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Vendor Services Agreement

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VENDOR SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS VENDOR SERVICES AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into as of Effective Date: by and between Vendor Name: , an entity organized as Individual Corporation LLC , with principal place of business at (hereinafter "Vendor"), and Client Name: , with principal place of business at (hereinafter "Client").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client desires to retain Vendor to perform certain services described herein, and Vendor represents that it has the expertise, personnel and resources to perform such services in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

WHEREAS, Vendor is willing to provide the services to Client subject to the terms and conditions set forth below; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that the services and deliverables identified in this Agreement shall be performed and delivered in accordance with the schedule, standards and compensation set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 "Services" means the tasks, deliverables and work products specified in Section 2 and Exhibit A (if any). "Work Product" means all tangible and intangible results of the Services, including but not limited to reports, software, designs, documentation and other materials created by Vendor in performing the Services. "Confidential Information" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 Vendor shall perform the Services in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with prevailing industry standards and in accordance with any written specifications provided by Client. Vendor shall assign qualified personnel to perform the Services and shall remain responsible for the quality and timeliness of performance.

3. TERM

3.1 The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until End Date: , unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 12.

4. COMPENSATION; EXPENSES

4.1 As consideration for the full and timely performance of the Services, Client shall pay Vendor the fees set forth below and in any attached scope. Fees shall be payable in U.S. dollars and are exclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.

4.2 Vendor shall submit invoices in accordance with the Payment Schedule. Client shall pay undisputed invoices within days of receipt. Late payments shall accrue interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law.

4.3 Reimbursable expenses must be pre-approved in writing and invoiced with supporting receipts. Vendor shall not incur third-party obligations in Client's name without prior written authorization.

5. CHANGE ORDERS

5.1 Any change to the scope, schedule or price shall be documented in a written change order signed by authorized representatives of both parties. Vendor shall not be obligated to perform work outside the agreed scope absent a signed change order.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1 "Confidential Information" means non-public information disclosed by a party 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 does not include information that is or becomes publicly known through no wrongful act of the receiving party, is already known by the receiving party without restriction, or is independently developed without use of the disclosing party's Confidential Information.

6.2 Each party shall hold the other's Confidential Information in strict confidence and shall use it only for purposes of performing under this Agreement. The receiving party shall restrict disclosure to employees and contractors who have a need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations no less protective than those herein.

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

7.1 Unless otherwise agreed in a written exhibit, Vendor hereby assigns to Client all right, title and interest in and to the Work Product created solely for Client under this Agreement. Vendor retains ownership of Vendor's pre-existing materials and tools, including software libraries and methodologies, and grants Client a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to any Vendor pre-existing materials embedded in the Work Product to the extent necessary to use the Work Product as intended.

8. WARRANTIES; DISCLAIMER

8.1 Vendor warrants that (a) it will perform the Services in a professional manner consistent with industry standards, and (b) the Services and Work Product will not knowingly infringe third-party intellectual property rights. For a period of days after delivery, Vendor will, at its option and expense, correct any material breach of the foregoing warranty.

8.2 EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 8.1, VENDOR DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

9.1 Vendor is an independent contractor and shall be solely responsible for employment and payroll taxes, benefits, workers' compensation and all other obligations applicable to its employees and subcontractors. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, partnership or joint venture relationship between the parties.

10. INDEMNIFICATION

10.1 Vendor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Client and its officers, directors and employees from and against any third-party claims, liabilities, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of (a) Vendor's gross negligence or willful misconduct in performing the Services; or (b) allegations that the Services or Work Product infringe a third party's intellectual property rights, provided Client gives Vendor prompt written notice and reasonable cooperation in the defense of any such claim.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

11.1 EXCEPT FOR LIABILITY ARISING FROM (A) WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE, (B) A BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY OR (C) VENDOR'S INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 10, IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE BY CLIENT TO VENDOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE SIX (6) MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY.

12. INSURANCE

12.1 Vendor shall maintain commercial general liability and professional liability insurance appropriate to the Services, with limits customary in the industry. Upon request, Vendor shall furnish certificates of insurance to Client evidencing such coverage.

13. TERMINATION

13.1 Either party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' written notice if the other party materially breaches any obligation and fails to cure within the notice period. Either party may terminate immediately for insolvency or bankruptcy of the other party.

13.2 Upon termination, Client shall pay Vendor for Services performed and expenses properly incurred through the effective date of termination. Sections concerning Confidentiality, Indemnification, Intellectual Property, Limitation of Liability and Payment obligations shall survive termination.

14. NOTICES

14.1 All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses below or to such other address as a party may designate by notice in accordance with this Section. Notices shall be deemed given upon delivery by hand, three business days after mailing by certified mail, or one business day after confirmed delivery by overnight courier.

15. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER

15.1 No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties. No failure or delay in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any single or partial exercise of a right preclude other or further exercise.

16. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE

16.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of State: , without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the county of for resolution of disputes arising under this Agreement.

17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

17.1 This Agreement, together with any schedules or exhibits expressly incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and proposals, whether written or oral.

18. SEVERABILITY

18.1 If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and such provision shall be reformed to the extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving the parties' original intent.

19. COUNTERPARTS

19.1 This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Signatures delivered by electronic means shall be effective as original signatures.

20. MISCELLANEOUS

20.1 Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that Client may assign this Agreement in connection with a merger, acquisition or sale of substantially all of its assets. The parties acknowledge that third-party beneficiaries are not intended except as expressly set forth herein.

