← Back to Templates
Client Onboarding
Freelance Contract Email Template
A contract protects both you and the client — it defines what you're delivering, what you're being paid, and what happens if things don't go as planned. Sending it with a clear, professional email makes it feel like a normal part of doing business, not an adversarial formality.
When to send
Send the contract immediately after the welcome email, or alongside it. Never start work before the contract is signed and any required deposit is received.
The Template
Subject: Contract for [Project Name] - Please Review and Sign
Hi [Client Name],
As discussed, please find the project contract attached for your review.
The contract covers:
- Project scope and deliverables
- Timeline and milestones
- Payment terms and schedule
- Revision policy
- Intellectual property and ownership
Please read through it and let me know if you have any questions or if anything needs clarification. Once you're comfortable with the terms, please sign and return it.
I'll get started as soon as I receive the signed contract and the initial payment of $[deposit amount].
Looking forward to working together.
Best,
[Your Name]
Tips for Getting This Right
- List what the contract covers in the email so the client knows what to look for before they open it.
- Use an e-signature tool (DocuSign, HelloSign, PandaDoc) to reduce the friction of printing, signing, and scanning.
- Tie the project start explicitly to receipt of the signed contract and deposit — state this clearly in the email.
- If the client wants to negotiate terms, handle it in writing so you have a clear record of what was agreed.
- Keep your contract terms in a template so you can send it quickly without drafting from scratch each time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting work before the contract is signed — verbal agreements are difficult to enforce. No exceptions.
- Using a contract template that's too generic — your contract should specifically address your type of work and the most common disputes in your industry.
- Not requiring a deposit — a signed contract with no deposit still leaves you exposed. Deposits signal commitment from the client.
- Caving to pressure to 'start now and sign later' — this almost always ends badly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to create a freelance contract?
Not necessarily. There are many solid freelance contract templates available, and a well-written template often covers the essentials. For complex projects or high-value contracts, a one-time legal review is worth the cost.
What if the client refuses to sign a contract?
That's a serious red flag. A legitimate client who respects you as a professional will have no objection to a standard contract. Refusing to sign suggests they want to avoid accountability. Walk away.
Can I use an e-signature?
Yes — e-signatures (DocuSign, HelloSign, Adobe Sign) are legally binding in most jurisdictions and far more convenient than physical signatures. Most clients prefer them.
What's the most important clause in a freelance contract?
The scope of work and the payment terms are the two most critical. Scope defines what you're building so there's no argument later. Payment terms define when and how you get paid so there's no ambiguity at invoice time.