Had to choose between a big retainer client or a bunch of smaller project ones

Honestly, this choice came up about two months ago. A marketing agency in Austin offered me a $5k monthly retainer to handle all their overflow web design work. At the same time, I had four smaller agencies lined up for one-off projects that would bring in about $7k total over the next quarter. I picked the retainer. It was scary to turn down the quick cash, but the steady work has been a game changer. I can finally plan my month and stop chasing invoices every week. My stress level is way down. Has anyone else made a call like this and how did it work out for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

grant.sam8d ago

Used to chase projects, but steady money is way better.

william_jackson658d ago

You said you turned down the "quick cash," but that's not quite right. The projects were spread over a quarter, so you'd still be waiting on that money. The retainer just gets you paid faster and more predictably for the same work.

felixramirez8d ago

Actually, the quick cash was from a different one-off project that wanted to pay on completion. The retainer replaced the scattered project work you're talking about. So it was a choice between two different payment setups.