Six Questions to Ask Before Signing a Service Agreement
Clarify scope, accountability, timing, changes, data handling, and exit terms before work begins.
A service agreement should describe a working relationship, not merely authorize an invoice. Ambiguous contracts create disputes because each side fills the gaps with different assumptions.
What exactly will be delivered?
Define outputs, acceptance criteria, dependencies, and who supplies required information. Replace broad terms such as “support” or “optimization” with activities, response times, and limits.
Who owns decisions and materials?
Name the day-to-day contacts and the person allowed to approve scope or cost changes. Address ownership of files, designs, code, accounts, and data created during the engagement.
How does the relationship end?
Review notice periods, termination fees, final payments, and the handover process. The agreement should explain how credentials, files, and records are returned or deleted.
- What is included and explicitly excluded?
- How are changes estimated and approved?
- What response or completion times apply?
- How is confidential information protected?
- Who owns the finished work?
- What happens at termination?
Written clarity does not signal distrust. It creates a shared operating plan before pressure, delay, or disagreement makes clarification harder.
