The money words
Retainer
A fixed monthly fee for ongoing work.
What is Retainer?
A retainer is a fixed monthly fee paid to an agency for ongoing work, typically marketing or website upkeep. The word carries the industry’s worst habits: long lock-ins, vague deliverables, and the "we are working on it in the background" report.
What it means for a small service business
Ask three questions of any retainer: what exactly is done each month, what can I see that proves it, and how do I leave. If any answer is hazy, that is the answer.
Does your business need to do anything about Retainer?
Only with the three questions answered in writing. Sydex calls its version a care plan and publishes the answers.
See also
Act on it
The tools and guides that deal with Retainer on this website, then the free review if you want it looked at properly.
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