Agreement Sent

Agreement sent is the step where the actual service agreement is delivered to the client for electronic signature. The client has already completed the Agreement Walkthrough, understands the terms, and is ready to formalize the relationship. Once this agreement is signed, the commitment is binding and the No-Refund Policy on the setup fee takes effect.

Why This Matters

This is the formal commitment point. Everything before this, the demo, the payment, even the walkthrough, is still in the “getting started” phase. The signed agreement is what makes the relationship official and legally enforceable. Without it, you have a payment but no contract, which creates risk for both sides.

The agreement protects you from scope disputes, cancellation conflicts, and asset ownership questions. It protects the client by documenting exactly what they are receiving, when they can expect it, and how they can exit if needed. Skipping this step, or using a vague or incomplete agreement, is one of the most expensive mistakes an agency can make.

Timing matters here. The agreement should be sent immediately after the walkthrough, while the client is still engaged and has the conversation fresh in their mind. A delay of even a day introduces friction. The client might have new questions, second thoughts, or simply get busy and deprioritize signing. Send it fast, make it easy, and follow up if needed.

How to Think About It

The agreement delivery should be as frictionless as possible. One click to open, one screen to review, one signature to complete. Every additional step you add, downloading a PDF, printing, scanning, mailing, reduces the chance of timely signing. Use a modern e-signature tool that works on mobile and desktop.

The email or message accompanying the agreement should be short and direct. Reference the walkthrough, remind them of the key points, and include the signature link. Do not rewrite the agreement in the email. The walkthrough already covered the content. This message is purely logistical.

Set a clear expectation for when you need the signed agreement back. “Please sign by end of day” or “We need this back within 24 hours to hold your onboarding slot.” Without a timeline, signing gets pushed to “later,” and later turns into never.

Common Mistakes

Sending the agreement before the walkthrough. If the client receives the agreement before understanding what it contains, they either sign without reading (creating future disputes) or stall because they have questions. The Agreement Walkthrough must happen first, every time.

Using a generic agreement that does not match what was discussed. If your demo promised specific deliverables or timelines, the agreement should reflect those specifics. A boilerplate contract that does not match the sales conversation creates trust issues immediately.

Not following up on unsigned agreements. Some clients will open the agreement, intend to sign, and get distracted. A gentle follow-up within a few hours is appropriate. “I saw the agreement was opened but not yet signed. Any questions I can answer?” This is not pushy. It is attentive.

Making the signature process complicated. If the client needs to create an account, download an app, or navigate multiple pages to sign, you are adding unnecessary barriers. Choose an e-signature tool that lets them sign in under 60 seconds from any device.

Not having a countersignature process. The agreement is not fully executed until both parties sign. Make sure your side signs promptly after the client, and send them a fully executed copy. This closes the loop and gives both parties a complete record.

Tools Involved

E-signature delivery can happen through platforms like PandaDoc, DocuSign, or HelloSign. Some agencies use GHL’s document features for simpler agreements. The delivery trigger is typically a GHL Workflow that fires when the pipeline stage changes to “Agreement Ready” or equivalent. Once the client signs, the signature event can trigger the next automation cascade, moving the client into active onboarding.

Where This Fits

Agreement sent depends on the Agreement Walkthrough being completed. The next step is the Agreement Signature, which is the client’s action of actually signing. Once signed, the entire downstream onboarding process activates: sub-account provisioning, compliance registration, team notifications, and the system build.

Common Questions

What if the client wants changes to the agreement? Take the request seriously but evaluate whether the change is reasonable. Minor clarifications or additions are usually fine. Requests to remove the cancellation notice period, the non-refund clause, or liability protections are red flags. You can explain why those terms exist, but if the client insists on removing core protections, reconsider whether this is a good fit.

How long should I wait before following up on an unsigned agreement? Four to six hours for the first follow-up. If it is still unsigned after 24 hours, a direct phone call is warranted. After 48 hours without a signature, have an honest conversation about whether they want to move forward. Do not let unsigned agreements sit in limbo for a week.

Should the agreement be customized for each client? Use a standard template with client-specific fields: business name, contact info, start date, and pricing. The core terms, cancellation policy, refund policy, scope of service, should remain consistent. Customizing legal terms for individual clients creates inconsistency and increases your risk.