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How to invoice retainer work without confusing the client

Retainer invoices are easiest to approve when the client can see what was included, how much was used, and where any extra work came from.

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Flat retainers vs hourly retainers

A flat retainer usually covers an agreed monthly fee for availability or recurring work. A capped-hours retainer includes a set number of hours, with overages billed separately.

What a clear retainer invoice should show

  • The retainer period
  • Included hours or scope
  • Hours used during the period
  • Any overage hours and why they happened
  • A short monthly work summary

Sample line items

  • May retainer — 10 included support hours
  • Hours used this period — 8.5h
  • Overage work — checkout support and launch QA — 2.0h

Keep exploring

Retainer billing feature pageFor small agenciesStart free

Create your first proof-backed invoice

Start with one client, one project, and one clearer invoice.

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