Is an electronic signature legally valid?

Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA (adopted by most states), electronic signatures are generally legally binding when intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met; certain exceptions like wills and court orders remain ineligible.

Does this require notarization or witnesses?

Most Business Hunt Agreements do not require notarization or witnesses to be enforceable; however, specific state practices or related recordings may benefit from notarization. For real estate-related introductions, state law may impose witness or notary requirements—verify locally.

Can I use remote online notarization (RON)?

Yes in many states. RON is permitted in most U.S. jurisdictions with identity proofing, audio-video recording, and retention requirements, but availability varies by state—confirm current RON status with the state notary commission before relying on it.

What fields are essential to complete?

Essential fields include full legal names, effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format, clear compensation terms, exclusivity parameters, party addresses, and a signature block that records printed name, title, and signing capacity to establish authority and attribution of the signature.

How long should I retain the agreement?

Keep the agreement for the active term plus a minimum of three years for general business records; retain for six years where tax or HIPAA considerations apply and consult federal rules such as IRC §6501(a) and 45 CFR §164.530(j) for specifics.

Can signNow handle e-signing and compliance?

signNow supports legally binding e-signatures, detailed audit trails, and compliance with ESIGN and UETA; it offers HIPAA support with a BAA, SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, and industry integrations to archive signed agreements.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Business Hunt Agreement

Business Hunt Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

BUSINESS HUNT AGREEMENT

This Business Hunt Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of by and between:

Client Name: Client Address: Finder Name: Finder Address:

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Finder to locate and introduce potential business acquisition targets, joint venture opportunities or other business opportunities consistent with Client's investment criteria; and

WHEREAS, Finder represents that it has the experience, network and capability to identify and present suitable business opportunities to Client and possesses no conflicts that would materially impair its performance under this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the terms and conditions under which Finder will present opportunities to Client and the compensation and confidentiality obligations that will govern their relationship.

SCOPE OF WORK

Finder shall, on a best-efforts basis, identify, evaluate and introduce business opportunities to Client that conform to the investment parameters and criteria set by Client. Finder's services shall include sourcing prospective targets, conducting preliminary diligence, and making introductions to Client's designated representatives.

Detailed Scope / Deliverables: Exclusivity:

Finder is retained on an exclusive basis for the Territory and Opportunity Type indicated by Client.

PAYMENT TERMS

Client agrees to pay Finder compensation as set forth below for introductions and transactions that result, directly or indirectly, in a Signed Transaction (as defined below).

Retainer Amount (if any): Success Fee / Finder's Fee: Payment Schedule and Conditions: Late Payment Charge:

For purposes of this Agreement, a "Signed Transaction" means a binding agreement for the sale, purchase or other disposition of a business or equity interest executed by Client (or an affiliate) and the introduced party within following the introduction. Finder is entitled to the agreed fee for any Signed Transaction attributable to Finder's introduction.

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement shall commence on the Start Date and continue until the End Date unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Section.

Start Date: End Date: Notice Period for Termination:

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon written notice to the other party in accordance with the Notice provisions below. Termination shall not relieve Client of liability for fees for Signed Transactions for which Finder made an introduction prior to termination or during any applicable tail period.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party shall keep confidential all non-public information disclosed by the other party and identified as confidential or that is reasonably understood to be confidential given the nature of the information and the circumstances of disclosure. Confidential information shall not include information that: (i) is or becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement; (ii) was rightfully in the receiving party's possession prior to disclosure; or (iii) is independently developed by the receiving party without use of, or reference to, the disclosing party's confidential information.

The receiving party may disclose confidential information to its employees, advisors and affiliates on a need-to-know basis, provided such persons are bound by confidentiality obligations substantially similar to those in this Agreement. Upon termination or written request, the receiving party shall return or destroy confidential materials and certify such return or destruction in writing.

REPRESENTATIONS; INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Each party represents that it has the authority to enter into this Agreement. Finder makes no representation or warranty as to the ultimate suitability or performance of any introduced opportunity; Client acknowledges that independent due diligence is its responsibility.

Client shall indemnify and hold Finder harmless from any claims, liabilities, losses or expenses arising out of Client's use of an introduced opportunity, except to the extent caused by Finder's gross negligence or willful misconduct. In no event shall Finder's aggregate liability under this Agreement exceed the total fees actually received by Finder from Client under this Agreement.

NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as a party may designate by written notice.

Client Notice Address: Finder Notice Address:

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of law principles.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT

This Agreement, together with any exhibits or schedules expressly incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, whether written or oral. Any amendment or modification must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect and the parties shall negotiate in good faith a substitute provision that most nearly effects the parties' original intent.

