Real-world examples of basic service agreement examples you can actually use

Lawyers love long contracts. Most small businesses and solo professionals do not. When you’re just trying to get a job done — build a website, clean an office, repair HVAC units — you want clear, short, written terms that everyone understands.

That’s where examples of basic service agreement examples are so helpful. Instead of starting from a blank page, you can look at how other people structure:

• Who is providing the service
• What exactly will be done (and what won’t)
• When it will be completed
• How and when payment happens
• What happens if someone wants to cancel or reschedule

Let’s walk through several real examples, written in plain language, that you can adapt for your own business in 2024–2025.

Example of a basic freelance service agreement (creative services)

Freelancers in design, writing, photography, and marketing often need short, repeatable contracts. Here’s a trimmed-down example of a basic service agreement for a freelance graphic designer:

Parties
This Service Agreement is between Bright Brand Studio ("Designer") and Green Leaf Café ("Client").

Services
Designer will create a new logo and basic brand kit for Client, including: logo files in JPG, PNG, and SVG formats; a simple color palette; and font recommendations. Designer will provide up to two rounds of revisions.

Timeline
Work begins on March 1, 2025. First concepts will be delivered by March 10, 2025. Final files will be delivered by March 25, 2025.

Payment
Total fee is \(1,200. Client will pay a \)600 deposit before work begins and the remaining $600 upon delivery of final files. Payments are due within 7 days of invoice.

Ownership
Upon full payment, Client owns the final logo and brand kit. Designer may display the work in their portfolio.

Cancellation
If Client cancels after work begins, the deposit is non-refundable. If Designer cancels, Designer will refund the deposit.

This is one of the best examples of a simple, clear agreement: short, specific, and written in normal language. You can see how the service, payment, and cancellation pieces are laid out without heavy legalese.

Examples of basic service agreement examples for consultants

Consultants — especially in IT, HR, and business strategy — often work on a monthly or project basis. Here’s an example of a basic service agreement for a small-business IT consultant:

Parties
This Agreement is between SecureTech LLC ("Consultant") and Oakwood Dental Clinic ("Client").

Services
Consultant will provide ongoing IT support, including: network monitoring, monthly security updates, and on-call support during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Emergency after-hours support is available at the hourly rate below.

Term
This Agreement begins May 1, 2025 and continues month-to-month until canceled by either party with 30 days’ written notice.

Fees
Client will pay \(1,000 per month for up to 10 hours of support. Additional hours are billed at \)120 per hour. Invoices are issued on the 1st of each month and due within 15 days.

Data Security
Consultant will follow industry-standard practices for data security and will notify Client of any suspected data breach as soon as reasonably possible.

Liability Limit
Consultant’s liability under this Agreement is limited to the total amount paid by Client in the last three months.

In 2024–2025, more service agreements like this include basic cybersecurity language, even at a small-business level. For deeper guidance on data security practices, many businesses reference resources from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or small-business security tips from CISA.gov.

Home and office cleaning: everyday examples include simple terms

Cleaning services are a classic place where people skip contracts and regret it later. Here’s an example of basic service agreement examples for a residential cleaning service:

Parties
This Agreement is between Sparkle Home Cleaning ("Cleaner") and Jamie Rivera ("Client").

Services
Cleaner will provide bi-weekly cleaning of Client’s home, including: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom cleaning, and kitchen surface cleaning. Deep cleaning (inside ovens, refrigerators, and cabinets) is not included unless requested for an additional fee.

Schedule
Cleanings will occur every other Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Fees and Payment
Client will pay $140 per visit. Payment is due on the day of service by credit card or electronic transfer.

Cancellations and Late Fees
Client may cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged a $50 fee.

Access
Client will provide a key code for entry. Cleaner will keep access details confidential and notify Client immediately if a security issue is suspected.

This kind of agreement protects both sides: the cleaner knows they’ll be paid for last-minute cancellations, and the client knows exactly what “cleaning” covers.

Maintenance and repair: example of a basic service agreement for HVAC

Service companies that handle HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work often use short service agreements for recurring maintenance. Here’s a practical example of a basic service agreement for HVAC maintenance:

Parties
This Maintenance Agreement is between CoolAir Services Inc. ("Contractor") and Lakeside Apartments ("Client").

Services
Contractor will perform seasonal HVAC maintenance on all units twice per year (spring and fall). Services include filter replacement, system inspection, and basic cleaning. Repairs and replacement parts are not included and will be quoted separately.

Term
This Agreement runs from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

Fees
Client will pay \(6,000 per year, billed in four equal quarterly payments of \)1,500.

Emergency Calls
Emergency service outside scheduled maintenance is billed at the standard emergency rate of $250 per visit plus parts.

Health and Safety
Contractor will follow applicable OSHA safety guidelines while on site.

Because maintenance often touches on health and indoor air quality, some larger clients like schools or healthcare facilities will tie their service standards back to guidance from sources such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or building health recommendations from CDC.gov.

Digital services: examples of basic service agreement examples for web & marketing

Digital services — think web development, SEO, social media management — are notorious for vague expectations. That’s why clear language in these examples of basic service agreement examples matters so much.

Here’s an example for a small web development project:

Parties
This Agreement is between North Star Web Co. ("Developer") and Summit Yoga Studio ("Client").

Services
Developer will design and build a 5-page marketing website using WordPress, including: Home, About, Classes, Schedule, and Contact pages. Developer will connect the site to Client’s existing booking software and set up basic on-page SEO (page titles and meta descriptions).

Deliverables
A fully functional WordPress site installed on Client’s hosting account, plus a one-page guide for logging in and making basic edits.

