Service Agreements FAQ

What is a Service Agreement?

Service Agreements are contracts used between two parties when one party is agreeing to provide labor in exchange for compensation. The range of services agreed upon in a Service Agreement range from installing garage door openers to tutoring children – and just about anything in between. Service Agreements are similar to Independent Contractor Agreements but often come in specific forms that address individual services such as interior design, janitorial services, or even nutrition and training services.

Typically, the parties represented in a Service Agreement are the “Contractor” and the “Owner,” though these parties may be referred to as something else if the individual Service Agreement.

What is the difference between a Service Agreement and an Independent Contractor Agreement?

Typically, an Independent Contractor Agreement will outline a statement of the work to be performed, while a Service Agreement will focus more on the scope of the work to be performed. This is why a Service Agreement will often include a rate for the work that is to be rendered, while an Independent Contractor Agreement tends more toward a single or flat fee.

There is some degree of flexibility in how each of these agreements is constructed however.

Service Agreements will often contain other provisions as well, such as how expenses are to be handled when spending money is necessary to complete the services to be rendered.

How do I know when I need a Service Agreement?

Whenever your services are ongoing (as opposed to one-time, or opposed to a permanent basis), you’ll likely need to employ a Service Agreement. In one sense, Service Agreements could be considered a step above an Independent Contractor Agreement and a step below Employment Agreements in their permanence – though it’s important to remember that each type of these agreements can specify its own timeline.

If you run your own service-based business but expect to add on regular clients (such as personal training clients) then the Service Agreement is likely the contract you’ll want to use on a regular basis.

What kinds of professionals most often use Service Agreements?

Generally, any type of service-based business can get good use out of Service Agreements. But there are a number of professions that frequently lend themselves to the use of these contracts, including:

• Accountants
• Web designers and programmers
• Personal trainers
• Carpet cleaners
• Network administrators
• Cooking lessons
• Electrical contractors
• Florists
• Gardeners
• Interior designers
• Exterminators
• Photographers
• Plumbers
• Roofing contractors
• Tutoring
• Translators
• Makeup artists

You’ll be able to find Service Agreement forms tailored specifically to these professions quite easily – however, the professions that can benefit from Service Agreements are not limited to those listed above.

How are Service Agreements different from Employment Agreements?

If you sign an Employment Agreement, then you become an employee of the company you’ve agreed to work for. Though the document is much like a Service Agreement, an actual Service Agreement is generally better for those who are in business for themselves.

The essential message of each contract – the agreement of services to be rendered for a certain amount of pay – is the same, but the roles of the two parties is vastly different in each contract.

What kind of provisions can be found in a Service Agreement?

Typically you’ll find the following provisions in a Service Agreement:

• Description of Services / Services to be Performed: Quite simply, this section lays out the description of the job in question, though it will leave the schedule for the services to the next provision.
• Time of Completion: Giving an expected date for the completion of the service project, this provision sets the limitations generally not found in an Employment Agreement.
• Payment: Not only does this address the price of the services rendered, but will also address problems like expenses that have to be made in providing the services.
• General Provisions: A “miscellaneous” section that can include additional provisions customized to suit the needs of the project.

As you can see, this contract is relatively straight-forward and not difficult to prepare once the terms of the agreement have been reached.

Do Service Agreements vary from state to state?

It’s important to have a contract that fits the individual parameters of your state’s legal system; however, Service Agreements generally don’t change very much from state to state on a core level. Even so, make sure that if you are using a Service Agreement that you use one that has been reviewed and approved for use in your individual state.

When is a Service Agreement enforceable?

Service Agreements, like most contracts, will be enforceable once they are validly signed. Because the Time of Completion provision will outline a specific schedule for the work and payment, the contract will generally not be truly enforceable until the time for each side to live up their responsibilities has arrived. Once both sides have lived up to the contract, there will be little “left over” enforceability unless other provisions have been included.

What are the requirements for a Service Agreement to be valid?

One important factor for Service Agreements is “consideration.” This factor assumes that both sides are receiving some benefit from the transaction – otherwise, the contract could be considered a form of involuntary servitude and would therefore be invalid. That’s why it’s important that both the services to be rendered and the payment terms for those services be listed in a Service Agreement. Other usual requirements of contractual validity (such as a willful signature between two legal adults) still apply.

