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Retainer structure input please

by j77
2 replies
I'm a native US-born English copywriter -- 18 years of professional experience with global brands.

I'm currently residing in the Nordics (Northern Europe). I was recently approached by a top creative agency here and was asked to provide them with a few different retainer options.

Considering the cost of living is on the higher side, I'm looking for feedback on this simplistic set of retainer options I was considering sending to the agency and proposing a 3 or 6 month retainer (obviously I'd prefer 6). I'm open to other suggestions. Thanks in advance.

3 days per week commitment (up to 22.5 hours) @ EUR 80/ hour EUR 1,800

2 days per week commitment (up to 15 hours) @ EUR 88 / hour EUR 1320

1 day per week commitment (up to 7.5 hours) @ EUR 96 / hour EUR 720
#copywrit #input #retainer #structure
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
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    What's the agency workload like?
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    Hi
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  • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
    Originally Posted by j77 View Post

    I'm a native US-born English copywriter -- 18 years of professional experience with global brands.

    I'm currently residing in the Nordics (Northern Europe). I was recently approached by a top creative agency here and was asked to provide them with a few different retainer options.

    Considering the cost of living is on the higher side, I'm looking for feedback on this simplistic set of retainer options I was considering sending to the agency and proposing a 3 or 6 month retainer (obviously I'd prefer 6). I'm open to other suggestions. Thanks in advance.

    3 days per week commitment (up to 22.5 hours) @ EUR 80/ hour EUR 1,800

    2 days per week commitment (up to 15 hours) @ EUR 88 / hour EUR 1320

    1 day per week commitment (up to 7.5 hours) @ EUR 96 / hour EUR 720
    Do they have specific projects, products or campaigns for you to work on? Will you be involved in development, concept or will it be working with established brands?

    Guard your hours carefully, but most importantly is to have an idea of what is expected from you, unless you submitted a proposal.

    I doubt any of us can be of much help, since we don't know the circumstances. I will share one of my last retainer rates with you and it may or may not offer a little help?

    I did a 90 day renewable contract, offering 10 hours a week for 6k a month.The contract was extended twice (9 months). It was with SCI (Suarez Corporation Industries) and was specific to a project in development. If you calculate that out, it was about 150 an hour. Which isn't that far off from what you are suggesting.

    But, I'm usually in the 250 an hour range, for shorter term projects...getting a longer term deal was reason enough for me to go to a lower figure, although an HOURLY rate was never discussed in the contract, just the MONTHLY retainer, and my hours per week commitment.

    You have a lot of flexibility, it depends on what you want, and then, how much they want you. Good luck, just be careful with the "oh this just popped up and needs to be taken care of ASAP", which always plagues bigger companies. Learn to say NO, but do so in a way they still renew your contract.

    Good luck.

    GordonJ
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