Can this be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and by UETA in most states, provided signage intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are satisfied.

What if a signer’s name doesn’t match ID?

A name mismatch can raise authentication concerns and delay enforcement. Use the signer’s legal entity name on the document and capture additional identification in the signing process if required.

Do I need notarization or witnesses?

Notarization or witness requirements depend on document content and state law. Most commercial service agreements do not require a notary, but property or power-related provisions may trigger notary rules.

How do I preserve a compliant record?

Retain a tamper-evident PDF with a complete audit trail showing signer identity, timestamps, IP addresses, and action events to satisfy evidentiary needs under ESIGN and UETA.

What signNow plans support bulk sending?

signNow’s Business Premium plan adds bulk send; Site License and Enterprise tiers include additional API and integration capabilities for high-volume workflows.

How is signer authentication handled?

Platforms typically offer email links, SMS codes, KBA, or stronger identity verification. Choose an authentication level aligned to the transaction’s risk and any industry rules that apply.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Business Services Fat Cat

Business Services Fat Cat

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

BUSINESS SERVICES AGREEMENT — FAT CAT

This Business Services Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of by and between:

Parties

Client Name Client Address Service Provider Name Service Provider Address

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Client desires to obtain certain business services described herein for the purpose of improving the Client's commercial operations, and Provider represents that it has the qualifications, experience, and ability to perform such services in a professional manner; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth the terms and conditions under which Provider will perform the services and Client will compensate Provider; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend for this Agreement to constitute a complete allocation of their rights and obligations with respect to the subject matter hereof.

Scope of Work

Provider shall perform the services described below (Services). Provider shall use reasonable skill, care, and diligence consistent with industry standards.

Describe Scope of Work

Payment Terms

Client shall pay Provider the fees as set forth below in consideration for Provider's performance of the Services.

Total Fee Payment Schedule / Milestones

All invoices are due within days of receipt unless otherwise agreed in writing. Past due amounts shall accrue interest at a rate of per month, and Client shall be responsible for reasonable collection costs and attorneys' fees for enforcement.

Expense Reimbursement

Term and Termination

This Agreement shall commence on and shall continue until unless earlier terminated as provided herein.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' prior written notice. Either party may terminate for material breach if the breach remains uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice specifying the breach.

Confidentiality

"Confidential Information" means non-public information disclosed by a disclosing party to the receiving party, whether oral, written, or electronic, that is designated as confidential or that reasonably should be understood to be confidential given the nature of the information and the circumstances of disclosure. Confidential Information excludes information that: (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than through a breach of this Agreement; (b) becomes available to the receiving party on a non-confidential basis from a third party having no obligation of confidentiality; or (c) is independently developed by the receiving party without use of the disclosing party's Confidential Information.

The receiving party shall: (i) use Confidential Information solely to perform its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) restrict disclosure of Confidential Information to those of its employees, agents, and contractors who have a need to know and who are bound by confidentiality obligations no less protective than those herein; and (iii) take reasonable measures to protect Confidential Information from unauthorized disclosure. The confidentiality obligations survive termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years, except that trade secrets shall remain protected for as long as they qualify as trade secrets.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of without regard to conflict of laws principles. The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located within that state for resolution of disputes arising out of this Agreement.

Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

Each party shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other party from and against third-party claims arising out of its gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of representations in this Agreement. Except for liability arising from a party's gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of confidentiality, in no event shall either party be liable for consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages. The aggregate liability of either party for claims arising under this Agreement shall be limited to the total fees paid or payable to Provider under this Agreement in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

Entire Agreement

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

Miscellaneous

The parties are independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership, joint venture, employment relationship, or agency. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Notices shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth above.

Client (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Service Provider (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

What the Business Services Fat Cat document is

The Business Services Fat Cat is a standardized service agreement template used by firms to define the scope, deliverables, payment terms, and responsibilities for recurring or project-based business services. It combines operational detail (task lists, milestones, deliverables) with legal terms (indemnity, limitation of liability, governing law) so parties have a single reference for expectations and performance. Organizations commonly use this form to onboard vendors, engage consultants, or document retained services where timelines, fees, and acceptance criteria must be documented and enforced.

Why a consistent Business Services Fat Cat matters

Using a clear, consistent template reduces disputes, speeds contracting, and centralizes obligations so teams and clients share the same expectations. The form also provides a uniform record that supports compliance, auditability, and e-discovery when retained electronically under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) or state UETA frameworks.

Who commonly prepares or signs this document

Typical preparers and signers include procurement managers, account executives, legal counsel, and client representatives who need documented service terms.

Procurement teams and purchasing managers who need vendor-level consistency and budget control.
Account managers and operations leads who track milestones, deliverables, and acceptance criteria for billing.
In-house counsel and external lawyers who review risk allocation, indemnity, and governing law clauses.

The form is useful for both small firms and enterprise teams that require predictable contracting and auditable acceptance of deliverables.

Core sections to include in a professional Business Services Fat Cat

A complete document balances operational clarity with legal protections. Include defined terms, scope details, payment structure, timelines, performance standards, and termination conditions so both parties can measure compliance and resolve disputes.

Scope

Precise description of services, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and excluded tasks so parties cannot reasonably disagree about what work is covered under the agreement.

Term

Start and end dates, renewal mechanics, and termination rights including cure periods and termination for convenience so both parties understand contract duration and exit options.