When is a Service Agreement effective?

For contracts with specific time frames like a Service Agreement, the general effectiveness of the contract itself is strongly influenced by its own scheduling terms. However, a contract will not be null and void simply because the schedule for payment has passed and it’s important that the contract has also been fulfilled by each signing party. The contract will continue to be effective after it has been signed; however, there will not be much to enforce once the two sides have both lived up to their respective contractual obligations.

Service Agreements

• Service Agreement Combo Packages

  Service Agreement Combo Package containing the forms most commonly used when running a household. Included are service agreements for gardening, pool and window cleaning and child care. Also included is an amendment which will effectively amend an existing service agreement.

• Service Agreement (Consultant)

  Popular Service Agreement for use when hiring a Consultant. This agreement specifies the services the consultant will provide, if the services are ongoing or for a one-time project, employment status and how much consultant will be paid.

• Service Agreement (General)

  Popular! General Service Agreement for use when hiring a service provider. This agreement specifies the services to be provided (such as gardening, cleaning or bookkeeping), how much the provider will be paid and if the provider is considered an employee or independent contractor. This is one of our most popular forms.

• Service Agreement (Technology & Web)

  Popular Technology and Web Service Agreements for use when hiring a computer consultant, web designer or an individual to maintain your website. All agreements contain terms about the project scope and compensation paid to the provider.

• Service Agreement (Accounting)

  Accounting Service Agreement to be used when hiring an accountant to provide services on an ongoing or by-project basis. This agreement specifies the scope of the project, how much the accountant will be paid and that no employer/employee relationship is created.

• Service Agreement (Architect)

  Architect Services Agreement for use by a client and an architect who will provide architectural services. This form includes the scope of the project, its design phases and how much the architect will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Athletic Trainer)

  Athletic Trainer Service Agreement for use between a trainer and a client. This agreement specifies if the training services are for a one-time or on-going basis, dates and times of the sessions and how much the trainer will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Bookkeeping)

  Bookkeeping Service Agreement for use when hiring a bookkeeper. This agreement sets out the specific scope of the project, whether it is ongoing or for one-time services, compensation to be paid and if bookkeeper is considered an independent contractor.

• Service Agreement (Cabinetry)

  Cabinetry Services Agreement between an individual or company who builds and installs cabinets and a client who desires to have cabinets installed. This form sets out the purchase price, installation time frame and any warranties given for the cabinets.

• Service Agreement (Carpentry)

  Carpentry Services Agreement between a client and/or homeowner and a company or individual who will perform carpentry services. This agreement sets out the project terms including its scope, how long the project will take and how much the carpenter will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Carpet Cleaning)

  Carpet Cleaning Services Agreement is between a client and a contractor hired to clean carpets. This agreement sets out exact areas to be cleaned, how much the cleaner will be paid and when the carpets can be cleaned.

• Service Agreement (Carpet Installation)

  Carpet Installation Services Agreement for use by a client and a contractor hired to install carpets in a residence or commercial location. This agreement sets out type of carpet to be installed, dates and times for installation and compensation paid to the installer.

• Service Agreement (Chauffeur)

  Chauffeur Services Agreement between a customer and a company who provides chauffeur/driving services. This agreement includes terms about reservation, confirmation and cancellation procedures and the terms of payment.

• Service Agreement (Child Care)

  Child Care Service Agreement designed for use between a child care provider and a parent. This form sets out the specific services to be provided on a one-time or ongoing basis, how much the provider will be paid and contact information in the event of an emergency.

• Service Agreement (Clerical and Administrative)

  Clerical and Administrative Services Agreement designed for use when hiring a provider of these services. This form contains the exact services to be rendered, time frame and completion dates and that any work contributed is considered as work for hire.

• Service Agreement (Coaching)

  Coaching Service Agreement between a club or organization and an individual who will provide coaching services. This form includes the specific coaching services (i.e., sports related or other), how much the coach will be paid and how any incurred expenses will be reimbursed.

• Service Agreement (Cooking School Lessons)

  Cooking School Lessons Service Agreement between a school and a client who desires to learn how to cook. This agreement sets out the exact dates and times of the lessons, how much the student will pay and any rules which must be followed while taking the cooking lessons.

