Last Updated on July 11, 2025 | 9 : 15 pm by Fiestasline
You’ve sent the contract. The scope of work is clear. You’ve followed up once… maybe twice. But the client still hasn’t signed.
Do you start the work anyway? Keep waiting? Walk away?
When a client avoids signing, it puts your business at serious risk. Without a signed agreement, you have little legal protection if something goes wrong — and it’s harder to enforce payment, deadlines, or liability.
The good news? There are professional, clear strategies to handle hesitant or non-responsive clients without burning bridges. This article will walk you through:
- Why clients sometimes avoid signing
- How to follow up (without sounding desperate)
- What boundaries to set — and when to walk away
- Scripts and tools you can use to make signing easy
- How to avoid this problem altogether in the future
1. Why Clients Avoid Signing Contracts
If a client isn’t signing, it’s not always a red flag — but it’s a sign you need to pause.
Common reasons:
- They haven’t read it yet (too busy or distracted)
- They’re unsure about terms but don’t want to push back
- They’re shopping around or ghosting slowly
- They’re intimidated by legal language
- They hope to skip formalities to keep things casual
Regardless of the reason, one thing is clear: no signature = no official agreement = high risk.
2. Never Start Work Without a Signature
Even for “small jobs,” never begin without a signed agreement. Why?
- You have no legal proof of the terms
- You can’t enforce payment, deadlines, or ownership
- Clients can walk away — and you’ll have no protection
Rule: No signature, no service.
If you’ve sent a contract and the client is dragging their feet, your next step is to follow up professionally.
3. How to Follow Up (Without Sounding Pushy)
Here are sample scripts you can use depending on the situation.
Initial Nudge (1–2 days after sending):
“Hi [Client Name], just checking in to see if you had a chance to review the agreement I sent over. Let me know if you have any questions — I’m happy to walk through anything if needed.”
Second Follow-Up (3–4 days after):
“Hi [Client], I want to make sure we’re aligned before moving forward. I’m holding the date and prep time for you, but I do require a signed agreement and deposit to secure the booking.”
Final Nudge (5–7 days after):
“Hi [Client], since I haven’t received the signed agreement yet, I’ll need to release your spot by [specific date] so I can accommodate other clients. I’d still love to work with you — just let me know!”
4. Make Signing Easy
Sometimes the delay isn’t personal — it’s about friction in the process. Make sure your documents are:
- Short and clear — avoid legal jargon
- Digital — use e-signature tools like HoneyBook, Dubsado, Jotform Sign, or HelloSign
- Mobile-friendly — clients often sign from phones
- Linked directly in the follow-up email
Also, avoid sending documents as attachments that require printing and scanning — this kills momentum.
5. Set Boundaries Without Being Harsh
You can be professional and firm by using boundary-setting phrases like:
- “To protect both parties, I require a signed agreement before I can begin.”
- “For fairness to all my clients, I don’t reserve time slots without confirmation.”
- “I’d love to move forward, but I need written approval to get started.”
This communicates professionalism — not pressure.
6. Don’t “Test the Waters” Without Protection
It may be tempting to do a little prep work before the contract is signed — especially if the client seems promising.
Avoid:
- Sending mockups, samples, or drafts
- Buying supplies
- Saving the event date on your calendar
- Answering extensive planning questions
This creates unspoken expectations — and if they ghost or change their mind, you’ve worked for free.
7. Add a Time-Sensitive Expiration to Your Quotes
To create urgency (and protect your time), add an expiration to your quotes or proposals:
“This quote is valid for 7 days. After that, availability and pricing may change.”
This puts a gentle boundary in place while encouraging quick action.
8. What If They Still Don’t Sign?
If a client continues to avoid signing despite your follow-ups and clarifications, you have two choices:
Option 1: Let it go
Kindly release the opportunity and move on. Some clients are just not ready — and that’s okay.
Option 2: Create a last-call message
“Hi [Client], I haven’t heard back, so I’ll assume you’ve gone in another direction. No hard feelings! Feel free to reach out in the future if your needs change.”
This leaves the door open professionally without wasting your time.
9. How to Avoid This in the Future
This isn’t just about contracts — it’s about client onboarding and boundaries.
Tips to prevent signature delays:
- Be upfront in discovery calls: “All bookings require a signed agreement and deposit.”
- Send your contract immediately after the call
- Use automated tools that send reminders
- Embed contracts in your proposals (HoneyBook, Dubsado, etc.)
- Offer to answer questions live during a Zoom or phone call
Also: Prequalify clients. If someone hesitates at the idea of a written agreement, they may not be the right fit for a professional service relationship.
10. Bonus: What to Include in Your Agreement to Build Trust
Sometimes clients avoid signing because your contract feels overwhelming or confusing. Keep it concise, clear, and human.
Must-have sections:
- Scope of work
- Project timeline
- Pricing and payment terms
- Cancellation & refund policy
- Liability disclaimer
- Ownership & usage rights (especially for creatives)
- Late fee policy
And always include:
“By signing this agreement, Client acknowledges and agrees to all terms outlined above.”
Conclusion
When clients avoid signing, it can feel awkward — but it’s also an opportunity to protect your business and reinforce professional boundaries.
To recap:
- Never start work without a signed agreement
- Follow up clearly and respectfully
- Make signing as easy and frictionless as possible
- Set expiration dates and boundaries
- Let go of unresponsive leads with grace
Your time, energy, and skills are valuable. Clients who respect that will have no problem signing when the process is clear and professional.
Sources & References
- Freelancers Union – Contract Basics: https://www.freelancersunion.org
- HoneyBook Blog – How to Get Clients to Sign Faster: https://www.honeybook.com/blog
- Dubsado – Automating Contracts and Signatures: https://www.dubsado.com
- LegalZoom – Enforceable Contract Tips: https://www.legalzoom.com
- SCORE.org – Managing Clients and Contracts: https://www.score.org
