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Every client is different – and that’s not changing in 2025.
Remembering this is one of the keys to excellent service, particularly as businesses adapt to new market conditions and evolving client expectations.
If you’re providing services to clients in any industry – especially creative and consulting sectors – you can’t just roll out the exact same solution each time.
You need to ensure your services are tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals, which not only builds trust but also positions you as a proactive partner. Check out our insights on how to adapt your business structure for even more customisation tips.
Which is great – it keeps things exciting and innovative!
But what about the legal agreement between your business and your client? It’s essential that your contract reflects this tailored approach.
Using A Contract
Having a Service Agreement in place is a solid foundation for maintaining strong client relationships in 2025. It not only clarifies your obligations but also protects you legally as industries continue to evolve.
A Service Agreement sets out the professional arrangement that both you and your customer have agreed on, ensuring that everyone is on the same page from the start. You might also find our guide on Service Agreements useful for further details.
Since every client is unique, it’s important to understand that every agreement will differ, even if the overall structure remains consistent.
But who wants to consult a lawyer every single time you acquire a new client? Especially if your core services remain largely similar. For instance, if you provide marketing consulting services, you will likely cover the same key areas such as branding, digital marketing, and content strategy – even though specifics, timelines, and fees will vary.
The same applies to IT services, web development, plumbing, landscaping, cleaning or graphic design. While the client’s situation is unique, the general nature of your services and the inherent risks rarely change, which is why having a dynamic yet standardised legal template is invaluable.
This is where a Scope of Work (SOW) comes in really handy.
What is a Scope of Work?
A Scope of Work is a document that sets out the specific details of the service you are providing to your client. In today’s fast-paced market, clarity is more important than ever.
Sometimes referred to as a statement of work or SOW, this document can vary in its parameters and level of detail, depending on the needs of your business and your client. For further guidance on this, our article on good business terms and conditions offers some excellent tips.
In general, a Scope of Work will cover things like:
- The client’s details (e.g. name, ABN, email address, registered address)
- The services being provided
- Any deliverables
- The fees for the services
- The commencement date and key milestones
- The delivery date or project completion date
You might also include other specifics such as whether any equipment or hardware is supplied, or additional key dates like cancellation deadlines or revision periods.
Writing a clear and specific Scope of Work is really important. It ensures that both you and your client have a mutual understanding of what is expected, thereby minimising the risks of costly disputes.
It also prevents clients from later demanding additional services that weren’t initially agreed upon, which can disrupt timelines and budgets.
And if a dispute does arise, you have a documented record that both parties had clearly agreed on the deliverables and expectations. For advice on resolving disputes, our contract breach guide might be a useful resource.
While the SOW itself is a critical document for communicating your services, it doesn’t offer complete legal protection on its own.
A SOW really needs to be integrated into a comprehensive Service Agreement to ensure that all aspects of the engagement are legally enforceable.
It’s essential that your Service Agreement and Scope of Work are designed to complement each other seamlessly. For more detailed insights on how to prepare these documents, you might want to refer to our legal guides for small businesses.
How to update your Service Agreement with a Scope of Work
At first glance, it might seem confusing to use a standard contract yet have it cover the variables that come with each client engagement. The trick is to have a well-crafted contract that is designed specifically for your business and the services you offer.
If you’ve consulted a lawyer who really understands your industry, they can help you prepare a Service Agreement that is both robust and flexible – one which you can easily update for each new client. Consider checking out our contract drafting services for expert advice.
You can then pair this with a customised Scope of Work document that is designed to integrate seamlessly as a schedule or appendix to your Service Agreement.
There are a couple of effective ways to do this. The two main approaches are:
- Include a ‘Scope of Work’ cover page for your contract, with the standard terms and conditions attached behind it.
- Prepare a Service Agreement that contains your standard terms and conditions with the ‘Scope of Work’ attached as a schedule to the agreement.
Whichever method you choose, your lawyer can ensure it works perfectly for your business model. This approach not only simplifies your contract updates but also gives you the legal certainty you need. For further reassurance, our Contract Review and Redraft service can help keep your documents current.
Once your legal framework is in place, you simply fill in the blank sections of the SOW for each new client, and send it along with your standard Service Agreement. This gives you a win–win–win situation: clarity, protection, and efficiency!
There is a minor risk that you might include items in your SOW that aren’t covered in your Service Agreement. If you’re planning to significantly change the nature of your services – for example, altering your invoicing or payment system, or updating your cancellation policy – you should definitely consider having your Service Agreement updated accordingly. Our business structure advice can guide you through these changes.
Most of the time, however, you’ll be perfectly fine using the same basic agreement with an updated Scope of Work. It’s a simple, clear method that provides solid legal protection. Win-win-win!
Looking ahead, remember that regularly reviewing and updating your legal documents is crucial in an ever-evolving business landscape. In 2025, staying on top of these changes can help you avoid unnecessary disputes and ensure that your contracts remain robust and enforceable.
What to take away…
Knowing how to write a good Scope of Work is an invaluable business skill that will save you from many headaches and potential disputes with your clients. It also reinforces your understanding of your business terms inside and out, saving you heaps of time in the long run.
To maximise your legal protection, it’s best to have a well-drafted contract in place with your clients. A comprehensive Service Agreement paired with a specific Scope of Work offers full legal coverage while clearly outlining exactly what services are to be delivered.
If you need assistance updating your Service Agreement or tailoring your Scope of Work, feel free to contact the legal team at Sprintlaw. We’re here to help you navigate the evolving legal landscape in 2025 with confidence and clarity.
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