Updated April 13, 2022
A freelance retainer agreement is a contract that can be used by any professional independent contractor seeking to provide services to a client. In the document, the contractor is guaranteed work for a specific rate and amount of time by the client. The client may also agree to immediately pay them a retainer fee as an advance (which may be refundable). Freelance work can often be inconsistent and unreliable as a source of income. By obtaining a guarantee of work through a retainer agreement, the contractor gains a reliable source of income and the ability to create a clear work schedule for themselves.