template defines what advisory services are included in the monthly fee, how renewal and cancellation work, and keeps everything shared during the engagement confidential — without the rigid deliverables language of a project-based contract, since ongoing advice doesn't fit neatly into milestones. A clean fit for independent consultants billing a fixed monthly retainer.

Use this template — free →

Consulting Retainer Agreement Template

Between
Jane Rivera (Rivera Studio)
And
Alex Chen (Acme Bakery)
Total fee
$2,400.00
Deposit
$720.00
Delivery deadline
October 11, 2026

Scope of Advisory Services

The Sender will provide consulting services to the Client covering: a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, delivered via scheduled calls, written recommendations, and ad hoc advice within the hours included below.

Retainer Fee & Hours Included

The monthly retainer fee is $2,400.00, due in advance on the first of each month, and includes the scope described above. Work requested beyond this scope will be quoted separately before it begins.

Confidentiality

Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public business, technical, or financial information shared during this engagement, and to use it only for the purpose of completing the work described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration.

This obligation survives the completion or termination of this agreement and continues for 2 years afterward.

Independent Contractor Relationship

The Sender is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Sender is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, and is free to accept other engagements during the term of this agreement, provided they do not conflict with the confidentiality obligations above.

Term & Renewal

This agreement begins on the date of signing and renews automatically each month until either party gives 30 days' written notice to cancel. Fees already paid for the current month are non-refundable.

Limitation of Liability

The Sender's total liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client. Neither party is liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from this engagement.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

This document represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration and supersedes any prior discussions or proposals. Any changes must be made in writing and agreed to by both parties.

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to the terms above.

FAQ

Is this Consulting Retainer Agreement legally binding?

Yes. Signatures collected through Clinch are Simple Electronic Signatures, valid for standard business contracts under the US ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation. See our legality page for the full picture.

Can I customize this template?

Every section is editable before you send it — add, remove, or rewrite clauses, and fill in your own fees, deadline, and party details. Nothing is locked until you send it for signature.

How do I send it for signing?

Click "Use this template," edit the details, and send it — your client signs from their phone in about 30 seconds, no account required on their end.

Is it really free?

Yes — every Clinch account can send contracts for free (see /pricing for the exact monthly limit). No credit card required to start.

Browse all Clinch templates →