TLDR (Summary)
The best contract software for small business is Plutio ($19/month).
E-signature tools handle signing but leave contracts disconnected from client relationships. Small businesses need contracts that stay accessible-connected to client records, visible on project timelines, findable when disputes arise months later.
According to industry research, 83% of businesses report that poor contract management leads to revenue leakage. Connected contracts become living references rather than forgotten files.
What is contract software for small business?
Contract software for small business creates, sends, and stores professional contracts with e-signatures while keeping agreements connected to client relationships.
What contract software does
Core functions include creating contracts from templates with customizable terms, enabling digital signatures with legally binding audit trails, storing signed contracts connected to client and project records, and making agreements findable when questions arise months later.
Small businesses typically start with Word document templates stored in folders. When a new client needs a contract, someone opens the template, manually fills in client name and project details, saves it as a new file, emails it for signature, waits for a signed PDF to come back, and stores it somewhere hoping to find it later. Contract software automates this entire flow while keeping agreements organized and accessible.
A local marketing agency with 20 clients might have contracts scattered across email attachments, Dropbox folders, and desktop files. When a client disputes payment terms 6 months into a project, finding the original contract requires searching multiple locations. Contract software centralizes everything so agreements surface instantly from client records.
E-signature vs contract management
DocuSign and HelloSign process signatures on documents you create elsewhere. Contract software includes document creation, template management, and connection to business context. Complete workflow vs single step.
E-signature tools solve one problem: getting signatures digitally. Contract management software solves the broader challenge: creating contracts consistently, tracking them through signing, storing them accessibly, and connecting them to ongoing business relationships. The difference matters because signed contracts become reference documents that need to stay findable throughout project delivery.
Small businesses using standalone e-signature tools still create contracts manually, email them separately, and store signed versions in folders disconnected from client records. Contract software integrates creation, signing, and storage into one connected workflow where agreements link to the clients and projects they protect.
When contracts connect to proposals and client records, protection becomes part of the workflow rather than an afterthought.
Why small businesses need contract software
Small businesses that skip contracts or manage them manually expose themselves to disputes that consume far more time and money than contract setup would have cost.
The protection problem
Without contracts: scope undefined, payment terms unclear, ownership ambiguous, termination messy. When things go wrong-and they will eventually-there's no reference point for what was agreed.
A 5-person web design agency starts projects with verbal agreements and email confirmations. When a client requests 15 rounds of revisions instead of the agreed 3, there's no written scope to reference. The team either absorbs extra work without pay or risks the relationship by pushing back without documentation. Contract software prevents these situations by establishing clear terms upfront.
Small businesses often skip contracts because creating them feels time-consuming and formal. Contract software removes the friction: templates generate agreements in minutes, e-signatures eliminate printing and scanning, and connected storage means agreements stay accessible without manual filing. The barrier to protection drops significantly.
The findability problem
Client disputes invoice 8 months into a project. "What did the contract say about payment terms?" Folder search, email search, "I know we had something..." Minutes or hours lost. Connected contracts surface in seconds from the client record.
A local consulting firm stores contracts in a shared Google Drive folder organized by year. When a client questions payment terms from a contract signed 10 months ago, finding the right document requires remembering which year it was signed, navigating folder structures, and hoping the filename includes the client name. Contract software links agreements directly to client profiles so they appear instantly when needed.
Manual contract storage creates a findability problem that compounds over time. After 50 clients, contracts exist across email threads, cloud folders, and local files. When disputes arise months later, locating the relevant agreement consumes valuable time. Connected contract software makes every agreement searchable and accessible from client records.
The consistency problem
Without templates, each contract gets created differently. One client gets detailed payment terms, another gets vague language. Some contracts include intellectual property clauses, others don't. Inconsistency creates risk because weaker agreements become precedents for future disputes.
Contract software enforces consistency through templates. Every client gets the same protection level because templates standardize terms. When you update a template to include better language, future contracts automatically use the improved version. Consistency protects better than ad-hoc creation.
Contract software makes protection consistent and accessible. Every client gets protected the same way. Every agreement stays findable.
Contract features small businesses need
The essential contract features for small businesses balance legal protection with workflow simplicity.
Core features
- Contract templates: Standard terms for common engagement types.
- E-signatures: Legally binding digital signatures with audit trails.
- Secure storage: Signed contracts stored and accessible indefinitely.
- Expiration tracking: Alerts when contracts approach renewal dates.