• Service Agreement (Dance School or Dance Instruction)

  Dance School or Dance Instruction Service Agreement between a student and a dance instructor or dance school. This agreement sets out the price of tuition or registration fees, term of the classes and also includes a disclaimer, medical and photo release.

• Service Agreement (Disc Jockey)

  Disc Jockey Service Agreement for use in a variety of situations. This agreement sets out the type of event where services will be rendered (wedding, anniversary party, etc.), date and location, any song requests and compensation paid to the DJ.

• Service Agreement (Dog Walking)

  Dog Walking Service Agreement for use by a dog owner and an individual who will provide walking services. This agreement sets out the name and type of dog to be walked, when and where dog should be walked and contact information in the event of emergency.

• Service Agreement (Electrical Contractor)

  Electrical Contractor Services Agreement for use by a property owner and a contractor hired to perform electrical work on a residence or commercial location. It includes the scope of the project, when the work can be performed and how much the contractor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Electrical Subcontractor)

  Electrical Subcontractor Services Agreement is between a contractor and a subcontractor hired to perform electrical work. This agreement contains the terms of the arrangement including the location of the job and when and how much the subcontractor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Errand/Concierge)

  Errand/Concierge Service Agreement for use by a client and an individual who will perform these types of services. This form sets out the specific services to be performed, compensation for the services and that client's confidential information must not be divulged.

• Service Agreement (Event Planner)

  Event Planner Services Agreement between a client and an individual who will plan an event, such as a wedding, anniversary, company function or other festive occasion. This form spells out the planning services to be performed, reimbursement for expenses and how much the event planner will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Fitness Training and Services)

  Fitness Training Services Agreement for use by a gym or studio where fitness classes or training will be performed. It includes information about the client, how much the services will cost and rules the client must abide by while training.

• Service Agreement (Flooring Contractor)

  Flooring Contractor Services Agreement between a property owner/client and a contractor hired to render flooring work. This agreement sets out the location of the work, hours work can be performed and payment to the flooring contractor.

• Service Agreement (Flooring Subcontractor)

  Flooring Subcontractor Services Agreement between a contractor and a subcontractor hired to assist in the performance of flooring work. This agreement contains the details of the job, how and when subcontractor will be paid, work location and hours flooring can be installed.

• Service Agreement (Florist)

  Florist Service Agreement designed for use by a florist and a business owner or individual. It sets out the floral services to be provided, if services are for a specific event or are rendered on an ongoing basic and payment arrangements with the florist.

• Service Agreement (Food)

  Food Service Agreements for use by bakers and caterers when rendering food services to a client or company. These agreements set out all terms including cost for the services and if the services are on-going or for a one time event.

• Service Agreement (Gardening)

  Gardening Service Agreement for use when hiring a gardener to render services for residential or commercial property. This agreement sets out the agreement term, whether it is ongoing or a one-time basis, who will provide materials (such as plants, fertilizer or mulch) and how much the gardener will be paid.

• Service Agreement (General Band)

  General Band Service Agreement for use when hiring a band for a one-time event or on an ongoing basis. This agreement sets out the dates and times of performances, if recording is allowed, manner of payment, expense reimbursement and policy in the event of cancellation.

• Service Agreement (Home Foundation Contractor)

  Home Foundation Contractor Agreement between a property owner and a contractor who will perform foundation work on a residence. This agreement includes location of the home, the hours work can be done and how much the foundation contractor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Home Foundation Subcontractor)

  Home Foundation Subcontractor Agreement for use by a contractor who hires a subcontractor to assist in home foundation work. This form sets out when and how the subcontractor will be paid, who will furnish any necessary materials and the duties to be performed.

• Service Agreement (Home Staging)

  Home Staging Agreement and Checklist for use when hiring an individual or company to "stage" your home in preparation for sale. Specific details are set out including the property location, inventory which the home stager will provide and maintenance of all inventory and furnishings.

• Service Agreement (Horse Boarding/Livery)

  Horse Boarding/Livery Service Agreements between a horse owner and a boarding stable or livery yard who will provide stabling and care for the animal. These agreements set out information about the client and the horse, specific duties both parties will perform, agreement term and contact information in the event of an emergency.

