What should a service agreement include?

A service agreement (toimeksiantosopimus) can be made either in writing or verbally. We strongly recommend a written agreement so that neither party can unilaterally change the terms afterwards.

The agreement confirms your position as an independent light entrepreneur and the client's role as the commissioner, and sets out the scope of the work.

💡 The easiest option is to use Omapaja's ready-made service agreement template (which you can find in our dashboard when loggin) print two copies and have both parties sign their own.

The agreement should include at least the following:

Parties to the agreement
The client (commissioner) and you (the service provider).

Scope of work
Describe the assignment as precisely as possible — what is included, what is not.

Materials and deliverables
Who is responsible for sourcing tools and equipment, and in what format the completed work is delivered to the client.

Timeline and duration
When the work starts and ends, and whether the agreement is for a fixed term or ongoing.

Price
The price for the work performed. Also agree on:

• Whether travel expenses or material costs are billed separately or included in the overall price
• Whether any additional work requested by the client falls within the agreed price or is billed separately (e.g. hourly)
• Always state whether prices include or exclude VAT: "price includes VAT" or "VAT will be added to prices"

Payment terms and invoicing
Payment terms set the invoice due date — typically 14 days for private clients. For longer projects spanning several months, it makes sense to invoice monthly rather than all at once. A single invoice for the whole project is also an option.

Confidentiality
Both parties agree to keep each other's information confidential. If the work involves materials such as training content, specify whether that material may be shared with third parties.

Signatures of both parties