Agreements

Understanding Our Service Engagement Framework

Introduction to Our Partnership Model

At 7t1.studio, we believe that successful digital marketing outcomes are built on clear expectations, transparent communication, and mutually agreed-upon objectives. Our Client Service Agreements establish the foundation for productive, results-driven partnerships. These documents ensure both parties understand their rights, responsibilities, and the framework that will guide our collaborative efforts toward achieving your business goals.

Our service agreements are designed to be comprehensive yet clear, protecting both your interests and ours while establishing the professional standards that enable exceptional marketing results. Below you'll find detailed information about the various types of agreements we offer, their components, and how they structure our working relationship.

Types of Service Agreements

1. Digital Marketing Retainer Agreement

Purpose: For ongoing monthly marketing services including SEO, PPC, social media management, and content marketing.

Key Components:

Scope of Services:

• Clearly defined service packages (Growth, Acceleration, Enterprise)
• Specific deliverables and frequency (e.g., 8 blog posts/month, 4 social media campaigns)
• Service level agreements (SLAs) for response times and deliverables
• Reporting schedule and format specifications
• Communication protocols and meeting cadence

Financial Terms:

• Monthly retainer fee structure
• Advertising budget management (separate from agency fees)
• Payment terms and schedules (net 15, net 30)
• Late payment policies and interest rates
• Fee adjustment mechanisms and notice periods

Performance Framework:

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and success metrics
• Performance review schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Guarantees and performance minimums
• Strategy adjustment protocols
• Exit criteria and performance termination rights

Term & Renewal:

• Initial commitment period (typically 6-12 months)
• Auto-renewal provisions and opt-out windows
• Early termination conditions and fees
• Transition support obligations
• Post-termination cooperation requirements

2. Project-Based Service Agreement

Purpose: For defined-scope projects such as website redesigns, branding projects, or specific campaign launches.

Key Components:

Project Specifications:

• Detailed Statement of Work (SOW) attachment
• Deliverables list with acceptance criteria
• Milestone schedule with dates and dependencies
• Change request process and pricing
• Quality standards and testing protocols

Payment Schedule:

• Milestone-based payment structure
• Deposit requirements (typically 30-50%)
• Final payment upon project completion
• Additional work rates and approval process
• Expense reimbursement policies

Intellectual Property:

• Ownership transfer upon final payment
• License grants for ongoing use
• Source code and file delivery specifications
• Third-party component licensing
• Portfolio usage rights

Project Management:

• Designated project manager and points of contact
• Communication tools and protocols
• Status meeting schedule
• Risk management and issue escalation
• Post-launch support period

3. Performance-Based Agreement

Purpose: For campaigns where compensation is tied directly to results achieved.

Key Components:

Performance Metrics:

• Precisely defined success criteria
• Measurement methodology and tools
• Baseline establishment procedures
• Attribution modeling and tracking
• Audit and verification rights

Compensation Structure:

• Base fee + performance bonus model
• Commission-based compensation
• Revenue share arrangements
• Minimum performance thresholds
• Maximum compensation caps

Reporting & Verification:

• Real-time dashboard access
• Third-party verification options
• Regular performance audits
• Dispute resolution mechanisms
• Adjustment calculations methodology

Risk Sharing:

• Shared investment in advertising spend
• Performance guarantee conditions
• Underperformance remedies
• Overperformance bonuses
• Market condition adjustments

4. Consulting & Strategy Agreement

Purpose: For advisory services, audits, and strategic planning engagements.

Key Components:

Consulting Scope:

• Specific areas of expertise required
• Deliverables (reports, presentations, plans)
• Research and analysis parameters
• Stakeholder interview schedule
• Implementation guidance level

Engagement Structure:

• Hourly, daily, or weekly rates
• Minimum and maximum hours
• Travel and expense policies
• Remote vs. on-site requirements
• Support hours and response times

Deliverable Specifications:

• Format and content requirements
• Review and revision cycles
• Presentation requirements
• Follow-up support included
• Intellectual property ownership

Standard Agreement Components

1. Parties & Contact Information

• Legal names and addresses of both parties
• Authorized signatories and their titles
• Primary and secondary contact persons
• Emergency contact information
• Communication preferences and channels

2. Definitions & Interpretations

• Clear definitions of technical terms
• Interpretation rules for agreement language
• Reference to attached schedules and exhibits
• Hierarchy of document precedence
• Calculation methodologies explained

3. Services Description

• Detailed service specifications
• Included and excluded services
• Assumptions and dependencies
• Client responsibilities and inputs required
• Quality standards and acceptance criteria

