Contract templates · Agencies & Client Services
Plenty of service businesses, cleaners, repairers, coaches, IT support and event providers, work on a quote and a handshake. A general service agreement covers the basics that cause disputes.
A general service agreement is a contract between a service provider and a customer covering the services, fees and payment, the customer's responsibilities, the standard of service, liability and insurance, and cancellation and termination.
When you need one
- Any business providing services to a customer
- Cleaning, repair, coaching, event, IT and other service work
Key clauses in a General Service Agreement
These are the clauses the template includes, and what each one does for you.
Description of services
Describes the services and where and when they are performed.
Fees and payment
Sets the price, deposit and payment terms.
Customer responsibilities
Lists what the customer must provide, such as access or information.
Standard of service
Commits the provider to reasonable skill and care.
Liability and insurance
Limits liability and records insurance cover.
Cancellation and termination
Sets cancellation fees and how either side can end the agreement.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Vague descriptions of the service.
- No cancellation terms for bookings.
- Liability exclusions that are void against consumers.
How to use the template
Download the Word file
Buy the General Service Agreement template on My Contract Lawyer and download the editable .docx straight after checkout.
Fill in the brackets
Add names, dates, fees, scope and governing law, and delete optional clauses that do not apply to your deal.
Check it against local law
Rules differ between US states, the UK and EU countries, especially for employment, consumer and property contracts. Have a lawyer review high-value or unusual deals.
Sign and keep a copy
Sign on paper or with any e-signature tool, and store the final version where both sides can find it.
Get the General Service Agreement template
Lawyer-drafted and ready to edit in Word, Google Docs or Pages. One-time payment of $19, no subscription, instant download from My Contract Lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Is this suitable for consumers?
Yes, but consumer laws give customers rights, such as cooling-off periods for off-premises contracts in the UK and EU, that cannot be excluded.
Service agreement or MSA?
A service agreement suits one-off or simple recurring work; an MSA suits complex, multi-project relationships.
Should I take a deposit?
For bookings, a deposit protects against last-minute cancellation.
Related contract templates
Templates are a starting point, not legal advice, and using one does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Contract law differs between countries and states, so check the finished document against local law.