1.
retainer fee; upfront fee paid when work begins
A fee paid at the start of a job, especially to a lawyer or contractor, separate from the final reward or balance. It is typically charged regardless of the outcome.
着手金を払う。
to pay a retainer fee.
弁護士に着手金を支払った。
I paid the lawyer a retainer fee.
着手金は結果に関係なく返ってこないことが多い。
The retainer is often non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Common in legal fees and construction or design contracts, where it is paid before work starts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 着手金を請求する: to charge a retainer
- 着手金無料: no upfront fee
- 着手金の相場: the going rate for a retainer
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 成功報酬: contingency fee — paid only on a successful result, after the work
- 手付金: deposit — a down payment securing a sale or contract