How much does a fractional COO cost?
Most fractional COO work is priced two ways: a fixed-fee diagnostic to start, then a monthly retainer based on days per week. On this site the audit runs $2,950 to $7,950 by revenue band and is credited to the first month, and the retainer runs $6,000 to $12,000 a month for one to two days a week.
| Engagement | Typical shape | Price here |
|---|---|---|
| Operations audit | 1 to 3 weeks, fixed fee by revenue band, credited to month one | $2,950 to $7,950 |
| Fractional COO retainer | 1 to 2 days a week, monthly, 3-month minimum | $6,000 to $12,000 / mo |
| Project lead | Scoped: ERP rollout, 3PL move, sourcing trip, retail launch | Quoted |
Published rates from other firms sit in a similar band. Onflair, which serves $5M to $100M consumer brands, lists audits at $3,970 to $9,970 and retainers from $5,000 a month.
What buyers ask next.
Why is there a fixed-fee audit first?
Nobody can price a retainer honestly before seeing the inventory, the 3PL bills, and the systems. The audit is also the deliverable if you decide not to continue.
Is the audit fee really credited?
Yes, in full against the first month of a retainer that starts within 30 days of the readout.
What drives the retainer up or down?
Days per week, how many channels you sell through, whether a system rollout or a 3PL move is in flight, and how much of the team reports to the COO.
How does this compare to a full-time COO?
A full-time operations executive at a consumer brand is a six-figure salary plus benefits and often equity. A fractional engagement buys the same judgment for the hours you need.