Retainer Agreement Template
A professional retainer agreement template for ongoing client engagements. Covers scope of services, payment terms, deliverables, and termination clauses — so both parties know exactly what to expect.
Parties & Scope of Services
Define who is involved and what services are covered
This Retainer Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [Date] between:
Service Provider: [Your Company Name], located at [Address]
Client: [Client Company Name], located at [Address]
The Provider agrees to perform the following services on an ongoing monthly basis:
1. [Service 1, e.g., "Monthly content strategy and 8 blog posts"]
2. [Service 2, e.g., "Social media management across 3 platforms"]
3. [Service 3, e.g., "Weekly performance reporting and analytics"]
Payment Terms & Retainer Fee
Specify the retainer amount, billing cycle, and payment terms
Monthly Retainer Fee: $[Amount] per month
Included Hours: [Number] hours per month
Overage Rate: Additional hours billed at $[Rate]/hour
Billing Cycle: Invoices issued on the [1st/15th] of each month, payable within [14/30] days
Rollover Policy: Unused hours [do / do not] roll over to the following month, up to a maximum of [Number] hours
Term & Termination
Define the contract duration and how either party can end the agreement
Initial Term: This Agreement begins on [Start Date] and continues for [3/6/12] months
Auto-Renewal: The Agreement will automatically renew for successive [1/3]-month periods unless either party provides [30] days written notice
Early Termination: Either party may terminate with [30/60] days written notice. Client shall pay for all services rendered through the termination date
For Cause: Either party may terminate immediately if the other party materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure within [15] days of written notice
How to Use This Template
Define services clearly
List every deliverable and service included in the retainer. Vague scope leads to disputes. Be specific about what is and is not included.
Set fair payment terms
Calculate your retainer based on estimated hours plus a buffer. Include overage rates and specify when invoices are due.
Add protective clauses
Include termination, confidentiality, and IP ownership clauses. Both parties need an exit ramp if the relationship is not working.
Review with legal counsel
Have both parties review the agreement. A signed retainer protects you legally and sets professional expectations from day one.
Customize in Dewx
Inside Dewx, tell Dew: "Draft a retainer agreement for [Client Name] covering [services] at $[amount]/month." Dew generates a complete retainer contract, tracks hours against the budget, sends automated invoices each billing cycle, and alerts you before renewal dates so nothing slips through the cracks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should a retainer agreement include?
A retainer agreement should include the scope of services, retainer fee amount, payment schedule, deliverables, reporting cadence, termination clauses, rollover policies for unused hours, and intellectual property rights. Clear scope prevents scope creep and billing disputes.
How do I set the right retainer fee?
Calculate your retainer fee by estimating the average monthly hours needed, multiplying by your hourly rate, and adding a 10-15% buffer for ad-hoc requests. Consider offering a slight discount versus hourly billing to incentivize the client to commit to a retainer.
Should unused retainer hours roll over?
It depends on your business model. Some providers allow rollover for 30 days, others use a use-it-or-lose-it policy. Rolling over hours builds goodwill but can create liability. Whatever you choose, state it clearly in the agreement.
How does Dewx help manage retainer clients?
Dewx OPS Hub tracks retainer hours, generates invoices automatically, and alerts you when a client is approaching their monthly limit. Dew can draft retainer agreements, send renewal reminders, and produce monthly utilization reports for each client.
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