Retained Searchers

As a buy-side advisor, we typically engage our clients using a retained search. I have found that many in the search fund space do not have the resources to fund a retained search, even if it's just a few thousand dollars per month. The challenge from our end as a buy-side advisor is that we expend a lot of resources finding "off-market" opportunities for our clients and we really can't afford to provide this service for free. In addition, we need to manage our cash flow and also ensure our clients have "skin in the game" and are committed to making a purchase when we bring a good opportunity to them. Would love your collective thoughts on the issues surrounding retained searches in the context of search funds.