Use case

Contractor agreements with Cosign

Send a contractor agreement for signature without standing up a workspace — a private link to the contractor, status tracking, and a completion receipt before work begins.

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Contractor agreements: the problem Cosign solves

A contractor agreement sets the terms before an independent contractor starts work — scope, rates, duration, and how the engagement ends. Getting it signed first protects both sides and creates a clear record of what was agreed. For a short or one-off engagement, the agreement is often simple; the friction is in the signing, not the document.

Heavyweight onboarding tools can make a single contractor agreement feel like more setup than the engagement itself — accounts, workspaces, and seats for a one-page sign-off. Sending it as a private signing request keeps the step proportionate: upload the agreement, add the contractor, send a link, and track the signature without creating anything the contractor has to join.

When Cosign fits for contractor agreements

Onboarding a contractor feels heavier than the engagement itself
You want the agreement signed before work starts, with a clear record
You do not want to create accounts or a workspace for a one-off sign-off
You engage contractors often and want a repeatable signing step

How contractor agreements works with Cosign

Upload the contractor agreement and preview it to confirm scope, rates, and dates are correct.
Add the contractor as the signer so they receive a private link addressed to them.
Set an expiry that fits the start date and add a message noting work begins once it is signed.
Send, track when the contractor opens and signs, and keep the completion receipt before work starts.

Why this works, and what to watch

Why Cosign fits

The contractor signs from a private link with nothing to join or install
The agreement is signed and recorded before work begins
Tracking and reminders keep an unsigned agreement from holding up the start
A completion receipt records the agreed terms and signing date

What to watch

An agreement records the terms but does not classify the working relationship for you
Both the right scope and rates depend on the document you upload
It is for sending and tracking, not payroll, invoicing, or contractor management
Cosign sends and tracks the agreement but does not draft or advise on it

Contractor agreements at a glance

Who it helps

Operations and people teams

Common blocker

Contractor onboarding can be heavier than the engagement.

Cosign outcome

Send a simple agreement request without creating a workspace.

What the sender sees

Opens, previews, downloads, signatures, declines, reminders, and completion state.

What the signer sees

A focused private page for one document request — no account needed.

Proof kept

Timestamped status, a completion receipt, and audit export.

Templates for contractor agreements

Contractor agreement

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

Services agreement

Legal · A services agreement sets out the terms between a client and a service provider, covering scope, payment, timelines and responsibilities for an engagement.

Statement of work

Projects · A statement of work sets out the deliverables, responsibilities, timeline and acceptance terms for a specific project or engagement.

Contractor agreements FAQs

Is an electronically signed contractor agreement valid in Australia?

Electronic signatures are generally recognised in Australia for standard commercial agreements where parties consent and are identified. A contractor agreement usually qualifies — this is general information, not legal advice.

Does the contractor need an account to sign?

No. The contractor opens their private link and signs from a focused page. There is no workspace, sign-up, or app involved.

Should the agreement be signed before work starts?

Best practice is to have it signed before any work begins. Cosign tracks the signing and gives you a completion receipt so you can confirm acceptance before the start date.

Can I add a deadline for signing?

Yes. Set an expiry that fits the start date; if it passes, the link stops working and you can send a fresh request.

Does Cosign decide if someone is a contractor or an employee?

No. Cosign sends and tracks the agreement you upload. Classifying the working relationship is a separate matter you should confirm for your situation.