When drafting a retainer contract for a new client how long does it typically say? A year, 6 months? I would to see your feedback. Thanks!

My contract is for an ongoing month-to-month agreement. Either Client or myself may cancel at any time for any reason with a 30-day written notice.

My contract states the terms of the contract are good for one year, but either party can cancel at any time.

Thanks Ladies! Both are really good ideas. Not sure which one I would go with though. I'm going to have to give it some thought.

Mine is the same as Sue's....month to month with the right not to renew with 30 days written notice.

I offer a special rate for a client if he/she accepts a long-term contract with me. The longer the contract the bigger the savings. Standard though, my retainers are month to month.

I'm using month-to-month as well.

Sharon

I see that month to month is the more popular way of doing it.

Since we are on the "retainer topic", I have a question for all of you. How do you get a client to agree to paying a retainer or even paying a portion of the agreement? In my first years, I struggled with this and found that some potential clients were offended that I made such a request. Now I leave it as an option and tell them what I prefer.

Any thoughts?

What I did after I found out the work my client needed done and what his monthly budget was (this was a great way to discuss a retainer). Ask you client how much they have budgeted for a VA?? My client said they had $xx.xx in the budget. I let him know that since this was going to be an on going working relationship I did required a retainer of $XX.XX (the same amount he said was in his buget). I explained that if by chance he needed work that went over this amount I would let him know a head of time. At the end of the month I provide a detailed invoice to my client and deduct the amount he owes from the retainer and then he provides the additional funds to bring the retainer back to $xx.xx. I hope that isn't to confusing.

I think the biggest thing is to ask as if you already know your client will pay it. Over the years I have learned by assuming you will get what you are asking for human nature just follows. If they by chance don't explain you require this for the first 6 months while you are establishing a business relationship. Personally, if this is your policy I would stand by it...

Good Luck