COMPARE · RETAINER AGENCY
Pay per qualified meeting
vs a retainer agency.
Many lead generation agencies charge a monthly retainer for campaign activity. Dealog charges only for qualified meetings that actually take place. Here is how the two models differ.
Free 30-minute consultation ↗THE SHORT ANSWER
A retainer agency is paid for effort: research, messages, campaign management and reporting, usually with a monthly fee and sometimes a setup fee, whether or not good meetings result. Dealog is paid for an outcome: a meeting that matches written criteria, meets at least three of four BANT elements and actually takes place. Retainers can suit broad multi-channel marketing programmes; pay per qualified meeting suits B2B teams that want sales conversations, not activity.
01 / SIDE BY SIDE
Typical structures compared
| Typical retainer agency | Dealog | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | Often | Rp0 |
| Monthly fixed fee | Usually | Rp0 |
| Pay for activity | Usually | No |
| Pay for no-shows | Depends on contract | No |
| Quality definition | Varies; sometimes “booked meeting” | Written criteria; at least 3 of 4 BANT; attended |
| Main deliverable | Campaign management, booked appointments, reports | Qualified attended meetings |
| Spending control | Fixed monthly budget | Monthly cap on meetings agreed upfront |
Provider models vary; this describes common structures, not the terms of any specific company.
02 / QUESTIONS TO ASK
Questions to ask any lead generation provider
- What exactly do I pay for: activity, booked meetings, or attended qualified meetings?
- How is “qualified” defined, and is it written down before launch?
- What happens when a prospect does not show up?
- Can I approve target accounts, roles, exclusions and messaging?
- Is outreach done in my company’s name?
- Is there a minimum term, setup fee or retainer?
- How are disputes about meeting quality handled, and within what time?
03 / WHEN A RETAINER FITS
When a retainer can make sense
- You need content, ads, events and outreach combined in one programme.
- Your goal is awareness or marketing-qualified leads rather than sales meetings.
- You want a dedicated team working only on your account for a fixed period.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Dealog charge a setup fee or monthly retainer?
No. There is no setup fee, monthly retainer or upfront service fee. You pay per qualified meeting that takes place, after a monthly review.
How is a dispute about meeting quality handled?
You confirm each meeting within 24 hours. A concern must point to a specific written criterion that was not met, and it is reviewed together.
Is a meeting billable if the prospect does not buy?
Yes, if it met the agreed criteria and took place. Dealog delivers qualified conversations; closing is owned by your team.
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