4. Term & Termination

• Effective date and duration
• Renewal terms and conditions
• Termination for convenience provisions
• Termination for cause conditions
• Post-termination obligations

5. Financial Provisions

• Fee structure and payment terms
• Expense reimbursement policies
• Tax responsibilities
• Currency and exchange rates
• Annual fee adjustment mechanisms

6. Intellectual Property Rights

• Pre-existing IP ownership
• Developed IP ownership and licensing
• Background technology rights
• Portfolio usage permissions
• Third-party component rights

7. Confidentiality & Data Protection

• Confidential information definition
• Protection obligations and standards
• Data processing responsibilities
• Security requirements
• Breach notification procedures

8. Representations & Warranties

• Authority to enter agreement
• Compliance with laws
• Quality of services
• Non-infringement warranties
• Mutual representations

9. Limitation of Liability

• Liability caps and exclusions
• Consequential damage disclaimers
• Insurance requirements
• Indemnification provisions
• Risk allocation

10. Dispute Resolution

• Negotiation and mediation requirements
• Arbitration provisions
• Governing law and jurisdiction
• Legal venue selection
• Attorney's fees allocation

Industry-Specific Addenda

Healthcare & Medical Marketing Addendum

HIPAA Compliance:

• Business Associate Agreement (BAA) requirements
• Protected Health Information (PHI) handling
• Patient privacy and consent requirements
• Medical disclaimer requirements
• Regulatory compliance certifications

Industry Regulations:

• FDA advertising guidelines compliance
• Medical claim substantiation requirements
• Prescription drug marketing restrictions
• Clinical trial promotion rules
• Medical device advertising standards

Financial Services Addendum

Regulatory Compliance:

• FINRA and SEC advertising rules
• Risk disclosure requirements
• Performance claim substantiation
• Testimonial and endorsement restrictions
• Record-keeping and audit requirements

Compliance Protocols:

• Pre-approval processes for marketing materials
• Compliance officer review requirements
• Archive and retention policies
• Dispute resolution specific to financial products
• Jurisdiction-specific regulatory adaptations

E-commerce Addendum

Sales & Transaction Terms:

• Sales tax calculation and display
• Shipping and delivery terms
• Return and refund policy integration
• Payment processing security
• Customer data protection

Platform-Specific Requirements:

• Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce platform rules
• Marketplace compliance requirements
• Product listing optimization standards
• Review management protocols
• Inventory synchronization requirements

International Marketing Addendum

Cross-Border Considerations:

• Local law compliance requirements
• Language and localization standards
• Currency and payment processing
• Tax and regulatory compliance
• Cultural adaptation requirements

Data Transfer Provisions:

• Cross-border data transfer mechanisms
• Local data residency requirements
• International privacy law compliance
• Translation and adaptation responsibilities
• Regional marketing best practices

Specialized Service Agreements

1. Influencer Marketing Agreement

• Influencer selection and approval process
• Content creation and approval workflow
• Disclosure and compliance requirements
• Performance measurement and payment
• Exclusivity and conflict restrictions

2. Affiliate Marketing Agreement

• Commission structure and payment terms
• Tracking and attribution methodology
• Creative asset usage rights
• Performance requirements and thresholds
• Program rules and compliance

3. White Label Marketing Agreement

• Branding and white labeling specifications
• Service delivery under client brand
• Client-facing communication protocols
• Performance reporting customization
• Pricing and margin structures

4. Technology Integration Agreement

• API access and usage terms
• Data integration and synchronization
• Security and access controls
• Performance and uptime guarantees
• Support and maintenance terms

Agreement Execution Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Discovery

• Needs assessment and goal alignment
• Service package recommendation
• Preliminary scope definition
• Budget and timeline discussion
• Key stakeholder identification

Step 2: Proposal Development

• Customized service proposal creation
• Detailed scope and deliverables
• Timeline and milestone development
• Investment and payment structure
• Success metrics definition

Step 3: Agreement Drafting

• Selection of appropriate agreement template
• Customization based on specific requirements
• Legal review and compliance check
• Client-specific modifications
• Final document preparation

Step 4: Review & Negotiation

• Client review period (typically 7-10 days)
• Clarification and question resolution
• Negotiation of specific terms
• Revision and refinement
• Final agreement confirmation

Step 5: Execution & Onboarding

• Digital or physical signature collection
• Initial payment processing
• Account setup and access provisioning
• Kickoff meeting scheduling
• Implementation timeline activation

Amendment & Change Management

Change Order Process

Request Submission:

• Formal change request documentation
• Impact assessment and analysis
• Revised scope and timeline proposal
• Cost and resource implications
• Approval workflow initiation

Approval & Implementation:

• Stakeholder review and approval
• Agreement amendment execution
• Implementation planning
• Communication to all team members
• Documentation update

Annual Review & Renewal

Performance Review:

• Comprehensive performance assessment
• KPI achievement analysis
• Client satisfaction evaluation
• Market condition review
• Strategic alignment check

Agreement Update:

• Fee adjustment consideration
• Scope modification proposals
• Term renewal negotiation
• Updated agreement execution
• Implementation of changes

Client Rights & Protections

Transparency Guarantees

Financial Transparency:

• Detailed billing and invoicing
• Advertising spend accounting
• No hidden fees or charges
• Expense documentation available
• Budget tracking and reporting

Performance Transparency:

• Real-time dashboard access
• Regular performance reporting
• Strategy documentation
• Team access and communication
• Issue escalation procedures

Quality Assurance

Service Standards:

• Industry best practices adherence
• Certified professionals on team
• Regular training and development
• Quality control processes
• Continuous improvement commitment

Client Satisfaction:

• Regular satisfaction surveys
• Open feedback channels
• Issue resolution processes
• Service recovery protocols
• Relationship management

Exit & Transition Rights

Termination Rights:

• Clear termination conditions
• Reasonable notice periods
• Fair termination fees
• Data and asset return
• Knowledge transfer support

Transition Support:

• Documentation provision
• System access transfer
• Vendor introduction assistance
• Final performance reporting
• Post-termination consultation

Legal & Compliance Framework

Regulatory Compliance

Data Protection:

• GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy law compliance
• Data processing agreements
• Cross-border data transfer mechanisms
• Data security standards
• Breach notification procedures

Industry Regulations:

• Advertising standards compliance
• Industry-specific regulations
• Platform terms of service adherence
• Intellectual property protection
• Contract law compliance

Risk Management

Insurance Coverage:

• Professional liability insurance
• Cyber liability insurance
• General commercial liability
• Errors and omissions coverage
• Certificate availability upon request

Security Protocols:

• Information security policies
• Access control procedures
• Data encryption standards
• Regular security assessments
• Incident response plans

Frequently Asked Questions About Service Agreements

Q: What's the typical duration of a service agreement?

A: Most retainer agreements have a minimum 6-month term to allow sufficient time for strategy implementation and results measurement. Project-based agreements typically align with project timelines, while consulting engagements may be shorter-term.

Q: Can I terminate the agreement early?

A: Yes, with appropriate notice and potentially early termination fees as specified in the agreement. We offer both "termination for convenience" and "termination for cause" options with clear conditions for each.

Q: How are additional services or scope changes handled?

A: Through a formal change order process that includes impact assessment, revised pricing, and mutual approval before implementation begins.

Q: What happens if services don't meet expectations?

A: We have a structured performance review and remediation process. If mutually agreed-upon KPIs aren't met after reasonable adjustment periods, clients may be entitled to service credits or termination rights as specified.

Q: How are disputes resolved?

A: We emphasize negotiation and mediation first, with binding arbitration as the next step for unresolved disputes. Litigation is typically a last resort option.

Q: Can the agreement be customized for my specific needs?

A: Absolutely. While we have standard templates, all agreements can be customized to address specific requirements, industry regulations, and unique business circumstances.

Requesting a Service Agreement

Getting Started:

1. Initial Consultation: Schedule a discovery call with our team
2. Needs Assessment: Discuss your goals, challenges, and requirements
3. Proposal Development: Receive a customized service proposal
4. Agreement Review: Review the draft agreement with your legal counsel
5. Execution: Sign and begin our partnership

Contact Information:

• Agreement Inquiries: agreements@7t1.studio
• Legal Department: legal@7t1.studio
• Client Services: onboarding@7t1.studio
• Phone: [Contact Number]
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-6 PM EST

Downloadable Resources

Template Preview Documents:

• Digital Marketing Retainer Agreement Template Preview
• Project-Based Service Agreement Template Preview
• Consulting Agreement Template Preview
• Performance-Based Agreement Template Preview

Supporting Documents:

• Statement of Work Template
• Change Order Request Form
• Service Level Agreement Template
• Data Processing Addendum

Educational Resources:

• Guide to Understanding Marketing Agreements
• Checklist for Agreement Review
• FAQ: Common Agreement Questions
• Video: Our Agreement Process Explained

All service agreements are tailored to specific client needs and circumstances. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend consulting with legal counsel before entering into any service agreement.