Template libraries let small businesses create contracts for service agreements, NDAs, subcontractor terms, and partnership agreements. Custom fields auto-populate client names, project scopes, payment terms, and dates from connected records. A marketing agency might have templates for retainer agreements, project-based contracts, and one-time service agreements, each with appropriate terms for different engagement types.
E-signature functionality eliminates printing, scanning, and mailing. Clients sign digitally from any device, and complete audit trails record who signed, when, and from which IP address. Legal validity matches handwritten signatures under ESIGN and UETA laws, so convenience doesn't compromise enforceability.
Small business-specific features
- Proposal embedding: Contract terms within proposal flow.
- Client record connection: Contracts linked to CRM.
- Project linking: Contracts visible on project timelines.
Proposal embedding creates one-document workflows where clients accept scope, pricing, and terms together. Instead of sending separate proposals and contracts, small businesses include contract terms within proposals so signing covers everything at once. Reduces friction and ensures every accepted proposal includes legal protection.
Client record connection means contracts appear on CRM profiles automatically. When working with a client, their agreements surface instantly without searching folders or email archives. A local accounting firm might reference contract terms during client calls, and connected contracts make those terms accessible in seconds.
Project linking shows contracts on project timelines alongside tasks, milestones, and deliverables. When team members need to reference terms during project delivery, contracts appear in context rather than requiring separate searches. Connection keeps protection visible throughout project execution.
Contracts that link to CRM and projects stay accessible when needed instead of disappearing into folder systems.
Contract software pricing for small business
Contract software ranges from $10-40/month for e-signature tools, with higher costs for complete contract lifecycle management.
Typical pricing
- DocuSign: $10-40/month for e-signatures only
- HelloSign: $15-25/month. Simple e-signatures with basic templates.
- PandaDoc: $19-49/month. Contracts and proposals combined.
Plutio pricing (February 2026)
- Core: $19/month-contracts plus proposals, CRM, project management, invoicing.
- Pro: $49/month-unlimited clients and contracts, up to 30 team members.
- Max: $199/month-unlimited team, white-label with custom domain.
One prevented dispute pays for years of contract software. The cost of one dispute exceeds years of subscription fees.
Why Plutio is the best contract software for small business
Plutio handles contracts as part of a complete business platform where agreements connect to proposals, client records, and project delivery.
Contract templates
Build templates for service agreements, NDAs, partnership terms. Custom fields auto-populate: client name, project scope, payment terms, dates.
Templates reduce contract creation from hours to minutes. A local design studio creates templates for website projects, branding packages, and ongoing retainer agreements. When a new client needs a contract, selecting the appropriate template and filling custom fields generates a complete agreement in under 5 minutes. Template quality ensures every client gets consistent protection without starting from scratch each time.
Custom fields pull information from connected records automatically. Client name populates from CRM, project scope pulls from proposal details, payment terms reflect agreed amounts, and dates align with project timelines. Automation eliminates manual data entry errors and ensures contracts match what was actually agreed during sales conversations.
E-signatures with audit trails
Clients sign digitally with legally binding e-signatures. Complete audit trail: who signed, when, from which IP address. Meets ESIGN and UETA requirements.
E-signature workflow eliminates printing, scanning, and mailing delays. Clients receive contracts via email, click to sign digitally, and agreements become legally binding immediately. A small consulting firm sends contracts on Friday afternoons and receives signed versions by Monday morning without any manual coordination.
Audit trails provide legal evidence if disputes arise. Records show exactly who signed, when signatures occurred, and from which devices. Documentation meets legal requirements for electronic signatures under ESIGN, UETA, and international equivalents, so digital convenience doesn't compromise legal validity.
Connected to client records
Every signed contract links to the client profile. Open a client and see their agreements. "What did we agree to?" answered immediately.
Client record connection transforms contracts from isolated documents into relationship references. When a client calls with questions about payment terms or project scope, opening their profile shows all signed agreements instantly. A local marketing agency references contract terms during client calls regularly, and connected contracts make those terms accessible without interrupting conversations to search folders.
Historical contracts remain accessible throughout client relationships. A client from 2 years ago returns for new work, and their original contract appears on their profile alongside new agreements. Continuity helps small businesses maintain consistent terms and understand relationship history at a glance.
Visible on project timelines
Contracts appear on project records. Working on a project and need to reference terms? Contract is right there on the timeline.
Project timeline integration keeps contracts visible during delivery. When team members need to verify scope boundaries or payment milestones, contracts appear alongside tasks and deliverables. A web development agency references contract terms when clients request additional features, and timeline visibility makes those terms immediately accessible without leaving project context.
