>
> However, outside of those, there are at least a couple of potential appearance problems with having a retainer clause in a standard contract:
>
>- It makes it look like your company deals regularly or mostly with shady or less than desirable clients who won't or can't pay their bills on time
>
>- It implies that a new or potential client is one of those, which quite a few business owners will view as a direct insult
>

I get that this can be the impression, but that's not how you explain the retainer. The retainer is to ensure that I don't book my time up with other customers. You think you need X number of hours a month from me. You can pay time & materials but then if something comes up I'll have to schedule you in. I may not be able to do that immediately; it could take a month or more depending on what other work I've booked in the meantime. The retainer means that I'll keep those hours open for you for the month.