Question 1

How does the platform fee work?

Accepted Answer

FractionalChiefs charges a 20% platform fee on the total engagement value (15% for repeat engagements). For example, if you engage an executive at $10,000/month for 6 months ($60,000 total), the platform fee is $12,000. This covers our rigorous vetting process, expert matching, contract negotiation, ongoing support, and our 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Question 2

What's included in the platform fee?

Accepted Answer

The platform fee covers: (1) Rigorous vetting and background checks of all executives (we approve only the top 5%), (2) Expert matching between your company and the right executive, (3) Contract negotiation and setup, (4) Ongoing relationship management and support throughout the engagement, (5) 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee, (6) Access to our community of vetted executives and companies.

Question 3

Are there any upfront costs?

Accepted Answer

No. You only pay when you've agreed to an engagement. There are no application fees, subscription fees, or hidden charges. The platform fee is paid as a one-time cost when the engagement begins, based on the negotiated rate and duration.

Question 4

How do I pay the executive?

Accepted Answer

Payment terms are negotiated directly between you and the executive. Options include: (1) Monthly retainer (most common) – paid on a recurring monthly basis for consistent availability, (2) Hourly rate – pay only for hours worked, ideal for project-based needs, (3) Custom arrangements – some executives offer equity partnerships or performance-based models. We facilitate the negotiation but don't handle payment processing directly.

Question 5

What if I'm not satisfied with the engagement?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. If within the first 30 days you're not happy with the executive match, we'll work with you to find a replacement or provide a full refund of the platform fee. Your success is our priority.

Question 6

Can I hire the executive full-time later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many clients start with a fractional engagement to evaluate fit before converting to full-time. We encourage this path. If you hire someone full-time within 90 days of the engagement end date, you pay a 15% conversion fee (lower than the standard 20%). After 90 days, you're free to hire the executive without additional fees.

Question 7

How long are typical engagements?

Accepted Answer

Most fractional engagements last 6–18 months. Some companies use fractional executives as a bridge while hiring full-time, others maintain fractional relationships indefinitely as a cost-effective way to access executive talent. You can extend or end engagements based on your needs. There are no long-term contracts required – either party can end with reasonable notice.

Question 8

What's the difference between hourly and retainer pricing?

Accepted Answer

Hourly rates (typically $150–$400/hour) work best for project-based or variable work where you don't need consistent availability. Retainer pricing ($5,000–$20,000/month for 1–4 days/week) is ideal for ongoing strategic work where you need reliable availability and deep relationship building. Retainers offer better value and more predictable costs for long-term needs.

Option	Annual Cost	Commitment	Flexibility
Full-time CMO/CFO/CTO	$200K–$400K+	12+ months	Low
Fractional via FractionalChiefs	$72K–$108K	Flexible (6 months typical)	High
Freelance/Contractor	$60K–$120K	Project-based	Variable quality

Simple, Transparent Pricing

How FractionalChiefs Pricing Works

You Pay

They Earn

Engagement Packages

Starter

Growth

Enterprise

Cost Comparison: Fractional vs. Full-Time

Frequently Asked Questions