Timeline
Estimated project duration is 6 weeks from the date Client provides all content (text and images).

Fees
Total project fee is $3,500, paid 50% upfront and 50% upon launch.

Content Responsibility
Client is responsible for providing all written content and images, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Post-Launch Support
Developer will provide 14 days of bug fixes after launch at no additional cost. Ongoing updates are available at $100 per hour.

And here’s a short example for monthly social media management:

Services
Provider will create and publish 12 posts per month across Client’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, respond to basic comments and messages during business hours, and provide a simple monthly performance report.

Term and Fees
Month-to-month agreement at $900 per month, cancelable with 30 days’ written notice.

These digital service examples include clear scope and limits, which helps prevent the all-too-common “Can you also just…” scope creep.

Health and wellness: example of a basic service agreement for coaching

Coaches, trainers, and other wellness professionals often operate in a gray area between service and health guidance. That makes written expectations even more important.

Here’s an example of basic service agreement examples for a health coach (note: this is not medical advice and does not replace a doctor–patient relationship):

Parties
This Agreement is between Strong Path Coaching ("Coach") and Alex Morgan ("Client").

Services
Coach will provide twelve 45-minute virtual coaching sessions over 12 weeks, focusing on exercise habits, meal planning, and stress management. Coaching is educational in nature and does not include medical diagnosis or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer
Client understands that coaching is not a substitute for medical care. Client should consult a physician before starting any new exercise or nutrition program. For medical information, Client is encouraged to consult trusted sources such as Mayo Clinic or NIH.

Fees
Total program fee is \(1,100, payable in full upfront or in three monthly payments of \)375.

Rescheduling
Sessions may be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. Missed sessions without notice are counted as used.

This is one of the best examples of how to blend service terms with clear health disclaimers in 2024–2025, especially as more coaching is delivered online.

Key building blocks you’ll see in the best examples

When you look across these examples of basic service agreement examples, certain building blocks show up again and again. The language changes, but the structure stays familiar:

Clear description of services
Each example of a basic service agreement spells out what is included and, often, what is not. For instance, the cleaning agreement draws a line between regular cleaning and deep cleaning. The HVAC agreement separates routine maintenance from emergency repairs.

Timing and deadlines
The freelance design and web development examples include specific dates or timeframes. Even ongoing agreements (like IT support or social media) list when services are available and how long the agreement lasts.

Payment terms
Every one of these real examples mentions how much is owed, when it’s due, and how it’s paid. In 2024–2025, it’s increasingly common to see electronic payments and shorter payment windows (7–15 days) for small service providers.

Cancellations and changes
From cleaning to coaching, the examples include rules for cancellations, late changes, or scope changes. This is where you protect yourself from last-minute no-shows or endless revisions.

Liability, safety, and disclaimers
The IT consultant example limits liability. The HVAC example references safety guidelines. The coaching example clearly says it’s not medical care and points to reputable health sources like Mayo Clinic and NIH for medical information.

When you create your own agreement, reviewing several examples of basic service agreement examples like these can help you decide which clauses you truly need and which ones you can skip.

Adapting these examples for your own business

Looking at the best examples is helpful, but copying them word-for-word isn’t always smart. Laws differ by state and country, and your services may have specific risks or regulations.

Here’s a simple way to use these examples of basic service agreement examples without getting into trouble:

Step one: Pick the closest example
If you’re a photographer, the freelance design agreement will feel familiar. If you run a lawn care company, the cleaning or HVAC maintenance examples will be closer to what you need.

Step two: Swap in your details
Change the party names, dates, pricing, and services to match what you actually do. Be as concrete as you can. “Weekly mowing and edging of front and back yard” is better than “yard work.”

Step three: Add any industry-specific requirements
If you work in a regulated field — healthcare, financial services, education — you may need extra language about privacy, data, or compliance. For example, healthcare-related services in the U.S. often need to think about HIPAA. You can learn more about those standards at HHS.gov.

Step four: Have a professional review it
Even when you start from the best examples, it’s smart to have a local attorney look at your final draft, especially if you’re signing high-value or long-term deals. Many small-business development centers and law school clinics offer low-cost or free contract reviews; you can find local help through resources linked from SBA.gov.

FAQ: Short answers based on real examples

What are some simple examples of basic service agreement examples for small businesses?
Common examples include a one-page cleaning contract for homes or offices, a basic freelance design or writing agreement, a monthly IT support contract, a seasonal HVAC maintenance agreement, and a short coaching or consulting agreement. All of these focus on who does what, when, and for how much.

Can I use an online template as an example of my own service agreement?
You can absolutely use templates as a starting point or as examples of what others include. Just don’t assume they’re perfect for your state, country, or industry. Use them as inspiration, then customize and, when possible, have a legal professional review your final version.

Do I really need a written agreement for small, one-time jobs?
Even for small jobs, a short written agreement or at least a detailed email recap can prevent misunderstandings. Many of the best examples in this article are only a page or two long, but they still cover scope, payment, and timing.

What’s the most important part of a basic service agreement?
The clearest part should be the description of services: what’s included, what’s not, and what the client can expect. Every example of a basic service agreement above shows that when scope is clear, payment and timelines tend to fall into place more easily.

Where can I learn more about contract basics?
For general contract law education (not legal advice), you can look at resources from law schools or government-backed small-business centers. Many universities, such as Harvard Law School, publish open guides on contracts, and U.S. small-business owners can find plain-language contract tips through SBA.gov.

If you use these real-world style examples of basic service agreement examples as a starting point, you’ll be miles ahead of where most small service providers start: with nothing but a handshake and a hope. Put it in writing, keep it simple, and make sure everyone understands the deal before work begins.