[consulting] Retainer Plans

[Josh McCormack]

On Wed, 2008-09-17 at 09:43 -0400, Sam Cohen wrote:
> Josh -- and anyone else,
> 
> Can you share how you structured your retainer program?
> 
> My biggest stuggle now is finding time for all my smaller clients who
> want changes to their sites -- I'm finding it really hard to fit them
> in.  I'm at the point where I have far more work than I can do and
> let's face it, the big clients need to come first.
> 
> So, I've been thinking of offering smaller clients some type of
> retainer program, where they buy so many hours a month.  This could
> also give me the steady income to potentially take on an employee or
> regular freelance.
> 
> But I'm unclear how such a plan might work.  for instance, if they
> don't have any changes, do they pay anyway?  Do hours rollover?  Do
> you schedule a fixed time when you're available for them. 
> 
> Thanks,
> Sam

We post our pricing information and policies on retainer agreements
here: http://interactiveqa.com/development_services
I prefer to get everything out in the open. No debating price or any of
that. To much new biz to wade through to make that worth it.

Many people use retainer agreements where time is for a specific time
period and that's it, and overages are charged at another rate.
Particularly if you have a set quantity of resources that might be a
good option. 

I want retainer agreements to be very attractive to clients, and in some
senses I think a retainer with us is better than the hiring an employee.
- 
Josh McCormack
Owner, InteractiveQA
Social Network Development & QA testing
http://www.interactiveqa.com
917.620.4902