Operations request template

Contractor agreement signing request template

A contractor agreement sets out the scope, payment, and obligations between a business and an independent contractor before work begins.

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What is a contractor agreement?

A contractor agreement is a contract between a business and an independent contractor that defines the work to be done, how and when payment is made, and each party's rights and responsibilities. Unlike an employee, a contractor usually runs their own business, so the agreement clarifies that relationship and the commercial terms governing it. It is signed before work starts so both sides share the same understanding.

Getting this signed matters because the contractor relationship carries specific risks around scope creep, intellectual property, confidentiality, and whether the arrangement is genuinely contracting rather than employment. A clear, signed agreement reduces disputes over deliverables and payment, and gives both parties a documented reference if expectations diverge. It also helps demonstrate the intended nature of the engagement.

When to use a contractor agreement

Engaging a freelancer or consultant for a defined project
Bringing on a contractor for ongoing services with set terms
Formalising scope and payment before a contractor starts work
Renewing or varying an existing contractor engagement

What to include in a contractor agreement

Scope of work: a clear description of deliverables, milestones, and what is out of scope.
Payment terms: fees, invoicing schedule, expenses, and conditions for payment.
Term and termination: start date, duration, and how either party can end the engagement.
Intellectual property: who owns the work created and any licence granted on completion.
Confidentiality and conduct: obligations to protect information and meet agreed standards.

Pros and cons of sending a contractor agreement as a signing request

Pros

Locks in scope and payment in a signed record before work starts
Tracks opens and signing so you know the contractor has agreed
Expiry keeps the engagement moving without endless follow-up
Completion receipt gives both parties proof of agreement

Cons and things to watch

A signed agreement does not by itself settle worker classification
Poorly drafted scope can still lead to disputes later
Signing tools record the act, not the fairness of the terms
Complex engagements may need tailored legal drafting first

How to send a contractor agreement with Cosign

Upload your contractor agreement to Cosign and preview it to check scope, fees, and dates read correctly.
Add the contractor as the signer with their email so they receive a private signing link.
Set a 14-day expiry and optionally add a password if the agreement contains sensitive commercial terms.
Send the request, track previews and signatures, and store the completion receipt before work begins.

Contractor agreement request details

Email subject

Contractor agreement signing request

Default message

Please review and sign this contractor agreement before work begins.

Signer setup

Contractor

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign agreement

Best fit

Operations teams

Contractor agreement FAQs

Are electronic signatures on a contractor agreement valid in Australia?

Generally, electronic signatures are accepted for most contracts in Australia where the parties consent and the signer can be identified. Cosign records the signing event, but it is not a substitute for legal advice on your specific agreement.

Can the contractor review the agreement before signing?

Yes. The contractor can preview the entire agreement through their private Cosign link before signing, so they can read the scope and terms in full first.

Is the contractor agreement kept private?

Yes. Each agreement is sent as a private link and is not indexed by search engines. Only the contractor you invite can open it, and you can add a password for additional protection.

Does a signed agreement decide if someone is a contractor or employee?

No. Worker classification in Australia depends on the actual working arrangement, not just the label in a document. A signed agreement helps evidence intent, but you should seek professional advice if classification is uncertain.

What if the contractor does not sign before the deadline?

You can set an expiry, such as 14 days, and Cosign can send reminders beforehand. If the link expires, you can resend a fresh request so the engagement is not delayed indefinitely.