Simple service agreement outline for solo jobs

A short service agreement locks down the work before you start. It is not a long contract. It is the few sentences that say what you will do, what it costs, and when the deposit is due. Write it in plain language. This is not legal advice. Check the rules where you work.

Quick answer

What three things does a short service agreement need to lock down before you start the job? The scope of the work, the price, and when payment (including any deposit) is due. Put those three on one page, show it to the customer, and get a signature before you hold the date or buy materials.

What belongs in a short agreement

Name both sides. Describe the work in specific terms the customer can check. State the price or how it will be calculated. Say when the deposit is due and whether it applies to the final invoice. Add a short note on what is not included. Keep it to one page so it can be read on a phone.

How to write the scope so both sides can check it

List the tasks. Use the same words the customer used in the request. If photos were attached, refer to them. Say what happens if something extra comes up. A clear list reduces the later conversation about what was or was not included.

Where the price and deposit fit

State the total or the rate. Then state the deposit amount and when it is due. A common practice is to collect the deposit when the agreement is signed, before the date is confirmed. On Fundamentals and above the deposit goes through the Stripe account you connect. PaceCount does not hold the funds.

Getting the signature before you hold the date

Send the agreement for signature after the request comes in and before you block the calendar. On Fundamentals and above you can build a template and send it for e-signature. The monthly pool is shared with signed forms and resets each calendar month. Once signed, collect the deposit. Help Center guides under Forms & Agreements walk through the setup.

What to leave out of a one-page version

Skip long legal clauses you have not reviewed. Leave out rules that do not apply to a one-person job. Do not invent cancellation percentages or averages. Keep the focus on scope, price, and deposit so the customer can sign it between jobs.

What three things does a short service agreement need?

The scope of the work, the price, and when any deposit or payment is due. Put those in plain language the customer can check before they sign.

Is this legal advice?

No. Use the outline as a starting point, write it in your own words, and check the rules where you work.

Does PaceCount hold the deposit?

No. On Fundamentals and above the deposit goes to the Stripe account you connect. PaceCount does not hold the funds. Refunds happen in Stripe.

How many e-signatures do I get?

Fundamentals includes 5 a month, Essentials 10, and Pro 50. The shared pool covers agreements and signed forms and resets each calendar month.