Vendor Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Client Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Vendor Services Agreement Is and When It Applies

A Vendor Services Agreement is a written contract that sets out the services a vendor will deliver, payment terms, timelines, performance standards, warranties, insurance and liability limits. It defines responsibilities for both parties, specifies deliverables and acceptance criteria, and allocates risk through indemnities and limitations of liability. For many organizations the agreement also includes confidentiality, data security, subcontracting rules, and termination rights to support ongoing vendor management and compliance with industry-specific regulations.

Why a Clear Vendor Services Agreement Matters

A precise Vendor Services Agreement reduces disputes, clarifies payment triggers, and supports regulatory compliance. Electronic execution is legally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, 2000) and UETA where adopted, enabling enforceable workflows and auditable signatures.

Why a Clear Vendor Services Agreement Matters

Typical Parties and Roles That Use This Agreement

Organizations use this agreement to formalize supplier relationships and protect commercial and regulatory interests.

  • Procurement Manager — negotiates scope, service levels, and payment milestones for recurring or project-based vendor relationships.
  • Accounts Payable / Finance — verifies payment terms, invoicing instructions, tax documentation, and funding approvals.
  • Vendor Representative — provides corporate information, insurance certificates, scope confirmations, and signs on behalf of the vendor.

Roles named below commonly prepare, review, or sign Vendor Services Agreements during procurement and contract management workflows.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Vendor Services Agreement

A well-drafted agreement organizes obligations into clear sections so responsibilities, risk allocation, and performance metrics are easy to enforce and audit.

Scope of Services

Describe services in measurable terms, include deliverables, milestones, acceptance criteria, and any excluded items so expectations are unambiguous and testable in performance reviews.

Payment and Invoicing

State fees, billing frequency, acceptable invoice formats, late payment interest, withholding obligations, and any retainers or milestone payments tied to deliverable acceptance.

Term and Termination

Specify effective date, initial term, renewal mechanics, termination for convenience or breach, cure periods, and post-termination obligations including transition assistance.

Confidentiality and Data Security

Define confidential information, permitted uses, breach notification duties, data handling rules, and security controls required to meet applicable laws and customer policies.

Insurance and Indemnity

State required insurance types and limits, vendor indemnities for third-party claims, and limitations or caps on liability to balance risk between parties.

Compliance and Audit Rights

Include certifications, regulatory obligations (HIPAA, FERPA, export controls), audit rights, subcontractor approval, and requirements for records retention and inspection.

Essential Information to Collect from the Vendor

Vendor Legal Name: Full registered business name
Taxpayer ID: EIN or SSN as applicable
Primary Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Scope Summary: Concise service description
Payment Details: Bank or invoice remit info
Insurance Proof: Certificate types and limits

Step-by-Step: Filling Out a Vendor Services Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare and finalize the agreement accurately.

  • 01
    Prepare Draft: Populate party names, scope, and pricing.
  • 02
    Internal Review: Legal and procurement check key terms.
  • 03
    Vendor Review: Send to vendor for acceptance or redlines.
  • 04
    Execute: Collect signatures and store signed copy.

Configuring an Online Signing Workflow

Set up consistent, auditable workflows with clear signer order, authentication, and retention rules for each vendor agreement.

Field Configuration
Template Create reusable contract template with standard clauses
Signer Order Set signing sequence: vendor then company approver
Authentication Choose email, SMS code, or KBA per risk level
Storage Auto-save signed PDF and audit trail to secure repository

Where to Send Completed Vendor Agreements

Routing depends on your internal controls—ensure copies reach legal, finance, and vendor management.

  • Procurement: Receives executed agreement for contract file
  • Accounts Payable: Stores invoicing details and payment schedule
  • Legal: Keeps master agreement and redlines
  • Vendor: Receives final executed copy and invoice instructions

Technical Considerations for Electronic Execution

Choose a platform that preserves an audit trail, secure storage, and appropriate signer authentication before executing agreements online.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3; AES-256 at rest

Common Timelines and Deadlines to Track

Track critical dates such as effective date, renewal notice windows, invoice due dates, and insurance expiration so obligations stay current.

Effective Date:

MM/DD/YYYY starts obligations

Payment Terms:

Net 30 or negotiated net period

Renewal Notice:

Typically 30–60 days prior to renewal

Insurance Expiry:

Require proof of coverage before start

Record Retention:

Follow relevant statutory retention periods

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing an Agreement

  • Vague scope language that leaves deliverables open to interpretation, causing disputes over acceptance and payment.
  • Using an incorrect vendor legal name or TIN, which can block payments and trigger tax withholding or reporting errors.
  • Failing to specify termination and transition obligations, creating service interruptions and data access problems.
  • Neglecting insurance minimums or proof of coverage, exposing the organization to uninsured vendor-caused losses.

Key Risks and Potential Consequences of Errors

Payment Disputes: Delayed payments and penalty interest
Tax Withholding: Backup withholding 24% if incorrect TIN
Regulatory Fines: Fines for noncompliance with sector rules
Insurance Gaps: Uninsured losses from vendor incidents
Invalid Signature: Enforceability challenges without intent proof
Data Breach Liability: Breach costs and notification duties

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Vendor Agreements

Basic plan pricing and feature availability across common eSignature providers. signNow appears first per comparison rules.

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 by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes (Premium) Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 env/user/yr Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Vendor Services Agreements

Common questions about execution, e-signing, notarization, and document updates when using Vendor Services Agreements.


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