Pay-Per-Email vs. Monthly Retainer: Which Email Marketing Service Is Right for Your eCommerce Brand?
Email marketing remains one of the most powerful channels for eCommerce brands looking to drive sales, retain customers, and build long-term brand loyalty. But not all email marketing services are created equal. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a pay-per-email model or commit to a full-service monthly retainer.
At Milhook, we offer both options because we know that no two brands are in the same stage of growth. Some businesses need flexible, on-demand help. Others want a long-term partner who can run their email channel top-to-bottom.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both service models, explain how they work, and help you choose the right email marketing approach for your brand.
What Is Pay-Per-Email?
Pay-per-email is a flexible, a la carte service model where you pay for individual email campaigns or automation flows—only when you need them. This model is ideal for brands that want professional-quality emails without the cost or commitment of a monthly contract.
At Milhook, our pay-per-email service includes:
Strategy, copywriting, and email design
One round of revision
Delivery in 3–5 business days
The option to receive ready-to-send files or have us build them directly in your email platform for $25 per email
Discounted pricing when you order 3 or more campaigns ($59 per email instead of $75)
Our packages range from:
1 to 12 email campaigns
5 core automated flows: Welcome, Abandoned Cart, Browse Abandonment, Post-Purchase, and Win-Back
All it takes to get started is filling out a quick 10-minute form so we can learn about your brand, audience, and goals. Then we take it from there—delivering polished, high-performing emails ready for review and approval.
What Is a Monthly Retainer?
A full-service monthly retainer gives you a dedicated email marketing team. Instead of buying individual emails, you get ongoing support that includes strategy, planning, execution, and optimization of your entire email marketing program.
Milhook’s monthly retainers typically include:
Email calendar planning (campaigns and automations)
Strategy development and performance analysis
Segmentation, A/B testing, and deliverability optimization
Copywriting, design, and builds
Weekly check-ins or reports to review performance and next steps
This model is best for brands looking for consistency, deeper insights, and the peace of mind that their email marketing is running smoothly behind the scenes.
Benefits of Pay-Per-Email
1. Flexibility Only pay when you need emails. Ideal for seasonal promotions, product launches, or brands with limited internal resources.
2. Budget-Friendly Skip monthly fees and keep your marketing spend in check. Great for early-stage or bootstrapped businesses.
3. Fast Turnaround Most emails are delivered in just a few business days, making it easy to stay agile and respond quickly to trends or opportunities.
4. No Long-Term Commitment Work with us on your terms. Scale up or down depending on your campaign calendar.
5. High-Quality, On-Demand Creative You still get expertly written and beautifully designed emails that reflect your brand—without having to manage a team or agency.
Benefits of a Monthly Retainer
1. Consistency and Scale Send regular campaigns and flows that drive revenue year-round. We handle everything from planning to reporting.
2. Strategic Growth We don’t just build emails—we help you grow your list, improve retention, and increase revenue per subscriber.
3. Hands-Off Execution Perfect for busy founders and marketing leads who want email off their plate entirely.
4. Full Optimization From A/B testing to advanced segmentation, we optimize every email to drive conversions and long-term engagement.
5. Long-Term Partnership We become an extension of your team, learning your brand inside and out so we can continuously improve results.
Which Email Marketing Service Model Is Right for You?
Choose Pay-Per-Email If:Choose a Monthly Retainer If:You need expert help occasionallyYou want a team managing email marketing full-timeYour budget is project-based or variableYou're ready to invest in ongoing email growthYou already have internal strategy supportYou want hands-off strategy and executionYou want flexibility with no long-term contractYou prefer a dedicated partner who learns your brand
Final Thoughts
Email marketing is one of the highest-ROI tools in your marketing stack—but only when done right. Whether you need a few emails per month or a fully managed email marketing program, Milhook offers solutions designed to grow your revenue and brand loyalty.
If you’re not ready to commit to a retainer, our pay-per-email packages are the perfect way to get started. And if you’re looking for a partner to handle everything from strategy to send, our full-service retainers are built for growth.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Visit milhook.com to learn more about our packages, see real results, and start building better emails today.
