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Dealer Services Contract

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DEALER SERVICES CONTRACT

This Dealer Services Contract ("Agreement") is made effective as of by and between Dealer Name: , a organized under the laws of with principal place of business at (\"Dealer\"), and Service Provider Name: , a organized under the laws of with principal place of business at (\"Provider\"). Dealer and Provider are referred to herein collectively as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party."

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Provider is engaged in the business of providing dealer services, including but not limited to marketing, sales support, distribution assistance, and post-sale support for specified products and services; and

WHEREAS, Dealer desires to engage Provider to perform the services described in this Agreement and Provider is willing to provide such services, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Parties intend to set forth their respective rights and obligations with respect to the engagement of Provider by Dealer.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 "Services" means the dealer services described in Section 2. "Confidential Information" means all non-public information disclosed by one Party to the other, including trade secrets, pricing, customer lists, technical data, and business plans. "Products" means the Dealer's goods or services that are the subject of Provider's marketing or support under this Agreement.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 Provider shall perform the services described below for Dealer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Provider shall provide such personnel, materials, facilities and supervision as are reasonably necessary to perform the Services in a professional and workmanlike manner and in accordance with industry standards.

2.2 Territory: . Provider shall not market Products outside the Territory without Dealer's prior written consent.

3. TERM

3.1 Term. The initial term of this Agreement shall commence on and continue until unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 12.

4. COMPENSATION

4.1 Fees. Dealer shall pay Provider the fees set forth in this Section in consideration for the Services. Unless otherwise agreed, all fees are exclusive of taxes. Provider shall furnish Dealer with invoices in accordance with Section 5.

4.2 Commission or Fixed Fee (if applicable): .

5. INVOICING AND PAYMENT

5.1 Provider shall submit invoices to Dealer referencing applicable purchase orders or other contract identifiers. Unless otherwise agreed, Dealer shall pay undisputed amounts within days of receipt of a correct invoice. Interest on late payments shall accrue at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1 Each Party shall keep Confidential Information strictly confidential and shall not use or disclose such information except as necessary to perform this Agreement or as required by law. Each Party shall take reasonable measures to protect Confidential Information from unauthorized use, disclosure or access.

6.2 Exclusions. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) is or becomes generally known to the public without breach of this Agreement; (b) is rightfully received from a third party without restriction; (c) was known to the receiving Party prior to disclosure; or (d) is independently developed by the receiving Party.

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

7.1 Ownership. Except for any limited licenses expressly granted herein, each Party retains all right, title and interest in and to its pre-existing intellectual property. Provider grants Dealer a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use Provider's marketing materials and templates solely to the extent necessary to market and sell the Products during the Term.

7.2 Work Product. All work product created by Provider specifically for Dealer under this Agreement shall be considered work made for hire and, to the extent not so considered, Provider hereby assigns all right, title and interest in such work product to Dealer upon full payment of fees due.

8. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS; LICENSES

8.1 Each Party shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to its performance under this Agreement. Provider shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits and approvals necessary to perform the Services.

9. WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER

9.1 Provider warrants that the Services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with generally accepted industry standards. For any breach of this warranty, Provider shall, at its expense, re-perform the deficient Services.

9.2 EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE, THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED \"AS IS.\" EACH PARTY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

10. INDEMNIFICATION

10.1 Provider shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Dealer and its officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any third-party claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of Provider's negligence, willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement.

10.2 Dealer shall indemnify Provider to the same extent for claims arising out of Dealer's negligence, breach of law or breach of this Agreement.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1 EXCEPT FOR EACH PARTY'S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS, LIABILITY FOR DIRECT DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNTS ACTUALLY PAID TO PROVIDER BY DEALER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

12. INSURANCE

12.1 Provider shall maintain commercial general liability insurance and professional liability insurance with limits reasonably acceptable to Dealer and shall provide certificates of insurance upon request. Such insurance shall name Dealer as an additional insured where appropriate.

13. TERMINATION

13.1 For Convenience. Either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' prior written notice to the other Party.

13.2 For Cause. Either Party may terminate immediately for the other Party's material breach that remains uncured thirty (30) days after written notice specifying the breach. Termination shall be without prejudice to any other remedies available at law or in equity.

