Service Agreement Template

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SERVICE AGREEMENT

This General Service Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated this _____ day of ____________, 20__ is between [the Customer], herein referred to as “Customer” and [Service Provider], herein referred to as “Service Provider”.

Service Provider has agreed to provide services to the Customer on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement, while Customer is of the opinion that Service Provider has the proper and necessary qualifications, experience and abilities to provide services to Customer.

Therefore in consideration of the matters described above, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the Customer and the Service Provider agree as follows:

1. Scope of Work

The Service Provider is to provide the Customer with the following services (the “Services”):

[Describe the services that will be provided].

The services will include any other tasks which the Customer and the Service Provider may agree on.

2. Term of Agreement

This Agreement will begin on [Beginning Date] and will remain in full force and effect until the completion of the Services. This Agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement of the parties.

3. Termination

If either party seeks termination of this Agreement, the terminating party must provide a 30 day written notice to the other party.

4. Compensation

The Customer will provide compensation to the Service Provider of $____ per hour for the services rendered by the Service Provider as required by this Agreement. Compensation is payable at the completion of services.

5. Independent Contractor

The Service Provider is acting as an independent contractor in providing the Services under this Agreement, not as an employee. The parties agree that this Agreement does not create a joint venture or a partnership between them.

6. Modification of Agreement

Any modifications or amendments to this Agreement will be binding if evidenced in writing signed by each Party.

7. Notice

All notices or demands required or permitted by the terms of this Agreement will be given in writing and delivered to the parties.

8. Time is of the Essence

No extension or variation of this Agreement will operate as a waiver of this provision. Time is of the essence in this Agreement.

9. Integration

This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding by and between the Customer and the Service Provider and no representations, promises, agreements or understandings, written or oral, not herein contained shall be of any force or effect.

10. Choice of Law

This Agreement and the performance under this Agreement and all suits and special proceedings under this Agreement, be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of ______________.

11. Severability

The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more of the provisions hereof shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have duly affixed their signatures under hand and seal on this _____ day of ______________, 20__.


 

_________________________

Customer Name


 

_________________________

Customer Signature


 

_________________________

Service Provider Name


 

__________________________

Service Provider Signature


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This form has been prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, advertising, a solicitation, or tax advice. Transmission of this form and the information contained herein is not intended to create, and receipt thereof does not constitute formation of, an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely upon this document or information for any purpose without seeking legal advice from an appropriately licensed attorney, including without limitation to review and provide advice on the terms of this form, the appropriate approvals required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this form, and any securities law and other legal issues contemplated by this form or the transactions contemplated by this form.

What Is a Service Agreement?

A service agreement is a contract entered into by two entities in which one agrees to provide a specified service to the other. It typically defines the boundaries of the service that is being provided and the compensation or payment that the service provider will receive. Signing a service agreement can help a project go more smoothly. It provides legal protection to both the service provider and the employer and ensures that everyone is agreeing to the same terms.

"Service agreement" is a broad term that can be used to describe any contract where two parties agree that one will provide a service and one will pay for the service. A service agreement might also be called a general service contract, a service level agreement, or a consulting services agreement.

There are various types of service agreements, including the following:

  • General service agreement

  • Consultant service agreement

  • Artist service agreement

  • Child care service agreement

When Is a Service Agreement Used?

A service agreement can be used for marketing services, advertising services, testing services, consulting services, management services, or any other professional services where one person has agreed to provide a service to another.

A service agreement might also be a warranty feature offered with a product. This type of service agreement means that the product's manufacturer agrees to fix or replace the product if it breaks or malfunctions within a certain period of t

Keep in mind that a service agreement isn't a bond. A bond holds only one person to the contract, while a service agreement holds both parties accountable. That way both parties are protected instead of just one.

