A simple service agreement in plain English — the protection most freelancers skip until a project goes sideways. Copy it, fill the brackets, and have both sides sign before work starts.
SERVICE AGREEMENT
This agreement is between [Your name/business] ("Contractor") and
[Client name/company] ("Client"), effective [date].
1. SCOPE OF WORK
Contractor will provide: [describe the deliverables].
2. TIMELINE
Start: [date]. Delivery: [date or milestones].
3. FEES & PAYMENT
Total: [amount], invoiced [schedule]. Payment due within 14 days of
invoice. Overdue amounts accrue 1.5% per month.
4. REVISIONS
Includes [n] rounds of revisions. Additional work is billed at
[hourly rate].
5. OWNERSHIP
Deliverables transfer to the Client upon final payment. Contractor may
display the work in a portfolio.
6. CANCELLATION
Either party may cancel in writing. The Client pays for work completed
plus [25%] of the remaining balance.
7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Contractor is not an employee and is responsible for their own taxes.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
Each party will protect the other's confidential information.
Signed:
Contractor: ______________________ Date: __________
Client: __________________________ Date: __________
This template is a starting point for general use, not legal advice. Laws vary by location and project — for high-value or complex work, have a lawyer review it.
Why bother with a contract?
A short written agreement does three things: it makes the scope explicit (killing "can you just also…"), it sets payment terms you can enforce, and it clarifies who owns the work. Read more: do freelancers need a contract?
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