SIGNATURES

Client

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Finder

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Business Hunt Agreement Is and when it matters

The Business Hunt Agreement is a formal contract that sets out terms between a principal and an agent engaged to identify, pursue, and secure business opportunities on the principal's behalf. It defines the scope of prospecting activities, performance expectations, exclusivity, compensation (commissions or fees), confidentiality, and timelines. The agreement clarifies deliverables such as lead lists, introductions, or negotiated offers, and assigns responsibility for expenses and compliance with applicable laws. It is commonly used where a company engages brokers, business finders, or sales representatives to source customers, partners, or acquisition targets.

Why a clear Business Hunt Agreement reduces risk

A Business Hunt Agreement protects both parties by setting clear expectations on duties, compensation, confidentiality, and termination. It reduces dispute risk, speeds negotiations, and documents intellectual property and referral rights so outcomes and reimbursements are enforceable under applicable contract law.

Who commonly uses a Business Hunt Agreement

Common users include businesses, brokers, and sales representatives who need formal terms for lead sourcing and commissions.

Small and mid-sized companies engaging third-party agents to find customers or acquisition targets.
Business brokers and finders seeking defined commission structures and exclusivity windows in writing.
Independent sales reps or consultants documenting territories, quotas, and reimbursement for incurred expenses.

Typical signers are authorized representatives with contracting authority, and agreements often require signatures from officers or registered agents.

Essential sections to include in your agreement

Core sections in a Business Hunt Agreement outline scope, compensation, exclusivity, confidentiality, term and termination, deliverables, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Scope of Work

Describe the agent's responsibilities—market research, lead generation, meetings, introductions, negotiation support—and define geographic territories, excluded customers, and any limits on methods or channels used to locate prospects.

Compensation

State fee structure—flat retainer, milestone payments, success-based commission percentage, timing of payments, conditions for refundable retainers, and procedure for withholding or offsetting costs against commissions.

Exclusivity

Specify whether the agent has exclusive rights to pursue opportunities in defined markets, duration of exclusivity, carve-outs for pre-existing contacts, and remedies for breach of exclusivity.

Confidentiality

Include non-disclosure obligations, permitted disclosures, handling of confidential documents, duration of confidentiality, and consequences for unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary or personal data and return or destruction requirements.

Term & Termination

Set the effective date, contract length, renewal terms, notice period for termination, and termination triggers such as material breach, insolvency, or prolonged non-performance by either party.

Dispute Resolution

Designate governing law, preferred venue or arbitration rules, whether attorneys' fees are recoverable, and interim remedies like injunctive relief for confidentiality breaches, misappropriation, or specific performance.

Step-by-step: drafting to final copies

Follow these steps to complete and execute a Business Hunt Agreement accurately, from drafting to signed and distributed copies.

01

Draft Terms: Define scope, compensation, and exclusivity clearly.
02

Review Legality: Confirm compliance with state and federal laws.
03

Signatures & Authentication: Obtain authorized signatures and record dates.
04

Distribute & Retain: Provide final copies to parties and store securely.

Configuring an online signing workflow

Configure the online workflow to collect signatures, set signer order, add conditional fields, and enable reminders and authentication.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Define signing sequence and allow parallel signing where applicable.
Authentication	Select email, SMS code, or KBA for signer verification.
Conditional Fields	Show or hide fields based on prior answers to reduce signer errors.
Reminders	Automatic email reminders at set intervals until signing completes.

Document routing and where signed copies go

Routing steps show who receives, reviews, and signs the agreement, plus where final copies are archived and served.

Upload Document: Sender uploads finalized draft to the eSignature platform.
Assign Signers: Add signer emails, roles, and signing order.
Authenticate: Choose verification method and optional ID checks.
Complete & Archive: Signed copies and audit trail are generated and stored.

Technical and security considerations for eSigning

Ensure the e-signature platform accepts PDF and DOCX, creates detailed audit trails, and integrates with CRM and cloud storage.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and HTML supported.
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace, Box.
Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, AES-256 at rest.

Key dates and notice obligations to track

Key deadlines include payment schedules, exclusivity periods, required notices for termination, and tax reporting triggers where applicable.

Effective Date & Term:

Agreement start date triggers term and renewal deadlines.

Payment Milestones:

Specify invoice dates and net payment windows.

Exclusivity End Date:

Record expiry and notice period for non-renewal.