• Service Agreement (Horseback Riding Lessons)

  Horseback Riding Lessons Service Agreement between a stable and a student who desires to take riding lessons. This agreement includes information about the student, rules which student agrees to abide by and a release and indemnity waiver in the event of injury or accident while taking a riding lesson.

• Service Agreement (House Cleaning)

  House Cleaning Service Agreement for use when hiring a house cleaning service or house cleaner. This agreement sets out the location, dates and times when services will be rendered, specific cleaning to be done and compensation paid for the services.

• Service Agreement (House Sitting)

  House Sitting Services Agreement is between a client and an individual who will house sit in the client's absence. This agreement includes specific details including dates and times the client will be gone, compensation paid to the sitter and a description of duties (such as mail pick-up, pet care and household maintenance).

• Service Agreement (HVAC Contractor)

  HVAC Contractor Agreement for use by a client and a contractor who will perform heating, venting or air conditioning services. This agreement can be used for either residential or commercial property and clearly sets out the terms of the arrangement.

• Service Agreement (HVAC Subcontractor)

  HVAC Subcontractor Agreement for use when a contractor hires a subcontractor to assist with heating, venting or air conditioning work. This agreement is for use with residential or commercial properties and sets out duties the sub will perform and how much subcontractor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Illustrative)

  Illustrative Services Agreement for use when hiring an illustrator to create images for a written work such as a children's book, textbook or how-to manual. This form contains the project details, how much illustrator will be paid and who will own the image copyrights.

• Service Agreement (Information Technology)

  Information Technology (IT) Service Agreement between a business owner or client and an individual who will perform IT services. This agreement sets out the specific services to be rendered, performance standards and that the IT professional is considered an independent contractor.

• Service Agreement (Interior Design)

  Interior Design Service Agreement between a client and an interior designer. This agreement sets out the scope of the design project, fees, manner of payment and completion date.

• Service Agreement (Janitorial Services)

  Janitorial Services Agreement between a janitorial service provider and a property owner/tenant (generally a commercial property owner). This form sets out the specific cleaning services, dates and hours the work can be performed and how much the provider will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Journal Editor)

  Journal Editor Service Agreement between a publishing company and an editor who is experienced in editing weekly or monthly journals. This agreement spells out the editor's obligations, how much editor will be paid and how material will be selected.

• Service Agreement (Make Up Artist)

  Make-Up Artist Service Agreement between a client and a make-up artist. This agreement spells out the specific make-up services, date, time and location, special event the client is attending and how much the artist will be paid for his/her services.

• Service Agreement (Messenger)

  Messenger Service Agreement designed for use between a messenger and a business owner or other individual. It sets out whether the services are for a one-time delivery or for on-going services and how the messenger will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Mover)

  Mover Service Agreements for use by a customer and a company or individual who will perform moving services. These forms include an inventory form for use in inventorying the contents of a home or office and a service agreement which sets out the locations, dates and times of the move and how much the mover will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Network Administrator)

  Network Administrator Service Agreement between a client and an individual who will render administrative services for a computer network. This agreement sets out specific services to be performed and fees for set-up and administration.

• Service Agreement (Painting)

  Painting Services Agreement is between a client and a contractor who will render painting services for a home or office. This agreement sets out the location of the services, who will provide equipment, how much painter will be paid and that painter is considered an independent contractor.

• Service Agreement (Pest Control)

  Pest Control Service Agreement between a home or business owner and an individual or company who renders pest control services. It sets out the specific services to be done, location, dates and time for the services and if the services are ongoing.

• Service Agreement (Pet Services)

  Pet Services Agreement for use when hiring an individual to pet sit, train a pet or perform other services related to a pet. This form sets out details about the services, time for completion, how much provider will be paid and contact information if there is an emergency.

• Service Agreement (Photographer)

  Photographer Service Agreement between a photographer and a client. This agreement sets out the specific photography services to be rendered, if the photos are taken at a special event and if the services are ongoing. It also sets out the compensation the photographer will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Plumbing)

  Plumbing Services Agreement is between a property owner or client and a plumbing contractor. This agreement sets out the specific plumbing services to be rendered, location and time frame for completion and how much the plumbing contractor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Pool Cleaning)

  Pool Cleaning Service Agreement for use when hiring a pool cleaner. This agreement sets out the location of the pool, dates and times the cleaning and maintenance services can be rendered and how much and when the contractor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Referee)

  Referee/Umpire Services Agreement between a client and a referee/umpire. This agreement sets out the officiating services to be performed including the name of the sport, date, time and location, and how referee will be compensated.

