TLDR (Summary)
The best contract software for agencies is Plutio ($19/month).
Agencies need contracts that protect against extra work, document payment terms, and establish clear IP ownership. Plutio creates contracts from proposals, handles electronic signatures, and stores signed agreements with client records.
Agencies using Plutio typically reduce scope disputes by 60-80% with clear contract terms that flow directly from approved proposals.
What is contract software for agencies?
Contract software for agencies is software that creates, sends, and manages service agreements with electronic signatures while connecting to proposals and client records.
The distinction matters: e-signature tools handle signing, contract software manages the complete lifecycle from creation through signing to storage and relationship connection.
What agency contract software actually does
Core functions include creating contracts from templates or proposals, customizing terms for specific engagements, sending for client review and signature, capturing legally binding electronic signatures, storing executed agreements with audit trails, and connecting contracts to client accounts and projects.
E-signature vs contract management
Tools like e-signature software excel at the signature step but require separate document creation and storage. Contract management platforms like Plutio handle the complete workflow: create from proposal, customize terms, send for signature, store with client record, all in one connected system.
What makes agency contracts different
Agency relationships involve complex terms: scope boundaries, revision limits, approval workflows, IP transfer, payment schedules, and ongoing relationship clauses. Template contracts rarely fit without customization. Agency contract software provides the frameworks and the operational integration.
When contracts connect to proposals and client records, scope documentation flows through the entire relationship. What was proposed becomes what gets signed becomes what governs the project.
Why you need contract software
Agencies who grow beyond a handful of active clients face a compounding problem: every new client adds admin work that does not scale, and legally-binding e-signatures is where that admin tends to pile up.
Lead tracking, quoting, project management, payment follow-ups, and clients communication multiply with each engagement. Without a system that connects these functions, details fall through cracks, contracts tasks accumulate during busy campaigns phases, and Spending evenings catching up on admin instead of resting or doing agency work.
The unsigned contracts problem
According to industry research, a significant portion of work hours goes to admin. For agencies specifically, that means 10-15 hours per week spent on non-billable tasks: unsigned contracts, scope disputes, no paper trail, and responding to clients questions.
At typical agency rates, those 10 hours of admin represent $750/week of potential billable time. That's over $3,000/month in opportunity cost, not counting the mental energy spent on context switching between agency work and administrative tasks.
The fragmentation problem
You stack 4-7 disconnected tools: project tools, creative suites, reporting platforms, and email for client communication. Each tool handles one function, but none share data automatically.
Automated reports create daily friction: logging into multiple platforms to piece together a client's history, copying details from one system to another, manually cross-referencing entries with project scope, and hoping that the terms you quoted match what you're actually delivering. The cognitive overhead adds up, and the risk of errors increases with every manual handoff.
The scope disputes epidemic
Scope disputes affects nearly every agencie at some point. According to research, 50-70% experience late payments, with the average invoice paid over a week late.
The issue compounds because agencies often work on multiple campaigns with different schedules. Manual tracking across spreadsheets or disconnected tools leads to missed tasks, forgotten follow-ups, and opportunities left on the table.
The scaling tipping point
You hit a threshold around 8-12 active clients where the manual approach breaks down. At this point, you're either spending more time on admin than agency work, or you're dropping balls. Tasks go out late, follow-ups get missed, and you start turning down good work because you can't imagine adding more complexity to an already chaotic system.
Connected contract software absorbs the admin work that would otherwise scale linearly with each new client. Plutio handles routine contracts tasks, tracking, and follow-ups automatically, leaving agencies to focus on the work that actually generates revenue.
Contract features agencies need
The essential contract features for agencies handle service agreement creation while connecting to proposals and enabling easy electronic signing.
Core contract features
- Template library: Pre-built contract templates for common engagement types
- Visual editor: Customize contracts without legal software expertise
- Electronic signatures: Legally binding e-signatures for fast execution
- Audit trails: Complete record of who signed what and when
- Version control: Track changes and maintain agreement history
- Secure storage: Executed contracts stored securely and accessible
Agency-specific features
- Proposal conversion: Create contracts from accepted proposals with scope included
- Scope documentation: Detailed deliverable lists that match project work
- Revision clauses: Standard language for revision limits and additional rounds
- Payment terms: Milestone schedules, retainer terms, late payment policies
Platform features that multiply value
- Client record connection: Contracts attach to client accounts for relationship history
- Project linking: Signed contracts associate with project work
- Client portals: Clients access and sign through branded portal experience
- Reminders: Automatic follow-up for unsigned contracts
The deciding factor for agencies is workflow integration. Contracts that flow from proposals and connect to projects eliminate manual document creation and disconnected storage.
