Why I Offer Prepaid Retainers (and Not Packages)
If you’ve ever worked with a service provider who boxed you into a package, you already know the frustration: halfway through the project, your priorities shift — but your contract doesn’t.
As an Executive Virtual Assistant and Online Business Manager, I structure my pricing around prepaid retainers instead of rigid packages. It’s a model designed for how real businesses operate — dynamic, unpredictable, and always evolving.
Here’s why this approach gives my clients more flexibility, clarity, and control.
Flexibility Over Formulas
Traditional packages sound nice on paper — a neat list of deliverables for a set price — but they don’t leave room for life (or business) to happen.
What if you need a launch prepped this week but admin help next week? Or maybe your priorities pivot after a team meeting? With packages, that’s “scope creep.” With retainers, it’s just a normal Tuesday.
My retainers are based on time, not tasks. You decide where the hours go — strategy, systems, social media, client management, or a mix of all. This means we can adapt as your business evolves, without constant renegotiation or surprise add-ons.
Think of it as hiring steady support, not buying a one-time service.
Time-Based Billing That Reflects Real Work
Not all tasks are created equal — and they shouldn’t be billed as if they are.
A 15-minute inbox cleanup doesn’t weigh the same as a 4-hour systems audit.
That’s why I bill in time increments instead of flat rates:
Simpler admin work: tracked in 15- to 30-minute blocks
Strategic or technical work: tracked in longer sessions (3–4 hours)
You only pay for the time it takes — nothing more, nothing less. It’s fair, transparent, and efficient.
A Seamless, Stress-Free Onboarding
Once you’ve accepted your proposal and signed the contract, you’ll receive your invoice. After payment, I’ll send a detailed onboarding email with a link to book your onboarding call.
That first call is bonus time — it doesn’t count against your retainer.
We’ll review your goals, systems, and priorities so we can hit the ground running. You’ll leave with clarity, not confusion.
Retainer Structure: Simple, Scalable, Sustainable
All new clients start with a 10-hour retainer, spread across the month for steady progress. It’s the perfect size for getting traction without overwhelm.
Need more support? Some clients use 3–4 retainers per month for ongoing, higher-touch work. Others stick with one retainer for maintenance and strategy.
The beauty is in the flexibility — we scale your hours as your business grows.
Radical Transparency in Every Hour
You’ll never have to guess where your time goes. Each client receives a live, shared time-tracking sheet — updated in real-time — so you can see exactly what’s being worked on, when, and how long it takes.
From 15-minute follow-ups to full project builds, you’ll always know where your investment is going.
Transparency builds trust — and trust is the foundation of every long-term client relationship I build.
The Bottom Line
Prepaid retainers give you flexibility, transparency, and peace of mind. They let me adapt to your changing priorities without locking you into a one-size-fits-none package.
You stay in control of your budget. I stay focused on results.
Together, we keep your business moving — without the rigidity or red tape.
Ready to Simplify How You Work With Support?
At Mia Borja LLC, I help solopreneurs and small teams create seamless operations, clear communication systems, and calm, scalable workflows.
Download my free Systems for Solopreneurs Blueprint to see how I structure my client experience and how you can do the same in your own business.
