Freelance Template
Free Freelance Service Agreement Template
The essential contract between freelancers and clients covering scope, payment, deliverables, and intellectual property.
Template
Copy this markdown, replace the {{variables}}, and send via API.
# Freelance Service Agreement
**Freelancer:** {{freelancerName}} ({{freelancerEmail}})
**Client:** {{clientName}} ({{clientEmail}})
**Date:** {{date}}
## 1. Services
{{serviceDescription}}
## 2. Deliverables
{{deliverables}}
## 3. Timeline
- Start: {{startDate}}
- Delivery: {{deliveryDate}}
- Revision rounds: {{revisionRounds}}
## 4. Compensation
- Rate: {{rate}}
- Payment schedule: {{paymentSchedule}}
- Late payment fee: {{lateFee}}
## 5. Intellectual Property
All deliverables become the property of the Client upon full payment.
## 6. Revisions
{{revisionRounds}} rounds of revisions included. Additional revisions billed at {{revisionRate}}.
## 7. Termination
Either party may terminate with {{noticePeriod}} notice. Client pays for work completed.Send for e-signature
curl -X POST https://signb.ee/api/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"content": "YOUR_RENDERED_MARKDOWN",
"senderName": "Your Name",
"senderEmail": "you@company.com",
"recipientName": "Recipient",
"recipientEmail": "recipient@email.com"
}'What happens next
- Signbee converts the markdown to a professional PDF
- Recipient gets an email with a signing link
- Both parties sign with an animated handwriting signature
- Both receive the signed PDF with a SHA-256 certificate
All signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS, and ECA.
More details
A freelance service agreement is the single most important document in a freelancer's business. It transforms a handshake into a legally enforceable contract that protects both the freelancer and the client.
Why verbal agreements fail: Freelancers who work without contracts risk scope creep, late payment, disputed deliverables, and IP ownership conflicts. A written agreement establishes expectations before work begins — eliminating the 'but I thought you said...' conversations that damage relationships and revenue.
Essential clauses every freelance agreement needs: 1. Scope of work — Define exactly what you will deliver and, critically, what you will NOT deliver. 'Design a 5-page website' is enforceable; 'design help' is not. 2. Payment terms — Specify rates, payment schedule, accepted methods, and late payment penalties. Net 14 or Net 30 is standard. Always include a kill fee for cancelled projects. 3. Revision policy — State the number of included revision rounds and the hourly rate for additional revisions. Without this, revisions become infinite. 4. IP transfer — Clarify when ownership transfers. Best practice: IP transfers to the client only upon full payment. This protects freelancers from non-paying clients using their work. 5. Timeline — Include start date, milestones, and delivery date. Note that client delays (late feedback, delayed approvals) extend the timeline proportionally. 6. Termination — Both parties should be able to exit. Define notice period (typically 14-30 days) and payment for work completed up to termination. 7. Liability limitation — Cap your liability at the total fees paid under the agreement.
Pricing models for freelancers: - Fixed fee: Best for well-defined projects with clear deliverables. Quote the project, not the hours. - Hourly rate: Best for open-ended or advisory work. Track hours and bill weekly or monthly. - Day rate: Common in consulting. Simplifies billing and sets clear expectations. - Retainer: Monthly fee for guaranteed availability. Best for ongoing relationships. - Value-based: Price based on the value delivered, not time spent. Requires deep understanding of client's business impact.
Frequently asked questions
Do freelancers need a service agreement?
Absolutely. A freelance service agreement protects against scope creep, late payment, IP disputes, and project cancellation. It establishes legally enforceable expectations for both parties and is essential for professional freelancing.
When does IP transfer from freelancer to client?
Best practice is to transfer IP only upon full payment. This protects freelancers from clients who use deliverables without paying. The agreement should explicitly state that all rights remain with the freelancer until the final invoice is settled.
Can a freelance agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Freelance service agreements are fully valid with electronic signatures under ESIGN (US), eIDAS (EU), and ECA (UK). Electronic signing is standard practice — send the agreement and get it signed in minutes before work begins.
Related resources
Send this template for signing — free, no credit card.