Invoicing glossary
Retainer
A retainer is an ongoing fee a client pays — usually monthly — to reserve a set amount of work or availability.
Retainer: a clear definition
Retainers give freelancers and agencies predictable, recurring income. You invoice the same amount each period, often in advance, and either deliver a fixed scope or a block of hours. Referencing the period (e.g. “June retainer”) keeps things clear. In some professions, such as law, “retainer” can also mean an advance payment held on account and drawn down as work is billed.
Retainer in Invco
Yes, as a regular invoice with a line such as “June retainer”. Invco doesn't send recurring invoices automatically, so you create each period's invoice yourself, and you can schedule its email to go out later.
Invco is invoicing software for people who run more than one company. Design your own invoice template or upload your existing invoice PDF, and Invco calculates subtotals, tax and totals, numbers each invoice sequentially and emails it as a branded PDF from your own address. Plans from $10/month.
Frequently asked questions
What is retainer?
A retainer is an ongoing fee a client pays — usually monthly — to reserve a set amount of work or availability.
Can I bill a retainer with Invco?
Yes, as a regular invoice with a line such as “June retainer”. Invco doesn't send recurring invoices automatically, so you create each period's invoice yourself, and you can schedule its email to go out later.
What is recurring invoice?
A recurring invoice is an invoice sent automatically on a repeating schedule for ongoing or subscription work.
Invoice the easy way with Invco
Design your invoice template, send branded PDFs from your own email address, and see what's paid and overdue for every company. Plans from $10/month, with a full refund within 7 days.
Get started