Monthly retainer floor = complete recurring effort × sustainable hourly floor + reserved-capacity premium
01
Define the recurring outcome
Describe what the client needs each month and the evidence that the engagement is working.
02
Estimate complete monthly effort
Include delivery, meetings, reporting, coordination, revisions, and administration—not only production time.
03
Price reserved capacity
Multiply realistic effort by your sustainable floor, then adjust for priority access, uncertainty, and capacity you cannot sell elsewhere.
04
Set operating boundaries
State included deliverables or hours, response windows, meeting limits, request channels, rollover rules, and overage pricing.
05
Review with evidence
Compare estimated and actual effort after the first cycle, then revise scope, price, or process before renewing.
Before offering a retainer
Use the rate calculator to establish your floor and compare hourly, fixed-price, and recurring work. Run a short paid project first when monthly demand is still uncertain.