• Service Agreement (Residential Property Surveyor)

  Residential Property Surveyor Services Agreement for use by a property owner and a surveyor who will perform survey work on residential property. It sets out how much surveyor will be paid, location of property and working hours.

• Service Agreement (Roofing Contractor)

  Roofing Contractor Services Agreement for use by a property owner and a roofer. It sets out the location of the property, how much roofer will be paid and who will furnish materials.

• Service Agreement (Roofing Subcontractor)

  Roofing Subcontractor Agreement is between a contractor and a subcontractor hired to perform roofing work on either commercial or residential property. It sets out specific duties subcontractor will perform and when subcontractor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Security Guard)

  Security Guard Service Agreement between a client and a security guard. This agreement sets out the specific security services to be rendered, including whether the guard is armed or unarmed. It also sets out if the services are ongoing or for a one-time event.

• Service Agreement (Siding Contractor)

  Siding Contractor Agreement between a homeowner and a company or individual who will install siding on the exterior of a home or structure. This form specifies the scope of the project, payment terms and time frame for completion.

• Service Agreement (Siding Subcontractor)

  Siding Subcontractor Services Agreement for use by a general contractor when hiring a subcontractor to assist in a siding project. This agreement specifies the subcontractor's specific duties and the payment terms.

• Service Agreement (Snow Removal Services)

  Snow Removal Service Agreement for use when hiring a contractor to remove snow from a residence or commercial property. It specifies how much contractor will be paid, exact location and services to be performed and contractor's insurance requirements.

• Service Agreement (System Development)

  System Development Service Agreement between a customer and a company who will develop an integrated computer hardware and software system. It sets out how the developer will be paid, if licenses are granted, how system will be delivered and if any warranty is given.

• Service Agreement (Technical/Scientific Writing)

  Technical/Scientific Writing Service Agreement for use when hiring a writer who specializes in writing in-depth technical journals. This agreement sets out the specific subject for the writing, when the work should be completed and how much the writer will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Translator)

  Translator Service Agreement for use by a translator who provides translation services to a business owner or individual. This agreement sets out the specific services to be rendered, who will provide necessary equipment, payment arrangements and if expenses will be reimbursed.

• Service Agreement (Tutoring)

  Tutoring Service Agreements for use by an individual who will provide tutoring services for either a child or an adult. These agreement set out the specifics including exact services to be performed, dates and times of the sessions and how much the tutor will be paid.

• Service Agreement (Vehicle Repossession)

  Vehicle Repossession Service Agreement between a creditor and a company who will repossess a vehicle upon creditor's request. It sets out the person who will assign the repossession, where repossessed vehicles will be held and how much the repo company will be paid for each vehicle.

• Service Agreement (Videographer)

  Videographer Service Agreement for use by a client and a contractor who will take videos according to client's instructions. This agreement sets forth the time frame, if services are ongoing or for a one-time event, how expenses will be reimbursed and payment arrangements.

• Service Agreement (Wedding Band)

  Wedding Band Service Agreement between a client and a band who will provide music at a wedding or reception. This agreement sets out the location, date and time of the event, any special music requests, if equipment is provided and payment arrangements (including additional and overtime fees).

• Service Agreement (Window Cleaning)

  Window Cleaning Service Agreement for use when hiring a contractor to wash windows. This agreement sets out the exact location of the services, any special equipment which is needed, if services are needed on an ongoing basis and payment arrangements.

• Service Agreement (Yoga Instructor/Studio)

  Yoga Instructor/Studio Services Agreement for use when hiring a yoga instructor or studio to teach yoga This agreement sets out the terms including dates and times of classes, number of students and fee paid to the instructor.

• Service Agreement Amendment

  Service Agreement Amendment for use when parties to an existing service agreement consent to its amendment. This amendment specifies the exact provisions to be amended and those which will remain in effect.