* A retainer block is a fixed price for up to a certain number of hours per week, usually 10 hours and clients can buy multiple blocks. There are four blocks in total (all sold currently)
* The client pays this amount regardless of how much time is worked
* The advantage for the client is they have this time available to them and them alone - no one else will take it since it is already sold
* The limit of hours per week naturally focuses my time where I’m going to be most effective; more impact in less overall time
I must say as an hourly based freelancer (software engineering) for the last six years, I don't like this. One of the biggest perks is the flexibility to take time off whenever I want. If I don't work a full day in order to spend time with my kids outside because the weather is nice, then I do. If I want a day off, then I take it. As long as my projects are making progress or I give advance notice of long vacations, then my clients stay happy.
That said, I'm not fixed on the billable hour which is why this article and comments are so interesting. So, I do thank you for sharing your method.
Pretty frequently as I’m quite leaned in with clients. Some weeks are quieter than others, but I keep my time open enough that I can jump in on things with relatively short notice.
* The client pays this amount regardless of how much time is worked
* The advantage for the client is they have this time available to them and them alone - no one else will take it since it is already sold
* The limit of hours per week naturally focuses my time where I’m going to be most effective; more impact in less overall time