Quoted:
When I had my solo practice I had one guy come in and ask to put me on retainer. I had no idea what to do with that - he wasn't a local guy, said he had just moved to the area, and he seemed totally sketchy. Couldn't say why he wanted me on retainer versus just calling me if he needed something. I think I took $500 from him, told him it was non-refundable but if he needed my services I'd bill against the retainer until it was exhausted and then bill him hourly. Never heard from him again.