14. NOTICES

14.1 All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below by certified mail, overnight courier, or email with confirmed receipt. Notices shall be effective upon receipt.

15. ASSIGNMENT; SUBCONTRACTING

15.1 Neither Party may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations without the prior written consent of the other Party, except that either Party may assign to an affiliate or in connection with a merger, sale of substantially all assets, or corporate reorganization. Provider may subcontract portions of the Services provided that Provider remains responsible for the performance of such subcontractors.

16. AMENDMENT; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

16.1 Any amendment or modification of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties. Waiver of any term, condition or breach shall not constitute a waiver of any other term, condition or subsequent breach. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

17. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

17.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of , without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

17.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including any exhibits or schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written.

17.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

18. MISCELLANEOUS

18.1 Relationship of the Parties. The Parties are independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, agency or employment relationship between the Parties.

18.2 Survival. The provisions of Sections 6 (Confidentiality), 7 (Intellectual Property), 10 (Indemnification), 11 (Limitation of Liability), 17 (Governing Law; Entire Agreement; Severability) and any other provisions which by their terms survive termination shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

Dealer

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Service Provider

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Dealer Services Contract Is and When It Applies

A Dealer Services Contract is a written agreement that defines the relationship between a dealer (for example, an automobile, equipment, or parts dealer) and a service provider, vendor, or finance source. It typically covers services provided, pricing, responsibilities, warranty or return handling, payment terms, title and lien notices, and dispute resolution. Dealers use this contract to document ongoing service arrangements, consignment relationships, ancillary product support, or financing facilitation. The contract creates enforceable obligations when properly executed, dated, and retained according to applicable recordkeeping rules.

Why a Clear Dealer Services Contract Matters

A well-drafted Dealer Services Contract reduces ambiguity about responsibilities, protects against payment and title disputes, and provides a written basis for enforcement or insurance claims. It documents operational expectations and regulatory compliance elements specific to dealers, such as titling, lien releases, and consumer disclosures where required.

Why a Clear Dealer Services Contract Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Contract

Parties often include dealer principals, service vendors, finance managers, and in-house counsel or dealership managers who authorize operational commitments.

  • Dealership Management and Owners: Authorize terms, set payment and title policies, and sign on behalf of the dealer entity with corporate authority.
  • Service Vendors and Contractors: Define scope, warranty limits, indemnities, and invoicing; signatory is typically an authorized company officer.
  • Finance and Title Agents: Accept finance-related clauses and confirm procedures for lien recording and payoff; often provide routing for title documents.

Understanding the typical signers helps ensure the contract reaches the right approvers and is validly executed under company authority rules.

Common Signatory Roles

Dealer Principal

The owner or officer with authority to bind the dealership. This signer confirms pricing, warranty commitments, and acceptance of service-level terms; signature must match corporate records.

Vendor Representative

A named officer or authorized agent for the service provider who accepts contractual obligations, insurance requirements, and payment terms on behalf of the vendor or subcontractor.

Key Clauses to Include in a Professional Dealer Services Contract

A complete contract anticipates risk, clarifies who does what, and sets measurable obligations. Include the following core sections to reduce disputes and improve enforceability.

Scope of Work

Describe services, deliverables, service levels, and any exclusions. Be specific about parts, labor, on-site vs off-site work, and turnaround expectations to avoid later disputes.

Pricing & Payment

Define fees, invoice timing, late payment interest, and reimbursements. Specify which taxes apply and whether parts or freight are billed separately.

Title & Lien Handling

Detail who holds title, how liens are recorded and released, and procedures for payoff or lien waivers to protect both dealer and financer interests.

Warranties & Returns

Limit warranty scope, set return windows, and define repair vs replacement remedies. Include claims process and documentation required for warranty coverage.

Insurance & Indemnity

Specify insurance minimums, certificates of insurance, and mutual indemnities for negligence, product defects, and third-party claims affecting the dealership.

Dispute Resolution

Select governing law, venue, and whether disputes go to mediation or arbitration. State applicable statutory notices and time limits for claims.