Contract visibility on projects helps prevent extra work without extra pay by keeping agreed terms visible. When clients request work beyond original scope, contracts provide clear reference points for what was included. Visibility protects small businesses from absorbing extra work without compensation.
Proposal integration
Contracts embed directly within proposals so clients accept scope, pricing, and terms together. One-document workflows eliminate separate contract steps and ensure every accepted proposal includes legal protection automatically.
Proposal integration creates smooth sales-to-delivery handoffs. Clients sign proposals that include contract terms, and those agreements link to client records and projects immediately. A local consulting firm uses proposal-embedded contracts so every signed proposal becomes a protected engagement without additional contract steps.
Contracts stay accessible because they connect to client relationships and projects. Protection that's findable protects better.
How to set up contracts in Plutio
Setting up contracts takes 1-2 hours for initial template creation, then new contracts generate in minutes.
Step 1: Create templates
Build templates for standard agreements: service agreements, NDAs, subcontractor terms.
Start by identifying your most common contract types. A local marketing agency might need templates for retainer agreements, project-based contracts, and one-time service agreements. Review existing contracts or legal templates to extract standard terms, then build templates that cover your typical engagement structures.
Template quality matters because these documents protect every future client. Include clear scope definitions, payment terms, intellectual property clauses, termination conditions, and dispute resolution language. Consider having templates reviewed by legal counsel once, then reuse them consistently across all engagements.
Step 2: Configure custom fields
Set up fields that populate automatically: client name, effective dates, project scope, payment terms.
Custom fields pull information from connected records to eliminate manual entry. Configure fields for client name, company name, project title, effective dates, payment amounts, payment schedules, and any other terms that vary per engagement. When creating contracts from templates, these fields auto-populate from CRM and proposal data.
Field configuration ensures contracts match what was actually agreed during sales conversations. If proposals specify payment terms or project scope, contract fields pull those details automatically so agreements reflect accurate information without transcription errors.
Step 3: Set up signature workflow
Configure whether contracts require counter-signature or client signature only.
Signature workflow determines who needs to sign and in what order. Most small business contracts require client signature only, but some agreements need counter-signatures from both parties. Configure workflow settings to match your typical contract structure, and adjust per contract when exceptions arise.
Workflow configuration includes reminder settings for unsigned contracts. Set automatic reminders at intervals like 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after sending to prompt clients who haven't signed yet. These reminders reduce follow-up work while ensuring contracts don't get forgotten.
Step 4: Test the signing flow
Send a test contract, sign it, verify it appears on the client record.
Testing ensures the complete workflow functions correctly before using contracts with real clients. Create a test client record, generate a contract from a template, send it to your own email, sign it digitally, and verify it appears on the test client's profile. Complete test confirms templates, fields, signatures, and storage all work together.
Test different scenarios: contracts embedded in proposals, standalone contracts, contracts requiring counter-signatures. Verify that signed contracts link to client records correctly and appear on project timelines when applicable. Thorough testing prevents issues when using contracts with actual clients.
Step 5: Integrate with proposals
Configure contracts to embed within proposals so clients accept scope, pricing, and terms together. Integration creates one-document workflows where signing covers everything at once, reducing friction and ensuring every accepted proposal includes legal protection.
Proposal integration requires configuring which contract templates attach to which proposal types. A marketing agency might embed service agreements in project proposals and retainer agreements in ongoing service proposals. Once configured, creating proposals automatically includes appropriate contract terms.
Invest time in good templates upfront. Standard terms reviewed once protect every future client engagement.
E-signatures and legal validity
Electronic signatures are legally binding in most situations, with audit trails providing evidence of agreement.
Legal framework
The ESIGN Act and UETA give electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten signatures for most contracts. Similar laws exist in EU (eIDAS), UK, Canada, Australia.
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) establish that electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures for most business contracts in the United States. These laws apply to contracts for services, sales, leases, and most commercial agreements. Similar frameworks exist internationally: eIDAS in the European Union, the Electronic Communications Act in the UK, and equivalent legislation in Canada and Australia.
Legal validity means small businesses can use e-signatures for client agreements, vendor contracts, subcontractor terms, and partnership agreements without compromising enforceability. Courts recognize e-signatures as valid evidence of agreement when proper procedures are followed, so digital convenience doesn't reduce legal protection.
What makes e-signatures enforceable
- Intent to sign: Clear indication the signer intended to sign.
- Consent to electronic process: Agreement to conduct business electronically.
- Association with record: Signature attached to specific document.
- Record retention: Signed document stored accessibly.
