TIL I had to choose between a $500 retainer or a per-project rate for a new client

I went with the retainer and it gave me enough stability to finally fix my car last month. Anyone else had a similar choice that worked out unexpectedly well?

3 comments

3 Comments

roberts.leo8d ago

Honestly that sounds like a made up problem to have. Most of us are just trying to get paid at all, not picking between two good options. Tbh getting any kind of retainer is a win, so not sure what the big choice was. Glad it worked out for your car though.

the_terry8d ago

Understand the point, but that's exactly why the choice is real and stressful. When you're barely getting by, picking the wrong option can mean not making rent. The retainer felt safe, but the project rate could have paid more if the work kept coming. It wasn't about two good options, it was about guessing which one was less of a risk when you really need the money. Getting it right was a huge relief.

shanef348d ago

My friend took the project rate and got stuck chasing invoices for three months. The retainer's guaranteed cash flow is a hidden benefit people overlook. It lets you focus on the actual work instead of the money stress.