How do retainer hours and rollover work?

Retainer hours expire monthly while you are always on call? Add rollover, a minimum monthly fee and overage rates. Copy-paste clause.

The risky clause

Monthly retainer hours not used expire at month end. All requests outside the allocation are handled without charge.

Why it is dangerous

Expiring hours reward the client's delays, while free overflow work erases your margin. A fair retainer allows rollover for a short period, bills overage at a set rate and guarantees the minimum fee. This is general information, not legal advice.

Safer clause to propose

Unused retainer hours roll over for 1 month. Hours beyond the allocation are billed at [RATE]. The monthly minimum fee is payable regardless of use.

Message to send

Hi [Agency],

Could unused retainer hours roll over for a month and extra hours be billed at [RATE]? Thanks, [Your Name]

Frequently asked questions

Should retainer hours expire?

Many agencies allow one month rollover. Define it clearly.

How are overage hours charged?

At a rate stated in the contract.

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