Fees

Fee schedule, billing intervals, expense reimbursement rules, late payment interest and invoicing requirements that determine how and when payments are calculated and paid.

Performance

Service levels, deliverable acceptance tests, remedies for missed milestones, and escalation paths that tie operational outcomes to contractual obligations.

Liability

Limitations of liability, indemnification clauses, and insurance requirements to allocate financial risk and define remedies for breaches or third-party claims.

Compliance

Data handling, confidentiality, and regulatory obligations (for example HIPAA addenda in healthcare) to ensure statutory and contractual privacy requirements are met.

Step-by-step: completing a Business Services Fat Cat

Follow a consistent order to reduce revisions: define scope first, then price, schedule, and risk allocations before circulation for signature.

01

Draft scope: Detail deliverables and exclusions.
02

Set fees: Enter rates, billing, and payment terms.
03

Add legal terms: Include liability, confidentiality, and termination clauses.
04

Sign and store: Execute and retain a copy with audit trail.

Configuring an online workflow for this template

Design a repeatable workflow: assign fields, set signer order, enable reminders, and attach supporting exhibits before sending.

Field	Configuration
Signer order	Sequential or parallel signer routing
Authentication	Email + SMS code or stronger ID verification
Reminders	Automatic reminders at set intervals
Attachments	Embed SOWs, schedules, or exhibits

Where to send and how the completed document flows

A typical post-signing flow records distribution to internal teams, the counterparty, and archival storage with a retained audit trail for compliance.

To client: Send final executed copy to client contact.
Internal routing: Notify finance and operations for invoicing.
Archive: Store a tamper-evident PDF in records.
Audit trail: Preserve signing certificate and events.

Digital signing and e-submission considerations

Ensure the platform you use supports required authentication, retention, and audit features for legal validity.

Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA
Retention: Tamper-evident PDF
Integrations: CRM and cloud storage

Common timing and deadlines to track

Identify and calendar key dates such as effective date, milestone due dates, invoice due dates, renewal deadlines, and termination notice periods to prevent missed obligations.

Effective date and term:

Start and end dates set performance windows.

Milestone deadlines:

Tie payments to deliverable acceptance dates.

Invoice due date:

Record Net terms to calculate late fees.

Renewal notice:

Calendar automatic renewal or opt-out windows.

Termination notice:

Observe cure periods before termination.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Vague scope descriptions that leave deliverables open to subjective interpretation and later dispute.
Missing or incorrect signer authority entries that render executed contracts vulnerable to challenge.
Unclear payment provisions or billing milestones that produce invoice disputes and delayed revenue recognition.
Failing to retain a signed, tamper-evident copy with audit trail undermines enforceability under ESIGN and UETA.

Potential legal and financial consequences of errors

Breach exposure: Increased liability for missed obligations

Payment disputes: Delayed collections and interest risk

Regulatory risk: Privacy violations in regulated industries

Tax impact: Incorrect invoices affect tax reporting

Invalid signature: Execution errors may void agreement

Evidence gaps: Missing audit trail weakens enforcement

Comparing eSignature providers for executing the Business Services Fat Cat

Vendor selection affects cost, authentication options, and compliance features; signNow appears first as a reference point for pricing and capabilities.

	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	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Practical examples of how organizations use the template

Real-world implementations show how the template reduces negotiation time and streamlines execution across departments.

Optica Ventures

Optica used a firm-wide template to onboard vendors consistently with standardized payment terms.

The result reduced review cycles across departments.
The company reported fewer post-signature disputes because deliverables and acceptance tests were documented up front and stored with a complete audit trail.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties digitized service agreements for property management workflows.

Signatures were captured remotely.
This allowed operations to process work orders and invoices without in-person meetings while retaining compliance-ready execution records.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Adopt consistent internal standards for who drafts, who approves, and where executed files are stored to minimize friction and risk.

Use standardized exhibits

Attach a single exhibit for scope and change orders so updates do not require rewriting the main contract text.

Define signatory roles

List authorized signers and job titles to avoid later challenges about signature authority.

Keep numeric clarity

Spell out fees and also include numerals; avoid ranges for primary billing items to reduce disputes.

Preserve audit logs

Retain the system-generated certificate of completion and event log for evidentiary support.

Frequently asked questions about using the Business Services Fat Cat

Answers to common execution, compliance, and technical questions when preparing or signing the template.

Need help? Contact support

Can this be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and by UETA in most states, provided signage intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are satisfied.
What if a signer’s name doesn’t match ID?
A name mismatch can raise authentication concerns and delay enforcement. Use the signer’s legal entity name on the document and capture additional identification in the signing process if required.
Do I need notarization or witnesses?
Notarization or witness requirements depend on document content and state law. Most commercial service agreements do not require a notary, but property or power-related provisions may trigger notary rules.
How do I preserve a compliant record?
Retain a tamper-evident PDF with a complete audit trail showing signer identity, timestamps, IP addresses, and action events to satisfy evidentiary needs under ESIGN and UETA.
What signNow plans support bulk sending?
signNow’s Business Premium plan adds bulk send; Site License and Enterprise tiers include additional API and integration capabilities for high-volume workflows.
How is signer authentication handled?
Platforms typically offer email links, SMS codes, KBA, or stronger identity verification. Choose an authentication level aligned to the transaction’s risk and any industry rules that apply.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now