Service Contract template

Free service contract template

A service contract is an agreement between a provider and a client that outlines the scope of services, terms and payment details. Sometimes referred to as a maintenance agreement, extended warranty, or protection plan, it is essential for ongoing engagements that cover service repairs and maintenance.

Docusign makes service orders easy. Our template is fillable, editable, and ready to be sent for a secure electronic signature. Customize and complete the agreement online and send it off for approvals and signatures in minutes.

All you need to access our template is a free Docusign account. Click on the sample service contract template to get your service contract. 

To protect your business and your client, formalizing your agreement with a service contract is a necessary step. This creates a legally binding record that ensures clarity for both parties. Start with our service agreement template to outline the terms and conditions, then use Docusign to get it signed quickly and securely. 

What is a service contract?

A service contract, often called a service agreement, is a legally enforceable agreement between a service provider and a client that defines the terms of a specific service engagement, including scope, payment, duration, and responsibilities. These agreements help prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties in case of disputes.

When do you need a service contract?

You should use a service contract in a variety of professional contexts, such as:

• Engaging freelancers or contractors, where clarity on deliverables and payment is essential

• Hiring vendors or consultants, to specify responsibilities and avoid scope creep

• Setting ongoing professional services, such as IT support or maintenance

• Handling one-off projects, like design, marketing, or technical work, where deliverables and ownership must be clear

Service contracts play a critical role in fostering accountability, especially in industries like construction, healthcare, IT, and marketing.

What are the different types of service contracts?

There are several types of service contracts, each designed for specific industries, work arrangements, and project scopes:

1. Fixed-Term Service Contracts: These have a defined start and end date, often used for seasonal or project-based work.

2. Ongoing/Maintenance Agreements:  Ideal for services that require regular upkeep, such as IT system monitoring, landscaping, or equipment servicing.

3. Retainer Agreements: The client pays a set fee for guaranteed access to a service provider’s time or resources each month.

4. Consulting Contracts: Used when hiring professionals to provide strategic advice, assessments, or expertise in a specialized field.

5. Project-Specific Service Contracts: Tailored to a single, well-defined deliverable or scope, common in design, marketing, and construction.

6. Product-Service Bundled Agreements: Combine the sale of a product with ongoing related services, such as equipment leasing with maintenance.

What is included in a service contract?

A service contract should include the following essential clauses:

• Services provided: A detailed description of the services to be delivered.

• Term: The duration of the agreement and conditions for ending the contract.

• Compensation: Payment terms, including amount, method, and timing.

• Expenses: Clarifies responsibility for reimbursing out-of-pocket expenses.

• Independent contractor status: States that the service provider is not an employee.

• Confidentiality: Obligations regarding the handling of confidential information.

• Intellectual property: Specifies ownership of any work or materials created.

• Termination: Conditions under which the contract may be ended by either party.

• Warranties and representations: Assurance that both parties have authority to enter the contract.

• Liability and indemnity: Limits liability and outlines indemnification responsibilities.

• Governing law: Specifies which jurisdiction’s laws apply to the agreement.

• Entire agreement: Confirms the written contract is the complete agreement.

• Amendments: Explains how changes to the contract can be made.

• Signatures: Provides space for both parties to sign and date the agreement.

Additional (optional) clauses

• Non-solicitation/non-compete: Prevents the service provider from soliciting the client’s customers or working with competitors for a certain period.

• Dispute resolution: Outlines how disputes will be handled (e.g., mediation, arbitration).

• Force majeure: Addresses what happens if services can’t be performed due to events beyond either party’s control.

• Subcontracting: States whether the service provider can hire others to perform the work.

• Insurance: Requires certain insurance coverage (e.g., liability insurance).

• Data protection: Addresses handling of personal or sensitive data.