retainers

[heathmont]

gday all -

i am preparing a quote for a company for whom i am going to do some consulting work (on the implementation and integration of some 3rd party software into their site).

its going to be a big project and take 3 months.

just wondering - they have offered me a retained of $x based on y hours per month.

now if i spend more time then set out - do i then charge for hours over and above this? and is it at the rat of $x/y /hr?

similiarly if i go below - do i get less or should a retainer mean that I am guaranteed $x no matter what.

thanks tim.

[mack]

I have always thought of a retainer as a base line. If you work more hours then you can increase the ammount by adding your hourly rate. I dont think the retainer can go beloe the set level though.

A retainer is a term quite often used in sales jobs. The retainer is what they offer you to keep you interested. The comission goes on top of your retainer to create your sallary.

Mack.