Is It Wise to Ask About Retainership Extension Plans Before the Period Ends?

When the retainer period is almost over (just two more weeks to go) and there is no communication from the company, can the retainer take the initiative to inform the company that the period is ending in two weeks? Or should they wait until the last week?

Is It Okay to Ask About Extension Plans?

Is it okay to ask the company if they have any plans of extending? If the retainer asks, will it lower his/her negotiating power, specifically in negotiating for a raise for the next one-year period? Is the company staying silent because they have no intention of extending, or because they do not want to initiate a raise, etc.?

Can somebody provide assistance with their insights, please?

There is no harm in informing the company that the retainership is going to end on the specified date.

Regards,
Satori

Since you are an independent person and a professional, it would be better if the company informs you about the extension or termination of the contract. If the company wants to extend the contract, in any case, the company will inform you. It would not be proper to draw an inference that because the company does not want to extend the contract, the company is keeping mum. On a professional level, it is for you to decide whether you want to work on the same retainer fees or if you want an escalation in retainer fees. If you want an escalation in your professional charges, you should write an official email to the company in this regard.

I agree with Mr. Psmoholkar. I would add that a Retainer is generally a person who either contributes more to the company, or the company or its managing people are interested in him in some way or another. As such, I feel that it is desirable to keep quiet. There is a proverb that "Silence amounts to Acceptance." This may perhaps apply mutatis mutandis. However, the Retainer should be prepared to accept termination if informed. There will generally be a notice period. Even if not, the company has the courtesy to inform in advance. If the Retainer is not willing to continue or has a better offer, he can volunteer to inform the company.

I would like to request you to please speak with the appropriate person in the organization and send a formal email expressing your interest if you are keen on extending the same, as you previously mentioned "mutual." Please do not delay as you only have 2 weeks left.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Kanika

My company is not agreeing to give an experience letter after two years of retainership. They say they don't give experience letters to retainers. Is that the norm? Or am I being shortchanged? Should I push for it and struggle to get it? I don't want it to end in a bad relationship too. Can anyone reply as it is urgent?

Dear Aishwarya,

While onboarding you, your client must have provided you with a letter. That letter should be sufficient to prove that you were retained as a consultant. Secondly, ask for Form 16. This will be yet another proof of the retainership.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar