Services template

Service Agreement

The agreement that governs paid services — defining the work, the fee, the timeline, and who owns what when it is done.

AI-assisted document tools — not legal advice. A starting point you can understand and customize.

What it is

A service agreement sets the terms between a service provider and a client. It defines the services to be performed, what they cost and how they are paid, how long the engagement lasts, and the terms that protect each side — confidentiality, ownership of work product, warranties, and liability. It is the backbone agreement for agencies, consultants, freelancers, and any business that delivers work rather than goods.

When you’d use it

  • You provide services and want scope, fees, and terms in writing.
  • A client is engaging you for ongoing or project-based work.
  • You need to define deliverables, timelines, and payment milestones.
  • You want to make ownership of the work product and confidentiality clear.

Key sections & clauses

The parts a service agreement usually needs to cover. Use them as a checklist — XOsign flags the ones a draft is missing.

  • Scope of services

    The specific services to be performed, and what is excluded.

  • Fees & payment terms

    The price, invoicing schedule, and when payment is due.

  • Term & termination

    How long the engagement lasts and how either side can end it.

  • Deliverables & acceptance

    What gets handed over and how it is approved.

  • Intellectual property

    Who owns the work product once it is paid for.

  • Confidentiality

    How each side protects the other's sensitive information.

  • Warranties & liability

    What the provider guarantees and the limits on liability.

  • Independent contractor status

    Confirmation that the provider is not an employee.

How XOsign helps

Understand it, translate it, strengthen it, sign it.

The same four steps behind every XOsign agreement — from the moment you upload or start a draft to the moment it’s signed.

Understand it

XOsign reads the document and explains every clause in plain language, so you know what you're agreeing to before you sign — not after.

Translate it

Read and sign in English or Spanish. XOsign presents the agreement side by side so nobody signs a document they can't fully read.

Strengthen it

XOsign flags missing, vague, or one-sided terms and suggests clearer language — so the agreement actually protects you.

Sign it

Send it for legally binding e-signature (ESIGN/UETA) with a tamper-evident audit trail and a trusted timestamp on the signed copy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a service agreement and a scope of work?

A service agreement sets the overall legal and commercial terms of the relationship. A scope of work (often attached as an exhibit) details the specific tasks, deliverables, and timeline for a particular project. Many engagements use both together — XOsign can generate and link them.

Who owns the work in a service agreement?

It depends on the intellectual-property clause. Without one, ownership can default in ways neither side expects. A clear clause — typically assigning ownership to the client on full payment — avoids disputes. XOsign flags a missing or one-sided IP clause before you sign.

What payment terms should a service agreement include?

Common terms include a deposit or retainer, a milestone or monthly invoicing schedule, a due date (such as net 15 or net 30), and late-payment terms. Spelling these out protects cash flow and prevents 'when will I get paid' disputes.

XOsign provides AI-assisted document tools and does not provide legal advice. These templates are starting points you can understand and customize — not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney. Requirements vary by state and situation.

Start your service agreement in XOsign.

Understand every clause, translate it for whoever signs, and send it for signature — all in one place.

Free Service Agreement Template & Guide · XOsign