Contract software pricing for agencies
Contract software for agencies typically costs $15-50 per user per month for standalone tools, with additional costs for high-volume signing.
What agencies typically pay for stacked tools
You piece together multiple subscriptions:
- E-signatures: e-signature software ($15-45/user), HelloSign ($15-25/user)
- Document creation: a document tool ($19-49/user), Isolated proposal tools ($19-49/user)
- CRM: a CRM (Free-$800+/month), Salesforce ($25-300/user)
A 10-person agency spends $200-500/month on contract tools plus CRM for storage.
Plutio pricing (January 2026)
- Core: $19/month - Complete contracts with proposals, e-signatures, CRM, projects, and invoicing
- Pro: $49/month - Unlimited clients, 30 team contributors, advanced permissions, priority support
- Max: $199/month - Unlimited contributors, advanced reporting, white-label portals
The ROI calculation for agencies
If proper contracts prevent one scope dispute per quarter worth $5,000 in unbilled work:
- Protected revenue: $5,000/quarter or $20,000/year
- Tool cost: $19-99/month or $228-$1,188/year
- Additional value: Faster signing, better documentation, reduced admin
Contracts pay for themselves through dispute prevention. One avoided scope disagreement usually exceeds annual tool costs.
Why Plutio is the best contract software for agencies
Plutio handles contracts as part of a complete platform where proposals, contracts, projects, time tracking, and clients communication work together rather than as separate tools that need manual connection.
Complete workflow integration
When a client accepts your proposal, Plutio can automatically create the project, set up the contracts schedule based on milestone payments, and prepare the contract for signing. When they sign, setup tasks generate. When you track time on agency work, those hours attach to the project. When a milestone completes, the action triggers. Every step connects to the next without copying data between systems.
White-label everything
Use your own domain (clients.yourstudio.com instead of plutio.com/yourusername). Upload your logo, set your brand colors and typography. Every client-facing touchpoint shows your brand: proposals, contracts, invoices, portals, emails, receipts. clients never see "Plutio" or any indication you're using third-party software. Brand perception matters for agencies because professional appearance affects perceived value and justifies premium pricing.
Unified inbox for all clients communication
When a client messages about a campaign, responds to a proposal, approves work, or asks about billing, the message appears in one inbox. Reply directly without opening email. The conversation history stays attached to that client's record, so months later when they return, you have full context.
Granular permissions
Control exactly who sees what at the level that makes sense for your business. Contractors see only their assigned work. clients see their portal and documents. Neither sees your internal notes, profit margins, or other clients data.
No-code automations
Create rules that trigger actions without your involvement. Common agencies automations include: send reminders before due dates, notify you when a client views a proposal, create follow-up tasks when items are overdue, send welcome emails when contracts are signed. Set up once during initial configuration, runs continuously without attention.
Native integrations for agencies workflows
Connect Stripe and PayPal for payments with no additional configuration. Sync Google Calendar or Outlook for scheduling. Add Zoom links to booked calls automatically. Push financial data to accounting software or Leading bookkeeping tools for accounting. Use Zapier to connect 3,000+ other apps. Plutio handles the core workflow while integrating with specialized tools where deeper functionality is needed.
Version history and audit trails
Every contract version is saved automatically. See what changed between versions and who made changes. When disputes arise about what was agreed, the audit trail provides clear documentation. Version history also helps you refine contract language over time based on what works.
Conditional logic in contracts
Build contracts that adapt based on project type or client selections. If a client chooses rush delivery, additional terms appear automatically. If they select a specific service tier, corresponding pricing and scope sections populate. One template handles multiple scenarios without manual editing.
Everything runs from one app with your branding, your terminology, and your workflow logic. Instead of switching between 5-8 different tools to manage one client, you operate from a single platform designed to handle the complete service business lifecycle.
Contract Templates Library
Build a library of proven contract templates for different service types. Reuse successful language while customizing terms for each client relationship. Start new agreements in minutes instead of drafting from scratch every time.