Contracts That Are Similar to a Service Agreement

There are many contracts that are similar to a service agreement, such as the following:

  • Independent contractor agreement

  • Consulting agreement

  • Cleaning services agreement

  • Catering services agreement

  • Computer services agreement

  • Child care services agreement

Structure of a Service Agreement

There are specific guidelines for what language and terms should be included in a service agreement to make it legally binding and to protect both parties.

A service agreement should include:

  • A description of what service will be provided

  • A timeframe in which the service will be provided

  • Identification of the person or people who will provide the service

  • Notification of any supervision or monitoring that will be required

  • Description of payment and payment schedule

  • A provision called "choice-of-law"

  • A contingency plan

When Is a Service Agreement Necessary?

A service agreement is necessary any time a contractor sells his services or anytime a business purchases a service from another entity.

Why Is a Service Agreement Important?

A service agreement is especially important because services are harder to prove than a product. When a company buys a product, there's a physical object to show for it. This isn't always the case when a company buys a service. A service contract makes sure everyone understands what will be delivered and when.

Some services, such as marketing or advertising, are subjective. For instance, a marketing agency can provide their services without your business seeing a return. This is where a service agreement can come in handy. It makes sure that both the marketing agency and your business know what the end result will be and the cost to get there.

When working with a contractor or as a contractor, protection is necessary. Even a contractor with a great reputation can fail. If something goes wrong, a service agreement acts as the protection for both parties.

How to Create Your Own Service Agreement

To create your own service agreement, consider the level of protection you need. For true legal protection, it's important to have your service agreement drawn up or reviewed by a lawyer.

It's possible to find legitimate service agreement templates online. You can also seek the help of one of UpCounsel's templates or highly-trained lawyers for help.

Here are some recommended steps for creating your own service agreement:

  1. Identify the customer and the service provider.

  2. Add both parties' contact information.

  3. Describe the services that will be provided. The more detailed this description is, the better. It will reduce the chance of misunderstandings later.

  4. Outline a schedule for payments.

    • What is the payment?

    • Is payment hourly, flat fee, or project based?

    • When will the contractor be paid?

    • Is there a limit or budget?

    • Late payment penalties?

  5. Establish any necessary legal terms.

    • Confidentiality

    • Non-competition

    • Non-solicitation

  6. If the services are creative, decide who owns the creative product.

  7. Personalize in any other way that suits your business or the specific service transaction.

Reasons You Should Have a Service Agreement

There is a multitude of reasons why a service agreement will be beneficial to your business, whether you're a contractor or large company.

It Saves Money and Time

When you run a business, time is money. The time spent creating, discussing, and signing a service agreement will be much less than you would spend sorting out a misunderstanding with a contractor.

Because a service agreement outlines the specifics of payment, it also helps prevent any surprise costs. When you sign the agreement, you should know exactly what the service will cost you.

It Prevents Misunderstanding

A service agreement, at its very core, lists the services that will be provided, the time frame in which it will be provided, and the compensation. Once both parties sign, it should be clear what is expected.

Because everything is agreed upon up front and written down on paper, the risk of a misunderstanding is greatly reduced.

If a misunderstanding does come up, the service agreement should make clear who is right and how to solve the problem.

It Reduces the Risk of Litigation

Misunderstandings can lead to litigation, and lawsuits are expensive. A service agreement reduces the risk of misunderstandings and therefore the potential for litigation.

FAQs

What is a service agreement?

A service agreement is a contract that specifically lays out a service that will be provided by one entity and the payment that will be provided by a second entity.

Does a service agreement need to be written down?

A handshake might seem like enough, but it's very important to write out the agreement. A written agreement gives both parties protection in case something goes wrong.

A written agreement also provides more legal protection than a spoken agreement.

What happens if a contract isn't followed?

A broken contract can be scary or annoying. If something doesn't work out, you can consider small claims court or consult with an attorney to find out your legal options.

If you need to create a service agreement or you find yourself in the situation of a broken agreement, you can hire a knowledgeable attorney to help you through the process. The attorneys at UpCounsel are experienced and ready to help.

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