What makes an e-signature legally binding?

An e-signature is generally binding when there is intent to sign, consent to conduct the transaction electronically, a reliable method to attribute the signature to the signer, and the record is retained and reproducible per ESIGN and UETA. Consumer-facing records may also require a specific ESIGN disclosure.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is required when state law or the transaction type (for example, deeds or certain powers) mandates it. Requirements vary by state; if notarization is required, consider Remote Online Notarization where permitted by law.

Can I use a basic typed signature for the SHAR?

Yes, in most commercial contexts a typed or clicked signature can be valid if it meets intent, attribution, and retention criteria under ESIGN/UETA. Higher-risk agreements may warrant stronger signer authentication or a digital signature.

How should I store signed SHAR records?

Store signed files in a secure, access‑controlled repository with tamper-evident audit logs. Retain originals according to applicable federal and industry retention rules such as IRS and HIPAA requirements.

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

Mismatched legal names can delay vendor setup and tax reporting. Verify the signer’s authority and correct the name before finalizing; attach evidence of signing authority when necessary.

Which eSignature features reduce execution risk?

Use platforms that provide a detailed audit trail, optional multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and integration with your document management system. For regulated records, ensure the provider supports HIPAA, SOC 2, and relevant compliance controls.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Business Services SHAR

Business Services SHAR

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

BUSINESS SERVICES SHAR

Service Provider Name: Client Name:

Effective Date:

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Service Provider represents that it possesses the professional skills, personnel and resources necessary to perform the services described in this Agreement and warrants that such services will be performed in a competent and professional manner in accordance with industry standards; and

WHEREAS, Client desires to retain Service Provider to provide such services on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and Service Provider agrees to provide services to Client subject to those terms and conditions.

SCOPE OF WORK

Service Provider will perform the services described below. The parties acknowledge that any change to the scope of work that materially alters the obligations, schedule or compensation must be agreed in writing by authorized representatives of both parties.

Detailed Description of Services

PAYMENT TERMS

Client shall pay Service Provider the fees set forth below in exchange for the services rendered. All fees are payable in U.S. dollars unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Total Contract Amount Payment Schedule Payment Due Within (days)

Late payments shall accrue interest and fees as specified below. Interest accrues from the date payment is due until paid in full.

Late Fee (percentage per month) Late Fee (flat amount)

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement shall commence on the Start Date set forth below and shall continue in effect until the End Date or until earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement.

Start Date End Date Notice Period for Termination (days)

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other party if such breach remains uncured for the notice period specified above. Termination for convenience by either party requires the notice identified above and payment for services performed through the effective date of termination.

CONFIDENTIALITY

For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" means non-public information disclosed by one party to the other 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.

Each party agrees to: (a) use Confidential Information solely to perform its obligations under this Agreement; (b) restrict disclosure of Confidential Information to its employees, contractors or advisors who have a need to know and who are bound by confidentiality obligations at least as protective as those set forth herein; and (c) take reasonable measures to protect Confidential Information from unauthorized disclosure.

Confidentiality Survival Period (years)

Confidential Information does not include information that: (i) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving party; (ii) is rightfully known by the receiving party at the time of disclosure; (iii) is independently developed by the receiving party without use of the disclosing party's Confidential Information; or (iv) is required to be disclosed by law, provided the receiving party provides prompt written notice and limited disclosure to the extent legally required.

INDEMNIFICATION

Each party (the "Indemnifying Party") shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other party (the "Indemnified Party") from and against any losses, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of third-party claims to the extent caused by the Indemnifying Party's negligence, willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Except for liability arising from intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or indemnification obligations, neither party's aggregate liability for damages under this Agreement shall exceed the total fees paid by Client to Service Provider under this Agreement in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to its conflicts of law principles. The parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the state and federal courts located within that state.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

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

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Neither party may assign its rights or delegate its duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, except that Service Provider may assign this Agreement in connection with a sale of substantially all of its assets or equity. Notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses provided by the parties.

Service Provider Address Client Address

Service Provider Name:

By:

Date:

Client Name:

By:

Date:

What the Business Services SHAR Is

The Business Services SHAR is a standardized administrative form used to report and document service arrangements, scope, and responsibilities between a business and its service providers. It captures key contract terms, parties, effective dates, insurance and compliance items, and any project- or transaction-specific requirements. Organizations use the SHAR to create a consistent record for procurement, risk review, and onboarding, and to support internal approvals and external audits. The form is suitable for recurring service engagements and one-off vendor arrangements where a consolidated service summary is required.

Why a clear SHAR matters for your business

A well‑prepared SHAR reduces ambiguity about responsibilities, supports timely approvals, and creates an auditable record for compliance and finance.

Who typically prepares and signs a SHAR

Several internal and external roles commonly use the SHAR during vendor selection, contracting, and service delivery.

Procurement teams who manage vendor evaluation and contract terms, ensuring completeness before purchase order issuance.
Legal or compliance reviewers who confirm regulatory clauses, confidentiality, insurance, and contractual risk allocation.
Vendor representatives who provide service descriptions, pricing, and attestations about capabilities and certifications.

Assigning clear owners for each section prevents gaps and speeds final execution.