Intent to sign means the signer clearly indicated agreement, typically by clicking a signature button or typing their name with explicit consent language. E-signature platforms require signers to confirm they intend to sign before signatures are applied, creating clear evidence of agreement.
Consent to electronic process means signers agree to conduct business electronically rather than requiring paper documents. E-signature platforms include consent language in the signing process, and signers must acknowledge this consent before signing. Consent requirement ensures signers understand they're agreeing to electronic rather than physical signatures.
Association with record means signatures attach to specific documents with timestamps and identifiers. E-signature platforms create cryptographic links between signatures and documents, ensuring signatures can't be moved to different documents or altered after signing. Association provides evidence that signatures apply to the exact contract terms presented.
Record retention means signed documents remain accessible for future reference. E-signature platforms store signed contracts with complete audit trails showing who signed, when, and from which devices. Retention ensures agreements remain available if disputes arise months or years later.
When e-signatures might not apply
Certain document types require handwritten signatures regardless of e-signature laws: wills, trusts, court orders, adoption papers, and some real estate transactions. Most business contracts for services, sales, and commercial agreements qualify for e-signatures, but consult legal counsel for document types with specific requirements.
Small businesses using e-signatures for standard client agreements, vendor contracts, and service terms typically qualify under ESIGN and UETA without issues. The convenience of digital signatures applies to the vast majority of business contracts without compromising legal validity.
E-signatures are legally equivalent to handwritten signatures for business contracts. Convenience doesn't compromise enforceability.
Client portals for small business: contracts connection
Client portals connect contract data to client-facing access, creating self-service where clients find signed agreements, terms, and status without emailing for every question.
Contract access through portals
Clients view their signed contracts, current terms, and status through branded portals. No email requests for copies. Complete agreement history visible in one place.
Professional presentation
Branded portal experience extends to contract interactions. Clients see your logo, colors, and domain when reviewing agreements. Professional presentation builds confidence in your business.
Document signing through portals
New contracts and amendments can be reviewed and signed directly through the portal. Clients receive notifications when documents need attention and can complete signing without switching to another tool.
Status visibility
Clients see which contracts are active, which need signatures, and when renewals are approaching. Clear visibility prevents confusion and reduces back-and-forth communication.
Connected contract history
Every contract ties to the project, proposal, and invoices it relates to. Clients see the full picture of each engagement without piecing together information from multiple emails or documents.
Portals make contracts client-facing. Internal organization translates to external experience where clients access what they need without creating work for you.
How to migrate contracts to Plutio
Migration takes 2-3 hours of template recreation, with historical contracts optionally uploaded for reference.
Migration approach
- Review current contract templates
- Recreate templates in Plutio with updated terms
- Upload historical contracts as files to client records (optional)
- Use Plutio for all new contracts
Migration starts with auditing existing contract templates to identify which ones you actually use. A local consulting firm might have 5 different contract templates but only use 2 regularly. Focus migration effort on active templates rather than recreating every historical document.
Template recreation provides an opportunity to improve terms based on experience. Review existing contracts for language that caused confusion or disputes, update terms to be clearer, and incorporate lessons learned from past engagements. Migration becomes template improvement rather than simple copying.
Historical contracts can upload as files to client records for reference without recreating them as active templates. Preserves access to past agreements without the work of converting every historical document. Focus migration on templates for future contracts, and upload historical documents as reference files.
Template improvement during migration
Migration creates an opportunity to standardize contract language across all templates. Review terms for consistency, ensure payment language matches invoicing process, verify scope definitions align with how you actually deliver work, and update any language that caused confusion in past engagements.
A local design studio might discover during migration that their old templates had vague payment terms that led to invoicing delays. Updated templates include specific payment schedules, late fee structures, and clear due dates that match their invoicing workflow. Improvement makes contracts more protective while aligning with business operations.
Template improvement during migration ensures future contracts protect better than past ones. Use migration as an opportunity to incorporate legal best practices, clarify ambiguous language, and align contract terms with how your business actually operates.
Client record connection
After recreating templates, link historical contracts to client records by uploading signed PDFs as files. Connection makes past agreements accessible from client profiles even though they weren't created in Plutio. Future contracts will link automatically, but historical documents can attach manually for complete relationship visibility.
Client record connection helps small businesses maintain complete relationship histories. When clients return for new work, both historical and new contracts appear on their profiles, providing continuity that helps maintain consistent terms and understand relationship evolution.
Focus on template quality over historical import. New contracts with proper tracking deliver immediate value.
