Why a Monthly Retainer, Not a Project Proposal
The model that changes the way businesses buy software development
The Problem with Project Proposals
Most development companies in Israel work like this: you come with an idea, they write a quote for 150,000–500,000 NIS, you sign, and then months of development begin. In the end, you get a system that works — but not exactly as you imagined.
And why? Because you can't know exactly what you need before you start building. Requirements change, the business evolves, and what seemed important in the first month is irrelevant by the sixth.
What Actually Happens
1. The scope is set in advance — but reality changes 2. Changes cost money — every "let's change this" requires a new quote 3. After launch — you're on your own — the company moves on to the next client, and you're stuck with bugs 4. No budget for improvements — you paid for the project, not for maintenance
How a Retainer Works
A monthly retainer is a simple agreement: you pay a fixed amount every month, and we work on your system — building, maintenance, improvements, and new features.
What It Includes
- Initial build — the system is built in weeks, not months
- Changes without a quote — a new feature? A changed process? We adapt
- Ongoing maintenance — bugs, updates, security — all included
- Direct contact — no account manager, you talk directly with the engineer
How Much It Costs
A typical retainer ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 NIS per month, depending on the system's scope and business complexity.
For comparison: a one-time project of 300,000 NIS = 25,000 NIS per month over a year. Except that with a project you get a system that stands still, while with a retainer you get a system that keeps evolving.
Who It's For
A retainer suits businesses that understand their system is not a project that ends. If you:
- Are a growing, changing business
- Need a system that evolves with you
- Want direct contact with the person building it, not with a management layer
- Prefer predictable payments over surprises
Then a retainer is probably the right model.
Who It's Not For
If you need a simple marketing site, a simple one-off app, or a project with a clear scope that won't change — a one-time project will work.
The retainer is meant for businesses whose system is part of day-to-day operations, not a tool built once and set aside.