What Is a Web Developer Retainer Agreement?
A Web Developer Retainer Agreement is a contractual agreement between a client and a web developer to provide services for building, revamping, or maintaining a website. The agreement may involve a one-time flat fee payment for a single project or a periodic retainer for ongoing services and support.
A web development retainer agreement template can help you create a contract that benefits both the client and the web development service provider.
Typical Services on a Web Development Retainer
- E-commerce site development
- Full-stack front and back-end development
- Custom app development
- Static web service
- PHP, Java, CMS, and Python development
- Security and safety maintenance
- Website platform compatibility
- Website speed and performance
Benefits
While some web development service providers use a standard service agreement, there are many benefits to using a web development retainer contract.
1. Financial Stability
A web development retainer contract provides the web developer financial stability in an industry where work is often inconsistent. Rather than billing for time retroactively, the developer can bill upfront for services to be provided regularly. Financial stability allows them to dedicate time and attention to their prepaid clients.
2. Easy Scheduling
With retainer services, a web developer can allocate a specific time weekly or monthly to their client. An established retainer agreement allows them to predict the time and resources necessary to complete services for each customer according to their needs.
3. Consistent Services
A retainer agreement retains a specific web developer for ongoing services. When the developer is more familiar with the client’s site, they can handle maintenance, security, and development tasks more efficiently.
How To Price a Web Development Retainer
To price a web development retainer, you must understand the client’s expectations to determine the scope of work and the time and effort you will expend.
Client Expectations
Clearly define the scope of services and ensure the client understands what will be included in the agreement, including services provided and hours allocated. It may be wise to include a fee schedule for services outside the scope of the retainer agreement that may be billed separately.
Your web developer retainer agreement should also include terms for replenishing depleted retainers, intellectual property rights guidelines, and contract termination terms.
Fee Calculation
To ensure a retainer covers all associated costs, calculate your hourly rate and multiply it by the number of hours you will spend on the project for that period, whether it is a one-time fee or a periodic retainer for ongoing services. Be sure to include taxes and any related expenses you will incur to complete the services outlined in the contract.
Web Development Retainer Agreement Sample
Simplify your web development contracting process by downloading our web developer retainer agreement template in PDF or Word format:
