Service Agreement Template
A service agreement, or services agreement, is a legally binding contract made between two or more parties setting forth terms and conditions of professional services between the service provider and the client. A service agreement is a critical business contract. It is a legal document made between a client and a service provider. It breaks down and clarifies the agreement between the service provider and the client. Basically, it is a contract for services. What is in this Service Agreement Template?
- A customizable practical service contract template to fit your company’s needs
- Tips to consider while drafting a service contract.
- Details on ApproveMe’s state of the art WP E-Signature tool.
What is a “Service”? There are several types of service contracts, depending on the service to be provided. Service contracts vary based on the kind of service, work scope, and fees for such service. So what are some examples of services that require a service contract? Here are a few of the most common services:
- Independent Contractor or Freelancer (subcontractor, general contractor)
- Repair / Maintenance professional
- Artist
- Photographer (Event or Wedding Photographer)
- Model
- Marketing Consultant (Agency Agreement)
- Accountant
- Lawyer (Retainer Agreement)
- Daycare Provider
The list goes on and on. However, if you are a company hiring a contractor or vice versa, a written agreement is the most steadfast way to protect your rights. When do I need a Service Contract? A service contract is needed if you intend to hire a service provider. For example, if your company needs a cleaning service, a service contract would set forth the agreement’s terms and conditions. The agreement could include a cleaning schedule and payment structure. Alternatively, if you are a service provider or independent contractor, a service agreement is necessary if you plan to provide a service to a company. A service contract permits the client to establish their expectations regarding what they expect from the service provider. Does a Service Contract Need to be in Writing? It is always prudent to put the responsibilities and obligations of each party into a formal written. Assuming the agreement includes all of the required contract elements, it becomes a legally enforceable contract. A service agreement is used in many different industries among many different professionals. They are generally used to hire freelancers. It is important to notice that a service contract is not the same as an employment contract. Learn more about enforceable contracts here! A verbal agreement or “handshake” agreement is complicated because there is no proof of the actual terms agreed to, which turns into a “he said, she said” situation. What Should be Included in a Basic Service Agreement A service agreement should be as detailed as possible. If a provision is left out, it can be hard to prove later on. Any oral agreements should be expressed in writing and should be included in the service contract. If additional services are necessary, a new services contract may be needed. A service agreement usually contains the following provisions:
- Scope of Services – The service provider should detail all services the service provider is responsible for providing. This section should be the most detailed part of the contract. Be sure not to spare any details in this section.
- Compensation – The compensation section of a service contract should identify the pay rate the client agrees to pay the service provider. The parties need to include any detail as it relates to any form of compensation. The payment schedule should also be clearly defined, including the frequency of payment and payment method accepted.
- Dispute Resolution Policy– A dispute resolution clause establishes each party’s responsibility to settle a dispute before taking legal action.
- Contact Information – The service contract should include each party’s contact information, including a working phone number, mailing address, and email address.
Common Mistakes and the Consequences of not using a Service Agreement A written service agreement between a service provider and a client is essential. It outlines the exact terms of the agreement and spells out each party’s obligations to one another. Sometimes all of the legal jargon in a contract can be overwhelming and hard to understand. A licensed attorney can review your service contract and make any suggestions to make sure all of your bases are covered. More importantly, an attorney can confirm your agreement is in compliance with the law. How to get your Service Agreement Signed ApproveMe is one of the most reliable ways to get your service contract signed. Our service contract template is a novel tool to use while drafting your service agreement. Electronic signatures are legally binding. Electronic signatures also expedite the signature process. Independent Contractor Management Software Besides implementing ApproveMe’s E-Signature tool, here are a few other resources to consider as a freelancer or a business looking for a service provider:
Your Signing experience is worth celebrating!
ApproveMe is easy document signing for busy people. Built on the belief that every new agreement with a customer or client should be celebrated.
SERVICE AGREEMENT
This Agreement (“Agreement”) dated on this _____ day of _______, 20__ (the “Effective Date”) is made between ______________________________________ (the “Client”) with an address of _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________and_________________________________ (the “Service Provider”), with an address of ________________________________________________________________________, for the purpose of setting forth the exclusive terms and conditions by which the Client desires to acquire the below described services from the Service Provider. In consideration of the mutual obligations specified in this Agreement, the parties, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree to the following: Description of the Services. Client retains the above Service Provider, and the Service Provider agrees to perform for the Client, the services set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement (the “Services”). Any Service outside of the scope as defined in Exhibit A to this Agreement will require a new Agreement for other services agreed to by the Parties. Any Additional Services shall be provided to the Client upon written request to the Service Provider, and at such time, the Service Provider shall provide to the Client price quotes for any Additional Services requested. Consideration / Compensation. In exchange for the full, prompt, and satisfactory performance of all Services to be rendered to the Client (as determined by the Client), the Client shall provide the Service Provider shall be compensated as follows: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Service Provider will invoice the Client on the _____ day of each month. The invoice will include any and all services performed under this Agreement as well as any pre-approved expenses. Payment will be due within _____ days of the invoice date. A late charge of $_______ per month will be added to any invoice not paid on time. Payments must be made to the Service Provider by credit card, money order, check, or any other approved method of payment accepted by the Service Provider. Payments must be mailed to: ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ Expenses. From time to time throughout the duration of this Service Agreement, the Service Provider may incur certain expenses that are not included as part of the Fee for our Services to this Agreement. The Service Provider agrees to keep an exact record of any and all expenses acquired while performing the Services. The Service Provider will submit an invoice itemizing each expense, along with proof of purchase and receipt, every ______ days upon completion of such Services. If any one expense if over the amount of $_____, the Service Provider agrees to obtain the Client’s written consent before making the purchase. Invoice Disputes. The Client shall notify the Service Provider in writing of any dispute with an invoice along with any substantiating documentation or a reasonably detailed description of the dispute within _____ Business Days from the date of the Client’s receipt of such invoice subject to dispute. Client will be deemed to have accepted all invoices for which the Service Provider does not receive timely notification of a dispute and shall pay all undisputed amounts due under such invoices within the period set forth in this Agreement. The Parties shall seek to resolve all such disputes expeditiously and in good faith. Term and Termination. This Service Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall continue for a period of _______ ([month[s]/year[s]) or until the expressly agree upon date of the completion of the Services, unless it is earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the “Term”). If either Party subject to this agreement fails to follow through with their obligations under this Service Agreement, the non-breaching Party can terminate this Agreement by providing ____ day written notice to the breaching Party. The Client understands that the Service Provider may terminate this Agreement at any time if the Client fails to pay for the Services provided under this Agreement or if the Client breaches any other material provision listed in this Service Agreement in the manner as defined above. Client agrees to pay any outstanding balances within _____ days of termination. Supplies and Equipment. The Service Provider, at their own expense, shall furnish their own supplies and equipment necessary to deliver and complete the Services as defined under this Agreement unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties. Should the Client not furnish the agreed upon supplies, the Client understands they will be responsible for reimbursing the Service Provider for all expenses incurred. Independent Contractor. Client and Service Provider expressly agree and understand that the above-listed Service Provider is an independent contractor hired by the Client and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed in any way or manner, to create between them a relationship of employer and employee, principal and agent, partners or any other relationship other than that of independent parties contracting with each other solely for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the Agreement. Accordingly, the Service Provider acknowledges that neither the Service Provider or the Service Provider’s Employees are not eligible for any benefits, including, but not limited to, health insurance, retirement plans or stock option plans. The Service Provider is not the agent of Client or its Company and is not authorized and shall not have the power or authority to bind Client or its Company or incur any liability or obligation, or act on behalf of Client or its Company. At no time shall the Service Provider represent that it is an agent of the Client or its Company, or that any of the views, advice, statements and/or information that may be provided while performing the Services are those for the Client. The Service Provider is not entitled to receive any other compensation or any benefits from the Client. Except as otherwise required by law, the Client shall not withhold any sums or payments made to the Service Provider for social security or other federal, state, or local tax liabilities or contributions, and all withholdings, liabilities, and contributions shall be solely the Service Provider’s responsibility. The Service Provider further