Free Service Agreement Templates
Download our professionally drafted service agreement template to formalize any service arrangement. This customizable service contract covers essential terms including scope of work, payment schedules, deadlines, and liability provisions to protect both service providers and clients.
SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Services Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the _____ day of ________________, 20_____, by and among/between:
1. Services.
Service Provider agrees to provide and Buyer agrees to purchase the following services for the specific projects described below:
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Written by
Legal Team
Legally Reviewed by
Attorney Review Board
Last Updated December 2025
What Is a Service Agreement?
A service agreement (also called a service contract or general services agreement) is a legally binding document that establishes the terms between a service provider and their client. It defines the specific services to be delivered, compensation structure, project timeline, and the obligations of each party involved.
Whether you're hiring a contractor for a home improvement project, engaging a photographer for an event, or providing consulting services to businesses, a service agreement template ensures all expectations are documented. This written record significantly reduces the risk of disputes and provides legal recourse if either party fails to meet their commitments.
Professional service providers and clients alike benefit from having a documented agreement. Without a written contract, resolving disagreements becomes challenging, and verbal promises carry little weight in legal proceedings.
How to Write a Contract for Services
A well-drafted service contract protects both parties and sets clear expectations from the start. Follow these essential steps to create a comprehensive and legally sound service agreement:
- Identify the Contracting Parties: Begin with the full legal names and contact information of both the service provider and the client, along with the effective date of the agreement.
- Describe the Scope of Services: Provide a detailed description of the services to be performed. Include specific deliverables, milestones, and any exclusions to prevent scope creep.
- Establish Compensation Terms: Outline the payment structure including total fees, hourly rates, deposit requirements, invoicing frequency, and consequences for late payments.
- Specify the Contract Duration: Define when the agreement begins and ends, whether upon project completion, a fixed date, or on an ongoing basis with renewal terms.
- Define Termination Conditions: Include provisions for how either party may end the agreement, required notice periods, and any associated penalties or refund policies.
- Address Intellectual Property Rights: Clarify who owns the work product upon completion and include confidentiality clauses to protect proprietary information shared during the engagement.
- Include Dispute Resolution Procedures: Specify the governing jurisdiction and preferred methods for resolving conflicts, such as mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
- Execute the Agreement: Ensure both parties sign and date the document. Consider notarization for high-value contracts or where required by law.
Sample Service Agreement
Review our sample service agreement below to understand the standard format and clauses included in a professional service contract. You can personalize this template with your specific terms and download it in PDF or Word format.
SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Services Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the _____ day of ________________, 20_____, by and among/between:
[Name], located at [Address] (collectively "Service Provider") and
[Name], located at [Address] (collectively "Buyer").
Each Service Provider and Buyer may be referred to in this Agreement individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."
1. Services. Service Provider agrees to provide and Buyer agrees to purchase the following services for the specific projects described below:
How to Revise a Service Agreement
Business circumstances change, and your service contract may need updates. Follow these steps to properly amend an existing agreement:
- Carefully examine the existing contract to understand all current terms and obligations.
- Document the specific changes needed, such as updated timelines, modified scope, or revised pricing.
- Draft a formal amendment that references the original agreement and clearly states all modifications.
- Obtain signatures from all parties on the amendment document.
- Distribute copies of the signed amendment to all stakeholders and maintain records with the original contract.