Core sections to include in a professional SHAR

A complete SHAR organizes information so reviewers can understand scope, risk, costs, and compliance at a glance.

Service Scope

Describe tasks, deliverables, performance metrics, and any exclusions so obligations are clearly bounded and testable.

Parties

List the legal names, contact points, and roles for each party to avoid ambiguity in notices or enforcement.

Term & Dates

State effective date, renewal terms, termination rights, and any milestone or delivery deadlines the parties must meet.

Compensation

Specify fees, payment terms, invoicing schedule, and any pass-through costs such as travel or third-party licenses.

Compliance

Note applicable regulations (HIPAA, FERPA, industry standards), insurance requirements, and required attestations or certificates.

Approvals

Capture internal approvers, signature blocks, and document versioning to maintain an audit trail of final signatories.

Essential information fields

Business Name: Registered legal name

Vendor Name: Full vendor legal name

Service Description: Concise scope summary

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format

Contact Details: Email and phone

Signature Blocks: Signer name and date

Step-by-step: completing the SHAR

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a SHAR that is complete, auditable, and ready for execution.

01

Gather Documents: Collect vendor quotes, insurance certificates, and scopes of work.
02

Populate Fields: Enter names, dates, fees, and key terms precisely.
03

Internal Review: Route to legal, finance, and procurement for approvals.
04

Sign and Archive: Execute signatures and retain the final record securely.

Where to send the completed SHAR

Routing depends on your organization’s approval matrix and whether the SHAR requires external acceptance or notarization.

Procurement: Primary recipient for vendor setup and purchase order processing.
Legal: Review contractual language and compliance clauses.
Finance: Confirm payment terms and vendor payment onboarding.
Vendor: Send final copy to vendor for signature and records.

Configuring an online SHAR workflow

Set workflow options to reflect signer order, authentication, and storage location before distributing the SHAR.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Sequential or parallel routing
Authentication	Email, SMS code, or KBA
Notifications	Custom reminders and escalation
Storage	Cloud folder or on‑prem repository

Digital signing and platform needs

Choose a signing platform that supports required authentication, audit trails, and integration with your document management system.

Authentication: Email and SMS codes are common
Integrations: Connectors for Salesforce or NetSuite
Document Types: PDF, DOCX, and form templates

Ensure the platform provides a tamper-evident audit log and meets any industry compliance requirements before use.

Typical timelines and processing expectations

Plan time for internal reviews, vendor response, and any required notarization when scheduling SHAR completion.

Internal review window:

Allow 3–5 business days for legal and procurement review.

Vendor response:

Expect 2–7 business days for vendor acceptance or redlines.

Notarization lead time:

Schedule 24–72 hours if a notary or RON session is required.

Final execution:

Execution and distribution typically complete within 1–3 business days.

Archival:

Store the signed SHAR within 24 hours of execution.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a SHAR

Using informal vendor names or acronyms instead of the entity’s full legal name, which can complicate vendor setup and tax reporting.
Leaving effective dates vague or unset, producing disputes over when obligations begin and when notice periods run.
Failing to attach required insurance certificates or attestations, creating delays in procurement approval and onboarding.
Skipping signer authority checks, resulting in later re-execution or invalidation of the agreement.

Consequences of an incorrect or incomplete SHAR

Invalid Signature: May void authorization

Payment Delay: Invoices may be rejected

Compliance Gap: Regulatory exposure

Audit Finding: Recordkeeping deficiencies

Contract Dispute: Scope ambiguity risk

Data Breach: Potential HIPAA or privacy fines

eSignature vendor comparison for executing the SHAR

Common eSignature providers differ by price, enterprise features, and compliance posture; signNow is shown first for parity in vendor comparisons.

	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	Free trial available	Free trial available	Free trial available	Free trial available
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about completing and signing the SHAR

Answers address execution, authentication, storage, and common issues encountered during preparation and signing of the SHAR.

Need help? Contact support

What makes an e-signature legally binding?
An e-signature is generally binding when there is intent to sign, consent to conduct the transaction electronically, a reliable method to attribute the signature to the signer, and the record is retained and reproducible per ESIGN and UETA. Consumer-facing records may also require a specific ESIGN disclosure.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is required when state law or the transaction type (for example, deeds or certain powers) mandates it. Requirements vary by state; if notarization is required, consider Remote Online Notarization where permitted by law.
Can I use a basic typed signature for the SHAR?
Yes, in most commercial contexts a typed or clicked signature can be valid if it meets intent, attribution, and retention criteria under ESIGN/UETA. Higher-risk agreements may warrant stronger signer authentication or a digital signature.
How should I store signed SHAR records?
Store signed files in a secure, access‑controlled repository with tamper-evident audit logs. Retain originals according to applicable federal and industry retention rules such as IRS and HIPAA requirements.
What if a signer’s name doesn’t match records?
Mismatched legal names can delay vendor setup and tax reporting. Verify the signer’s authority and correct the name before finalizing; attach evidence of signing authority when necessary.
Which eSignature features reduce execution risk?
Use platforms that provide a detailed audit trail, optional multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and integration with your document management system. For regulated records, ensure the provider supports HIPAA, SOC 2, and relevant compliance controls.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now