Ranger - 7:45 pm on May 16, 2002 (gmt 0)

I apologize in advance for the length of all this.

Q 1.) I'm wondering how common is a monthly retainer for web site maintenance? Do you insist on a minimum # of hours per month that the client pays you to be available?

(Believe it or not, we haven't insisted on any retainer up 'til now. Now that I know more about business, I don't think its good business sense for us to do so. I still have phone bills, office space, etc. to pay for. So far its been working out for us, but it may not forever... )

Q 2) If you do receive a retainer of any amount, is it

a) "$XXX amount just to be available + hourly rate on top"

b) $XXX a month that gives you up to X hours to start, and more available if necessary.

c) $XXX amount, flat-rate estimate, no upper cap on the hours?