Pricing guide
Freelance Retainer Pricing Guide
Retainers work best when they protect your time, create predictable revenue, and limit fuzzy scope.
Start with a minimum commitment
A retainer without a minimum hour or deliverable floor usually turns into underpriced on-call work.
Price for availability, not just execution
Clients are paying for priority, continuity, and reduced friction. That should be reflected in the monthly fee.
Define what is included
Specify hours, deliverables, meeting cadence, revision expectations, and response windows in plain language.
Keep overage pricing simple
When work spills beyond the included scope, use a clear additional rate or add-on package instead of making exceptions every month.