Required Information and Standard Contract Fields

Parties: Full legal names
Entity Type: Corporation/LLC/Individual
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Payment Terms: Net days / method
Insurance Limits: Liability amounts
Signature Blocks: Name, title, date

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Dealer Services Contract

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and execute the contract so it is legally enforceable and operationally useful.

  • 01
    Prepare Draft: Insert parties, scope, pricing, and standard clauses before internal review.
  • 02
    Internal Review: Have legal, finance, and title departments confirm terms and obligations.
  • 03
    Signatory Approval: Obtain authorized signatures from named officers or managers.
  • 04
    Distribute Copies: Share final executed copies and retain originals per retention rules.

How to Configure a Digital Completion Workflow

A clear workflow reduces signer friction and ensures required attachments and approvals flow correctly.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Set role-based signing sequence (dealer first, vendor second)
Required Attachments Force upload of COI, title docs, or VIN photos before final signature
Authentication Use email + SMS or advanced verification for high-value deals
Notifications Enable reminders at 3 and 7 days for outstanding signatures

Where to Send, File, or Route the Completed Contract

Routing varies by role and by whether the contract involves title, financing, or warranty obligations. Use these destinations as a baseline.

  • Dealer Records: File executed copy in dealer management system and physical contract binder
  • Vendor Archive: Provide a signed copy to the service provider for their records
  • Finance/Lien Office: Send required lien release or title instructions to the financier
  • Insurance Carrier: Supply certificate of insurance where clause requires it

Digital Signing and eSubmission: Platform Requirements

Choose a signing platform that supports secure signatures, audit trails, and the integrations needed for distribution and retention.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Works with CRMs and cloud storage
  • Security: AES-256 at rest; TLS in transit

Timelines, Deadlines, and Typical Processing Expectations

Dealer Services Contracts can include time-sensitive obligations such as payment due dates, warranty claim windows, title transfers, and service delivery deadlines; track each using the dates entered in the agreement.

Effective Date Entry:

Enter MM/DD/YYYY; obligations start then unless otherwise stated

Payment Due Dates:

State net terms precisely; late fees begin after stated grace period

Warranty Claim Window:

Specify exact claim period and notice requirements for repairs

Title Transfer Timing:

State when title or lien release will be provided post-payment

Delivery / Performance:

List delivery milestones and remedies for missed dates

Key Milestones and Approval Stages

Track milestones from negotiation through execution and post-execution obligations to maintain contract compliance and trigger downstream actions.

01

Draft Agreement

Complete initial draft with all essential terms and exhibits

02

Internal Approvals

Finance, title team, and legal sign-off before external routing

03

External Signatures

Collect vendor and dealer signatures in the agreed order

04

Post-Execution Tasks

Record liens, update DMS, and distribute executed copies

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Dealer Services Contract

  • Using vague scope language that leaves performance expectations unclear and leads to disputes over who pays for parts or labor.
  • Failing to specify title and lien procedures, which can create conflicts with finance companies or delay vehicle registration.
  • Not including certificate of insurance requirements or minimum liability limits, leaving the dealer exposed to uninsured claims.
  • Missing signature authority checks so an unauthorized employee signs, potentially rendering the contract unenforceable against the dealer.

Penalties and Legal Risks from an Incorrect Contract

Contract Voidability: Risk of unenforceability
Liability Exposure: Increased third-party claims
Title Disputes: Delayed registration/payoff issues
Regulatory Fines: Consumer protection penalties
Warranty Claims: Unexpected repair costs
Business Disruption: Operational and reputational harm

Real-World Examples of Dealer Contracts in Use

The following examples show how organizations use signing workflows for dealer agreements and the operational benefits they reported.

Optica Ventures — COO

Optica uses digital contracts for dealer relationships to streamline approvals

  • The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team
  • This approach reduced paper handling and sped up customer acceptance while maintaining clear audit trails and compliance.

Martin Properties — Founder

A small dealer network moved agreements online to avoid in-person signings

  • I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance
  • They reported faster turnaround and consistent document retention across mobile and offline signing scenarios.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Dealer Contracts

Comparison of starting prices and common enterprise features that affect high-volume dealer contract workflows; signNow is shown first per vendor ordering requirements.

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, no credit card Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Dealer Services Contracts

Answers to common questions about execution, validity, digital signing, and recordkeeping for dealer agreements.


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