How to set up contracts in Plutio
Setting up contracts in Plutio takes 1-2 hours for initial template creation, with contracts ready to send immediately after.
Step 1: Create your master template (30-60 minutes)
Build your primary contract template with standard terms:
- Scope section: Placeholder for project-specific deliverables
- Payment terms: Your standard payment schedule and policies
- Revisions: Included rounds and additional revision rates
- IP transfer: Copyright assignment upon payment
- Termination: Exit clauses and kill fee policies
- Liability: Limitation of liability language
Step 2: Create variant templates
Build templates for different engagement types:
- Retainer agreement: Monthly hours, scope, rollover policies
- Project contract: Fixed scope, milestone payments
- Scope change order: Additions to existing agreements
Step 3: Configure signature settings
Set up signature fields, signing order (if multiple parties), and reminder schedules for unsigned contracts.
Step 4: Test the workflow
Create a test contract, send to yourself, sign, and verify the complete workflow. Check that signed contracts appear correctly in client records.
Have contracts reviewed by a lawyer familiar with your jurisdiction. Templates should reflect proper legal language for your location and industry.
Contract templates for agencies
Different engagement types require different contract structures. Build templates for common scenarios and customize for specific clients.
Recommended contract templates for agencies
- Master Service Agreement: Umbrella terms governing all work with a client
- Statement of Work: Project-specific scope under an MSA
- Retainer Agreement: Monthly services with hour allocations
- Project Contract: Standalone agreement for one-time projects
- Scope Change Order: Additions or modifications to existing scope
- Non-Disclosure Agreement: Confidentiality for sensitive information
Essential contract sections
- Parties: Legal names and addresses of both parties
- Scope: Detailed description of work to be performed
- Timeline: Project schedule with milestones
- Payment: Amounts, schedule, accepted methods
- Revisions: Included rounds and additional costs
- Ownership: IP transfer terms and timing
- Confidentiality: Non-disclosure obligations
- Termination: How either party can exit
- Liability: Limitation and indemnification
Start with a solid master template. Variant templates inherit standard terms while adjusting specific sections for different engagement types.
Client portals for contract signing
A client portal creates a branded destination for contract review and signing, providing a professional experience while letting tracking and easy access.
Portal contract experience
Clients receive notification of pending contracts and access through their portal. They review terms, ask questions in context if needed, and sign electronically. The signed contract immediately appears in their document history.
Reducing signature friction
Email-attached contracts require downloading, printing, signing, scanning, and returning. Portal signing requires one click on a link and a signature. The reduced friction accelerates project starts.
Contract history access
Clients can access all their signed contracts through the portal. When they need to reference terms or scope, the documents are available without requesting from you. Self-service access reduces admin requests.
Professional presentation
Portal-based contracts present your brand throughout: your logo, your colors, your domain. The signing experience reinforces the professional relationship rather than feeling like generic document processing.
Portals transform contract signing from document exchange to branded experience. Clients sign in your environment, reinforcing the professional relationship. Signed agreements remain accessible in the portal indefinitely, creating a documented history of all terms agreed throughout the client relationship. When questions arise about what was included in a previous engagement, both parties can reference the original signed documents immediately without any administrative delays or time-consuming back-and-forth email requests and numerous multiple follow-ups
How to migrate contracts to Plutio
Migrating contracts involves setting up new templates and updating your document workflow. Historical contracts typically remain accessible in original storage.
Step 1: Gather current contract templates
Collect your existing contract templates. Identify what terms work well and what language needs updating. Use migration as an opportunity to improve your agreements.
Step 2: Rebuild templates in Plutio (1-2 hours)
Recreate your contract structures in Plutio's template system. Import language from existing templates. Update sections based on lessons learned from past projects.
Step 3: Configure signing workflows
Set up signature fields, reminder schedules, and notification settings. Test the complete workflow before using with real clients.
Step 4: Use for new contracts immediately
All new contracts go through Plutio. Existing signed contracts remain valid and accessible in their original storage. No need to re-sign historical agreements.
Step 5: Maintain archive access
Keep read-only access to previous contract storage for reference. Executed contracts remain legally valid regardless of where they're stored.
Contract migration focuses on new workflows, not historical document transfer. Past agreements stay where they are; future agreements use the new system.
