Retainer

A retainer is an ongoing arrangement rather than a one-off project. The client usually pays a fixed amount each month, and in return the supplier reserves a set number of hours or provides an agreed level of service.

Retainers vary. Some cover a fixed number of hours, and any extra time is billed separately. Others cover a defined service, such as monthly maintenance or advice on request. A retainer agreement commonly says whether unused hours roll over, how much notice either side gives to end it, and how fees are reviewed.

The word is also used for an upfront payment held against future work. In that case the contract usually explains how the money is applied to invoices and whether any balance is refunded.