Key Takeaways

  • Sample contracts provide a starting point for drafting agreements across industries like business, events, construction, childcare, and more.
  • Essential clauses in any sample contract include scope of work, payment terms, liability, confidentiality, and termination conditions.
  • Specialized contracts such as partnership agreements, licensing contracts, and consulting agreements offer tailored protections for unique business needs.
  • Industry-specific considerations like intellectual property clauses, compliance standards, or employment classifications should be addressed.
  • Always customize templates to reflect your specific situation and consult an attorney to ensure legal enforceability.

Sample contracts can be good guidelines to help you create a contract specific to your needs. Every opportunity and agreement may have its own terms and conditions, so you can start with a sample contract geared toward your industry and customize it to suit your particular situation.

Samples of Business Contracts

Contracts should contain the following: 

  • Specific terms and conditions of the agreement
  • Clear expectations for both sides
  • Payment specifics
  • A detailed time frame
  • Outline of required materials
  • Specifics of procedures to handle disagreements

Following are examples of different types of contracts covering various businesses and the types of contractual information you'd commonly find on each.

Special Events

A wedding photography contract specifies each party's responsibilities and outlines the limited liability of the photography studio. It has space for the bride's and groom's signatures, and it seeks to protect the interest of the photography company as well as the photographer.

An event vendor contract can fit nearly any event or vendor. It includes room for expansion so that you can customize the form for any particular event.

A DJ contract spells out all event essentials, including the agreed-upon fees and logistics from both parties. Many professional DJs use a standard contract form for most of their jobs.

A performance contract can be used by bands that play at events like birthday parties and weddings. This contract is generally flexible, making it easy to modify to suit different needs.

Home Improvement

Painting contracts are suitable for residences or businesses, and they should include space for multiple painting areas. This type of contract outlines the obligations and responsibilities of both parties. In the event the client cancels the project or contract after the contractor has purchased materials, it protects the contractor from loss.

A floor contract may be used when a homeowner wishes to replace carpeting with wood floors. If the homeowner uses the installation services of a flooring company, the contract typically includes provisions for removing old carpet, moving furniture, and clean up.

A construction contract is best for small commercial building or residential projects. It has basic elements and should have a clause concerning insurance the builder is expected to obtain for the project. It should also have financial clauses that protect both builder and client: the builder has protection from a late-paying client, and the client has protection from delays in project completion. 

Child and School Related

A nanny contract covers most of the basics involved when parents hire someone to care for their children. It typically has areas where parents can write instructions as well as fill-in-the-blank spaces. 

A daycare contract is for parents whose young child is entering daycare, typically until the child reaches school age. Clauses concerning illness may be included, particularly in areas that are often hard-hit during cold-and-flu season.

An informal contract is a child behavior contract, which is drawn up by parents dealing with a child who's been shirking duties and/or been disrespectful. It will detail expected behaviors and may include space for customized rewards. Those should be negotiated in advance between the parents and child.

Various Businesses

A cleaning contract is between a homeowner and independent cleaning contractor or housecleaning service. The contract should detail all expected services to be performed and when they're to be done. It should also include cancellation terms.

A non-compete contract may have a default term, such as one year, or allow you to customize the time frame. You might want to amend certain language in it to make it suitable for your particular company.

A business purchase contract can be drawn up when one entity purchases another company. For example, a cupcake shop may purchase a similar establishment in the same city. Contract terms should cover the building acquisition, along with the purchase of appliances and equipment. Whether the buyer will change the shop name should also be covered.

Sample contracts can give you a good starting point when you need an agreement in place. You can customize most templates so that your particular needs are met. It's important to be as detailed as possible to avoid confusion between any of the involved parties. You may want to consult with a legal professional to be sure your contract is legally binding in your state.

How to Use Sample Contracts Effectively

Sample contracts serve as valuable frameworks but should never be used without adaptation. To get the most out of sample contracts:

  • Identify the purpose of the contract and whether it’s the right type for your situation.
  • Customize the terms to reflect your unique business arrangements or legal requirements.
  • Review for compliance with local, state, or industry-specific regulations.
  • Use legal terminology correctly and avoid vague language.
  • Have an attorney review it, especially for high-value or complex agreements.

Platforms like UpCounsel can help you connect with legal professionals who can assist in drafting or reviewing your customized contract.

Elements to Include in a Strong Contract Template

While sample contracts vary by industry and purpose, most effective contracts share core components that protect all parties involved. When customizing a template, ensure it includes:

  • Names and contact details of parties
  • Effective and termination dates
  • Detailed description of services or deliverables
  • Payment structure and invoicing schedule
  • Dispute resolution methods (e.g., arbitration or court jurisdiction)
  • Confidentiality and non-compete clauses (if applicable)
  • Signatures and dates from all parties

The language should be specific and unambiguous to avoid loopholes or misinterpretation.

Additional Business Contract Examples

In addition to the common contract types listed above, here are more examples of widely used business contracts:

  • Partnership Agreement: Used when two or more individuals form a business partnership. It outlines each partner’s ownership, responsibilities, profit-sharing, and exit procedures.
  • Consulting Agreement: Defines the relationship between a business and an independent consultant. It should clearly state deliverables, payment structure, confidentiality, and termination terms.
  • Independent Contractor Agreement: Common in gig and freelance work, this contract distinguishes the contractor from an employee and includes tax and liability language.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Protects confidential information shared between parties. NDAs are crucial before negotiations or collaborations.
  • Employment Agreement: Used to formalize the terms of employment, including job duties, compensation, benefits, and termination clauses.
  • Licensing Agreement: Grants permission to use intellectual property such as trademarks, patents, or copyrighted materials. It outlines the scope, duration, and financial terms of use.
  • Service Agreement: Used when one party provides services to another. Includes scope of services, compensation, timelines, and liability clauses.

These types of sample contracts are especially important for small businesses and startups that frequently engage in flexible, evolving partnerships or short-term projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a sample contract used for?
    A sample contract is a pre-made template that provides a foundational structure for agreements. It helps you outline the key terms and ensures you don’t miss important legal clauses.
  2. Can I use a free sample contract without changes?
    While you can start with a free template, you should customize it for your specific situation to ensure it is legally enforceable and relevant to your business or personal needs.
  3. What should I include in a contract to protect my business?
    Include terms for payment, deliverables, deadlines, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. Make sure all parties are clearly identified and the obligations are specific.
  4. Are sample contracts legally binding?
    A sample contract becomes legally binding once it is properly customized, agreed upon, and signed by all involved parties.
  5. Do I need a lawyer to review a sample contract?
    It’s advisable, especially for complex or high-stakes agreements. A lawyer can ensure your contract complies with applicable laws and protects your interests.

If you need help with sample contracts, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.