Hourly, package, project or retainer: which should you offer?
Decide by the result you sell. An hour suits one good conversation. A package suits a change that takes several sessions. A project suits a thing with an end, priced as a whole. A retainer suits a client who wants you on hand every month. Most practices need two of the four.
| Shape | Suits | The client pays for | A setup starts with |
|---|---|---|---|
| An hour | One question, one conversation | Your time | $180 a session |
| A package | A change that takes several sessions | Commitment, at a little less each | Six sessions, used within four months |
| A project | A thing with an end: a brand, a report, a website | The result | $5,000, half up front |
| A retainer | Ongoing help, every month | You, on hand | $480 a month for two sessions and notes |
Ask what the client is buying
If they’d be happy to stop after one meeting, it’s an hour. If the change needs repetition, it’s a package. If they’d describe it as a thing, it’s a project. If they’d miss you in a month without one, it’s a retainer.
Should I offer this? asks three questions about one offer and names its shape.
Checked 2026-10-11.