Termination Notice:

Provide written notice period and acceptable delivery methods.

Tax Reporting Triggers:

Document payments that may generate 1099 reporting obligations.

Milestone timeline from draft to post-execution

Milestones show drafting, negotiation, signature, and post-execution obligations in sequence for clarity and tracking across parties.

01

Draft Agreement

Owner drafts initial terms and drafts version control.

02

Negotiate Terms

Parties propose edits and record agreed changes for approval.

03

Sign Execution

Authorized signers execute and date the final document.

04

Post-Execution Compliance

Deliver copies, update CRM, begin performance and payment tracking.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Using vague compensation language such as 'reasonable commission' without percentage or calculation leads to disputes and hampers enforceability in payment claims.
Failing to define geographic or client exclusions can result in overlapping claims between representatives and create litigation risks over territory assignment rights.
Not including confidentiality or data handling provisions when exchanging lead lists risks noncompliance with privacy laws and potential HIPAA exposure for healthcare-related targets.
Allowing unbounded reimbursement for expenses without receipts and approval controls may cause disputes and unexpected financial liabilities for the principal.

Consequences of errors or omissions

Late Payment: Breaches contract and may incur damages.

1099 Reporting: Missing correct Form 1099 leads to IRS penalties.

Breach of Confidentiality: Could trigger injunctions and monetary damages.

Unauthorized Representations: Agent liability for contracts exceeding authority.

Notarization Failure: Improper notarization can affect enforceability.

Termination Disputes: Costs and indemnity claims may follow.

eSignature plan comparison for executing Business Hunt Agreements

Compare common eSignature plan features and starting prices to evaluate costs, HIPAA support, bulk send capability, and envelope or usage caps.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes; 7-day free trial, no credit card required	Varies by plan; check vendor	Varies by plan; check vendor	Varies by plan; check vendor	Varies by plan; check vendor
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Yes, available on select plans	Yes, available on business plans	Yes, available on select plans	No or limited availability
Audit Trail	Yes, detailed audit trail	Yes, detailed audit trail	Yes, detailed audit trail	Yes, audit trail included	Yes, audit trail included
HIPAA Compliant	Yes, BAA available	Yes, BAA available	Yes, BAA available	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	Limited to 100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Realistic examples of typical uses

Representative examples show how businesses use the agreement for lead sourcing, broker commissions, and acquisition introductions.

Case Study 1

A mid-sized software firm engaged an agent to locate potential resellers and cross-sell partners under a Business Hunt Agreement.

Agent sourced five qualified partners.
The agreement specified a 10% success fee, exclusivity by territory for six months, required confidentiality protections, and outlined reimbursement of travel expenses and arbitration for disputes, which minimized misunderstandings and accelerated onboarding.

Case Study 2

A construction subcontractor hired a finder to introduce material suppliers and subcontract opportunities via a Business Hunt Agreement.

Finder secured three supplier bids within two weeks.
Contract included lien waiver clause, milestone payments tied to verified deliveries, and clear expense approval process, and established termination rights for persistent non-performance and notice protocols, which reduced payment disputes and sped project startup.

Frequently asked questions about signing and compliance

Answers to common questions about using, signing, and storing a Business Hunt Agreement, including e-signature and notarization considerations.

Need help? Contact support

Is an electronic signature legally valid?
Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA (adopted by most states), electronic signatures are generally legally binding when intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met; certain exceptions like wills and court orders remain ineligible.
Does this require notarization or witnesses?
Most Business Hunt Agreements do not require notarization or witnesses to be enforceable; however, specific state practices or related recordings may benefit from notarization. For real estate-related introductions, state law may impose witness or notary requirements—verify locally.
Can I use remote online notarization (RON)?
Yes in many states. RON is permitted in most U.S. jurisdictions with identity proofing, audio-video recording, and retention requirements, but availability varies by state—confirm current RON status with the state notary commission before relying on it.
What fields are essential to complete?
Essential fields include full legal names, effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format, clear compensation terms, exclusivity parameters, party addresses, and a signature block that records printed name, title, and signing capacity to establish authority and attribution of the signature.
How long should I retain the agreement?
Keep the agreement for the active term plus a minimum of three years for general business records; retain for six years where tax or HIPAA considerations apply and consult federal rules such as IRC §6501(a) and 45 CFR §164.530(j) for specifics.
Can signNow handle e-signing and compliance?
signNow supports legally binding e-signatures, detailed audit trails, and compliance with ESIGN and UETA; it offers HIPAA support with a BAA, SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, and industry integrations to archive signed agreements.

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