Is it a service agreement or a service contract?
In everyday use they mean the same thing: a written deal between a business and a client for work at a price. What matters is the content, not the title.
What each clause does
Services and what isn't included
Describe the work in words a client would use. Then list what isn't included, because scope creep usually starts with an unwritten assumption.
Fees, deposit and expenses
Set the rate and whether it's per hour, per visit, per month or for the whole job. Add a deposit, a late payment charge or an expenses rule only if you use them. Those clauses appear only when you fill them in.
Changes to the work
New requests get a price and a time in writing before the work starts. A text message or email is enough, as long as it's clear.
Quality of the work
You promise reasonable care and skill. The client reports problems within a time you set, and you get a fair chance to fix them.
Independent business
This says you're a separate business, not an employee. A sentence in a contract doesn't settle that question by itself, because the actual working relationship matters too.
Confidentiality
Tick this box if you see private client information, such as financial records or personal details.
Liability and insurance
You're responsible for your own carelessness, and not for events outside your control or wrong information from the client. If you carry insurance, name it. Clients often like to see it.
Term, cancellation and disagreements
Choose one job, ongoing, or a fixed term, then set the notice period. The disagreements clause asks both sides to talk first, and names your province's laws.
Trade-specific templates
Some work has its own risks, so use the closer fit if there is one:
How to use the agreement
- Agree on the work and the price with the client.
- Fill in the form, and read every clause in the preview.
- Send the PDF for signature before the work starts, and keep a signed copy.
- Invoice on the terms you agreed. The free invoice generator makes a PDF invoice in a minute.
Questions
What should a service agreement include?
The parties, a description of the work, what is not included, the schedule, the price and payment terms, how changes are handled, quality and liability terms, the term, cancellation, and both signatures.
Is a service agreement legally binding in Canada?
A written agreement that both of you accept, for a price, is generally a binding contract. How a court reads a clause depends on your province and the facts, so treat this template as a starting point and have a lawyer review it for large or high-risk work.
What is the difference between a service agreement and a service contract?
In everyday use, nothing. Both words describe a written deal for work at a price. This template works under either name.
Do I need a contract for small jobs?
It is your call. Even a short written agreement helps, because it records the work, the price and when payment is due. For repeat clients, one agreement can cover ongoing work.
Can a client sign electronically?
In most everyday service work, yes. Many operators email the PDF and ask the client to sign it with an e-signature app, or to sign a printed copy and send back a photo. The last clause of this template says those copies count as originals. Check the rules for your province if the contract is unusual or the amount is large.
Is this service agreement template free?
Yes. Fill it in, preview it on the page, then download the PDF or print it. You do not need an account, and your draft is saved in this browser only.