How do you document business service contract deliverables?

1 Step 1: Define the scope of work

The scope of work is the overall description of what you will do for your client. It should include the objectives, outcomes, and benefits of your service. It should also specify the boundaries, limitations, and assumptions of your service. For example, if you are providing web design services, you should state what features and functionalities you will create, what platforms and browsers you will support, and what content and materials you will need from your client.

2 Step 2: Break down the deliverables

The deliverables are the tangible and measurable results of your service. They can be products, documents, reports, or other outputs that you will produce and deliver to your client. You should break down the deliverables into smaller and manageable units that can be easily tracked and verified. For example, if you are providing web design services, you can break down the deliverables into wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and final website.

3 Step 3: Define the acceptance criteria

The acceptance criteria are the standards and requirements that your deliverables must meet to be accepted by your client. They should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also be aligned with the scope of work and the client's expectations. For example, if you are providing web design services, you can define the acceptance criteria for each deliverable in terms of functionality, usability, aesthetics, performance, and compatibility.

4 Step 4: Estimate the time and cost

The time and cost are the resources that you will need to complete and deliver your service. You should estimate the time and cost for each deliverable based on your experience, expertise, and market rates. You should also factor in the risks, contingencies, and changes that may affect your estimates. For example, if you are providing web design services, you can estimate the time and cost for each deliverable in terms of hours, days, weeks, or months, and in terms of fixed or variable fees.

5 Step 5: Assign the roles and responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities are the tasks and duties that you and your client will perform and share to execute and deliver your service. You should assign the roles and responsibilities for each deliverable based on your skills, capabilities, and availability. You should also clarify the communication, collaboration, and feedback methods that you and your client will use. For example, if you are providing web design services, you can assign the roles and responsibilities for each deliverable in terms of who will design, develop, test, review, approve, and launch the website.

6 Step 6: Write the contract

The contract is the legal document that formalizes and binds your agreement with your client. It should include all the information and details that you have documented in the previous steps, such as the scope of work, the deliverables, the acceptance criteria, the time and cost, and the roles and responsibilities. It should also include the terms and conditions that govern your relationship with your client, such as the payment, warranty, liability, confidentiality, and dispute resolution clauses. You should write the contract in clear, concise, and professional language, and have it signed by both parties.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?