How is this different from a Services Agreement?

A Services Agreement covers ongoing B2B services generally. This template is specifically built for retainer billing — included hours, an overage rate, and a recurring invoicing schedule that a generic services agreement doesn't handle.

Can I offer unlimited hours instead of a cap?

Yes — the template supports both a capped-hours retainer with an overage rate, or an uncapped retainer covering general availability.

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Consulting / Retainer Agreement

Consulting Agreement Template — Monthly Retainer, Not a One-Off Project

For ongoing consulting work billed as a recurring monthly retainer — included hours, overage billing, and clear renewal terms.

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~4 min · 15 short questions · AI-generated documents are not legal advice.

What Is a Retainer Agreement?

A retainer agreement is a contract where a client pays a consultant a recurring monthly fee to secure ongoing access to their services — different from a project-based contract that ends after one deliverable. It typically defines how many hours (if any) are included in the retainer, the rate for work beyond that, invoicing schedule, and renewal terms.

When to Use This Template

You bill clients a recurring monthly fee rather than per-project
You want to cap included hours and bill separately for overage
Setting clear renewal and termination-notice terms for an ongoing engagement
You need the client's responsibilities spelled out so delays aren't on you

What's Included

Scope of consulting services
Retainer fee & included hours
Overage billing
Invoicing & payment terms
Term & renewal
Termination notice
Client responsibilities
Independent contractor status

Glossary

Retainer: A recurring fee a client pays to secure ongoing access to a consultant's time, distinct from paying per-project — the consultant is being paid for availability, not just deliverables.
Overage Rate: The hourly rate charged for work beyond the hours already included in the monthly retainer.
Invoicing in Advance vs. Arrears: In advance means billed at the start of the period covered; in arrears means billed after the work is done. Retainers are commonly billed in advance since they cover availability, not completed deliverables.
Auto-Renewal: A clause where the agreement automatically continues (often month-to-month) at the end of its initial term unless someone actively cancels it.
Client Responsibilities Clause: States what the client needs to provide (access, information, timely feedback) for the consultant to do the work — protects the consultant from being blamed for delays the client actually caused.

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Frequently asked questions

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Independent Contractor Agreement Service Agreement Payment Demand Letter