Agency Retainer Agreement Template
A free, editable Word document built for marketing, creative, and service agencies — not a generic all-purpose template.
A retainer agreement is what turns a one-off project into a predictable, recurring relationship — but only if the scope, payment terms, and revision limits are written down clearly. Most agency disputes come from things that were assumed rather than agreed.
This template covers the sections that matter most for a monthly retainer: scope of services, retainer fee and payment terms, revision rounds included, ownership of finished work, and a 30-day termination clause so neither side is locked in indefinitely.
This template is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or HR advice. Have it reviewed by a qualified professional before using it with a real client or employee.
Free, editable, ready to fill in. Enter your email and it'll start downloading right away.
Once this is in place, startbuddi for agencies handles the client, invoicing, and follow-ups that come after — automatically.
See startbuddi for agenciesQuestions about this template
Do I need a lawyer to use this?
This template covers the standard sections most agency retainers include, but it's not a substitute for legal advice. Have it reviewed by a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction before using it with a real client, especially for larger retainers.
Can I use this for a one-off project instead of a retainer?
This template is built specifically for recurring monthly work. For a single project with a defined end date, a project-based consulting agreement (also free on this site) is a better fit.
How many revision rounds should I include?
There's no universal answer, but 1-2 rounds per deliverable is common for retainers. Whatever you choose, put a number in writing — open-ended revisions are one of the most common sources of scope creep.
Run the whole client relationship in one place
Free to start. No card needed. Your full workspace is ready in five minutes.