Retainer calculator

Multiply the hours of work you'll do each month by your hourly rate. Add the time around the work (calls, reviews, reporting), usually 10 to 20%. Take off any discount for a longer commitment, then round to a clean number.

Start from the work the client actually needs each month, not a round number. Look at the last few months of requests, add the time for calls and reviews, and agree on the hours in writing.

Yes. Calls, status updates, reviews and reporting take real hours every month. If they aren't priced in, they come out of your margin.

Many agencies take 5 to 10% off in return for a 6 or 12-month commitment, because steady work is easier to plan and staff. Keep the discount tied to the commitment, not the client asking.

It depends on the contract. Common options are that unused hours expire each month, roll over for one month only, or roll over up to a cap. Whatever you choose, write it down before the work starts.

Hourly billing charges for the hours worked. A retainer charges a fixed amount each month for an agreed amount of work, which gives both sides a predictable number and lets you plan your team's time.

Write down what's included, keep every request in one place, and check the hours each month. Dora helps with the client side: every request becomes a brief, so you can see what was asked for and what's been approved.