understands and agrees that the Services are not covered under the unemployment compensation laws and are not intended to be covered by workers’ compensation laws. The Service Provider is solely responsible for directing and controlling the performance of the Services, including the time, place and manner in which the Services are performed. The Service Provider shall use its best efforts, energy and skill in its own name and in such manner as it sees fit. Insurance. The Service Provider warrants that it will obtain and keep in full force and effect at all times hereunder workers’ compensation, general liability and errors and omissions or professional liability insurance covering all of its Services. The Service Provider shall provide to the Client copies of all policies required to be maintained, and a Certificate of Insurance indicating said coverage shall be provided to Client upon request. The Service Provider also warrants and represents that it has properly classified all of its workers, has and will maintain all required licenses and certifications. Confidentiality. Throughout the duration of this Agreement, it may be necessary for the Service Provider to have access to the Client’s confidential and protected information for the sole purpose of performing the Services subject to this Agreement. The Service Provider is not permitted to share or disclose such confidential information whatsoever, unless mandated by law, without written permission from the Client. The Service Provider’s obligation of confidentiality will survive the termination of this Service Agreement and stay in place indefinitely. Upon the termination of this Agreement, the Service Provider agrees to return to the Client any and all Confidential Information that is the property of the Client. Return of Property. The Service Provider shall promptly return to the Client all copies, whether in written, electronic, or other form or media, of the Client’s Confidential Information, or destroy all such copies and certify in writing to the Client that such Confidential Information has been destroyed. In addition, the Service Provider shall also destroy all copies of any Notes created by the Service Provider or its authorized Representatives and certify in writing to the Client that such copies have been destroyed. Intellectual Property. All Intellectual Property and related materials, including but not limited to, moral rights, goodwill, trade secrets, applications for registrations or relevant registration, rights to any trademark, trade tress, patent, copyright, trade name, and industrial design (“Intellectual Property”) that is produced or developed under this Service Agreement. The Service Provider understands that the aforementioned is a “work for hire” and shall be the sole property of the Client. The Client’s use of the Intellectual Property shall not be restricted in any manner. The Service Provider may not use the Client’s Intellectual Property for any purpose other than contracted for in this Service Agreement unless the Service Provider has written consent from the Client. The Service Provider shall be responsible for any damages resulting from any unauthorized use of the Client’s intellectual property. Indemnification and Release. The Service Provider agrees to take all necessary precautions to prevent injury to any persons or damage to property during the term of this Agreement, and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Client, its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives and/or agents from any claim, liability, loss, cost, damage, judgment, settlement or expense (including attorney’s fees) resulting from or arising in any way out of injury (including death) to any person or damage to property arising in any way out of any act, error, omission or negligence on the part of the Service Provider or any of the Service Provider’s employees in the performance or failure to fulfill any Services or obligations under this Agreement. No Exclusivity. The Parties subject to this Agreement understand and acknowledge that this Agreement is not exclusive. Each Party respectively agree that they are free to enter into other similar Agreements with other parties. Warranty. The Service Provider shall provide its services and meet its obligations set forth in this Agreement in a timely and satisfactory workmanlike manner, using its knowledge and recommendations for performing its services which generally meets standards in the Service Provider’s region and community, and agrees to provide a standard of care, equal or superior to care used by other professionals in the same profession. The Service Provider shall perform the services in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement. Dispute Resolution. Parties to this Agreement shall first attempt to settle any dispute through good-faith negotiation. If the dispute cannot be settled between the parties via negotiation, either party may initiate mediation or binding arbitration in the State of ________________. If the parties do not wish to mediate or arbitrate the dispute and litigation is necessary, this Agreement will be interpreted based on the laws of the State of _________________, without regard to the conflict of law provisions of such state. The Parties agree the dispute will be resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of ______________________. Governing Law. This Service Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of ___________________ without regard to the conflict of law provisions of such state. This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the respective parties. Force Majeure. Service Provider and any of its employees or agents shall not be in breach of this Service Agreement for any delay or failure in performance caused by reasons out of its reasonable control. This includes, but is not limited to, acts of God or a public enemy; natural calamities; failure of a third party to perform; changes in the laws or regulations; actions of any civil, military or regulatory authority; power outage or other disruptions of communication methods or any other cause which would be out of the reasonable control of the Service Provider. Legal Fees. Should a dispute between the named Parties arise lead to legal action, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to any reasonable legal fees, including, but not limited to attorneys’ fees. No Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to and be binding upon the undersigned and their respective heirs, representatives, successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile. email, or other means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement. Electronic Signatures. This Agreement and related documents entered into in connection with this Agreement are signed when a party’s signature is delivered electronically, and these signatures must be treated in all respects as having the same force and effect as original signatures. Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Captions for Convenience. All captions herein are for convenience or reference only and do not constitute part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof. No Waiver. No waiver of or failure to act upon any of the provisions of this Agreement or any right or remedy arising under this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions, rights or remedies (whether similar or dissimilar). Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by all of the Parties hereto. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Parties regarding the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, regarding such subject matter. This Agreement may only be amended, modified, or supplemented by an agreement in writing signed by each Party hereto. [Signatures on Following Page] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Service Agreement effective as of the ____________ day of ________________, 20__ (the “Effective Date”). Dated: __________________________________ ________________________________________ Service Provider’s Signature ________________________________________ Service Provider’s Printed Name or Entity Dated: __________________________________ ________________________________________ Client’s Signature ________________________________________ Client’s Printed Name or Entity Service Provider’s Contact Information: Address: ______________________________ _____________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Email Address: _________________________ Client’s Contact Information: Address: ______________________________ _____________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________ Email Address: _________________________ EXHIBIT A SERVICE(S) Service Provider agrees to provide the following service(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Service Provider is entitled to reimbursement of the following expenses incurred while performing such Service(s): __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________*The Service Provider agrees that any expense not listed must be pre-approved by the Client. The Service Provider agrees to provide any receipts of any other related document to such expenses. Other: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Service Agreement?
A service agreement is used for many different industries. For example, if you hire an electrician to fix your broken lightbulbs, then you will probably sign a service agreement with them. A service agreement can also be used when hiring someone to do work like landscaping or building work.
Some companies use Service Agreements as part of their business model so that they can ensure that their customers get what they pay for and that any disputes over payment are resolved quickly and efficiently.
When should I use a written Service Agreement?
A service agreement can be used when you need to protect your company from potential lawsuits or issues with customers. It can also be an option for companies that want to offer their customers more protection and legal rights.
Can you write your own service agreement?
What is a master service agreement?
The main advantage of using a master service agreement is that it helps reduce the risk associated with entering into one-off agreements with multiple parties.
how to write a contract agreement for services
how to make a service agreement contract
what is a service agreement contract
The Service Agreement Contract can be drafted by either party or as part of an agreement between both parties before they enter into a transaction. It can also be drafted as part of a standard contract that covers other aspects such as employment agreements or loan agreements.
How do you create a service agreement?
what is a service contract agreement
What should be included in a Service Agreement?
When drafting a Service Agreement, it is important to include the following: The names of all parties involved in the agreement, a description of what services are being provided by one party to another, a description of what will happen if there are any problems with the services being provided by one party to another, a terms and conditions that both parties agree on, the date of signature, and the date when the agreement expires.
What’s the difference between a master service agreement and a Service Agreement Contract?
what is a vendor service agreement
A service agreement is a contract between a vendor and customer that details the obligations of each party in exchange for the provision of services. It may also include provisions for termination, dispute resolution, and remedies.
is a service agreement a contract
The service agreement can be in written or verbal form, but it should be clear enough for both parties so they can understand what their rights and obligations are.
Who needs a Service Agreement Template?
A Service Agreement Template is also helpful in case of disputes that may arise from interpreting or misunderstanding the contract. It helps you to understand how disputes should be resolved with minimal hassle and unnecessary costs
How to write a Service Agreement
What must a Service Agreement Template have?
Service Agreement Template must have certain clauses in it such as Services, Notice of Termination, Fees and Payments, Warranty, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification and so on.
What should I put in my Service Agreement Contract?
The following are some of the things that should be included in your Service Agreement Contract:
- The Services
- The Service Provider's Responsibilities
- The Customer's Responsibilities
- Service Duration and Termination
- Payment Terms and Conditions
How long are Service Agreements good for?
Send Contracts in Minutes
Unlock the power of WP E-Signature on your website using your branding today!
Get Started Now