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Monthly retainer calculator
Turn your hourly rate into a monthly retainer. Set the hours, the discount for commitment, and what happens to unused hours.
Retainer clause
The Client pays a monthly retainer of $1,620.00, invoiced in advance on the first day of each month, which reserves up to 20 hours of the Provider's time that month (an effective rate of $81.00 per hour). Unused hours expire at the end of each month and are not refunded. Work beyond the included hours is billed at $90.00 per hour, only with the Client's prior written approval. This retainer runs for a minimum of 6 months and continues month to month afterwards; either party may end it with 30 days' written notice after the minimum term.
Want the retainer signed and the first month paid at signature? Clinch does both: use the monthly retainer template →
How to price a freelance retainer
A retainer trades a small discount for predictable income. Start from your hourly rate, multiply by the hours you commit each month, and give a modest discount only in exchange for a minimum term. Always bill in advance, state what happens to unused hours, and set a rate for overage, or the retainer slowly turns into unlimited work for a fixed fee.
FAQ
How much should a retainer discount be?
5–15% off your hourly rate, tied to a minimum commitment of 3 to 12 months. No commitment, no discount.
Should unused retainer hours roll over?
Usually no, or for one month at most. You reserved that time and turned down other work for it; unlimited rollover turns a retainer into prepaid hours.
Should a retainer be paid in advance?
Yes. Invoice on the first of the month for that month. Paying in arrears removes most of the reason to have a retainer.
Retainer or project fee: which is better?
Projects suit work with a clear end. Retainers suit ongoing work like maintenance, content, marketing or advisory, where the client needs you available every month.
Put your retainer in writing.
Clinch drafts the retainer agreement with AI, your client signs from their phone, and the first payment is requested the moment they sign.
Draft a retainer with Clinch