Client retainers are billed as the holy grail for creative agencies. New business can be unpredictable and often introduces a feast or famine cycle to both work volumes and cashflow through the agency. Retainers are a great way to bring stability-they help with a regular stream of income and build strong relationships with your clients. Or at least that's how retainers should work. The reality is that retainers are disruptive, increase your responsibilities to your clients and require you to think more about your offering for them.