“We've been working with Storetasker for a really long time. Our expert’s been amazing and has become a real part of the team. Having somebody to go to when a problem pops up is a massive help.” - Founder, Great Wrap

Over the years, we’ve learned retainers are a win-win for Storetasker clients and experts. As well as helping you work long-term with great brands, retainers help you better plan your income. They help you better organize your time and use it more effectively, too.

Why Clients Love Retainers

Typically, when a new lead puts a request in the system, they seem to be asking for something specific. Maybe it’s a bug fix or a new landing page. Generally, it looks like a one-off project. This can trick us into thinking the client just wants this project completed, and then they’ll be on their way. When you’re looking at new leads, remember every client has a roadmap and plan.

So if they already have a roadmap, why have they just put a small ask in the system? Think about it from your client’s perspective. If they’re new to Storetasker, they may not trust us yet. Sharing a single project and putting a small amount of money on the line isn’t a big deal, and it’s an opportunity for them to test us out to see if we can deliver. To see if we’re trustworthy.

While some clients may prefer to work on just one project, typically, most are eager to find an expert they can keep coming back to. For clients, having an expert on retainer is like having an additional team member—someone who can proactively work on their roadmap with guaranteed availability.

Talking About Retainers

From the very first moment you match with a lead, the key is to help them see you are a trusted partner who they are excited to work with long term, and not just a one-time contractor.

Your initial goal is to go above and beyond for your client: anticipate their needs, provide valuable info/advice. Here's the difference between presenting yourself as a one-time contractor vs. a partner:

• One-Time Contractor: does exactly what is asked and no more. Communication is fairly transactional. The project finishes, the customer is happy with the work done, but no real relationship was created. This is short term thinking.
• Partner: quickly treats the client's brand like their own. Goes above and beyond, and tries to build a personal relationship with each client. Partnering is long term thinking.

We recommend jumping on a call up front. As well as being the fastest way to learn more about your client and their request, it builds trust and allow you to make a personal connection with them. A call also allows you to ask about their roadmap. You can easily say "If you're comfortable sharing, I'd love to know how this fits into your roadmap / goals for the quarter." The list of projects they give you here can become the core of the retainer you work on with them.

You can suggest a retainer in this early call, or it may feel more natural after they’ve built more trust with you—during your project with them, or maybe toward the end of it. You can always ask “Let me know if you want to chat about X, Y, Z on you roadmap.” Remember to let your client know about the advantages of putting you on a retainer: