How Long Should You Expect to Wait for a Contract?

After you've had that all-important meeting with a new client and verbally agreed to work together, the next step is to sign a contract. This legally binding document outlines the parameters of the business relationship, including what services will be provided, how much the client will pay, and when deliverables are due. But how long should you expect to wait for a contract? Let's explore this question in more depth.

The negotiation process can take some time, especially if your client is new to working with outside vendors. Once both parties have agreed on the key points of the contract, it's time to send it off to the client for review. At this stage, there are a few things that can delay the signing of the contract, such as:

• The client is waiting for approval from their boss or another decision-maker within the company.
• The client is waiting for their legal team to review the contract.
• The client wants to make a few changes to the contract before signing it.
• The client has misplaced the contract and needs you to resend it.

If you haven't heard back from the client after two weeks, it's perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged) to reach out and see where things are at. A simple email or phone call can go a long way in moving the contracting process along.

Signing a contract is an important step in any business relationship, as it helps protect both parties involved. While there's no hard-and-fast rule about how long it should take to receive a signed contract back from a client, two weeks is generally considered an acceptable timeframe. If you haven't heard anything after that point, reach out and ask if there are any questions or concerns that need to be addressed before moving forward.