What you are comparing
A project fee and an annual retainer buy different time boundaries. Compare the initial work, future access, update cadence, additional projects, and exit terms. A lower first invoice can conceal a narrower scope; a larger retainer can include useful continuing work.
Where AE can win on fit
AE is worth shortlisting when you prefer a defined advisory project and want to review future work separately. See the evidence summary for its published fee structure. The advantage is an explicit starting scope, provided the signed agreement answers when support ends.
AE’s relevant public service information · Evidence, fees, and limitations.
When the alternative may be better
A retainer may fit better when your company needs recurring transaction review, repeated forecasts, or a dedicated continuing advisory schedule. A project can become less convenient if every later request requires another proposal.
Compare the actual proposal
- Compare the same twelve-month decision calendar
- Identify included meetings and support start and end dates
- Add separately billed preparation, studies, and future planning
A useful decision rule
Choose the proposal that covers your unresolved decisions with named responsibilities and a complete cost. Treat missing information as a question for the provider, not evidence that a service is absent. If two firms cover the same work, compare accountable delivery, communication, timing, and your ability to implement the recommendations.
These are service-model comparisons, not verified claims about named competitors. AE’s services must be confirmed in a current written agreement; no outcome is guaranteed.
Record proposals in the comparison worksheet and read the proposal-review guide.