Managing Contracts
Once contracts are created and sent, you'll need to monitor their status, access signed documents, and occasionally make corrections. This guide covers the day-to-day management of contracts throughout their lifecycle.
Viewing Contract Status
Access contracts from the Contracts tab within any project to see all contracts associated with that project.
Status Indicators:
- Draft - Created but not yet sent
- Sent - Delivered to customer, awaiting signatures
- Partially Signed - Some but not all parties have signed
- Complete - Fully executed with all required signatures
- Void - Cancelled before completion
- Cancelled - Terminated after signing
The contract list displays signature progress for each contract, making it easy to track which contracts need follow-up.
Contract Details
Click any contract to view its details:
- Signed Document - View the executed PDF with all signatures
- Download PDF - Save copies for your records or distribution
- Signature Records - See who signed, when, and from what IP address
- Contract History - Track all versions and modifications
- Audit Trail - Complete timeline of contract activity
All signature timestamps and records are preserved for compliance and record-keeping.
Voiding a Contract
Void contracts that need significant changes before they're fully signed.
When to Void:
- Wrong template or pricing discovered
- Customer requests different terms
- Significant changes needed before signing
How to Void:
- Open the contract
- Click Void Contract
- Confirm the action
Notes:
- Only available before the contract is fully executed
- Voided contracts are preserved for record-keeping
- Creates an audit trail entry
- Customer receives notification if the contract was already sent
Cancelling a Signed Contract
Cancel fully executed contracts when project circumstances change.
When to Cancel:
- Customer backs out after signing
- Project is abandoned
- Mutual agreement to terminate the contract
How to Cancel:
- Open the signed contract
- Click Cancel Contract
- Enter the reason for cancellation
- Confirm the action
Important Considerations:
- Records the cancellation but preserves the signed document
- Does not automatically reverse invoices - handle billing separately
- Creates permanent record of cancellation reason
- Consider financial and legal implications before cancelling
Unlocking Contracts
Unlocking a contract removes the "sold" status from the linked estimate. Use only when absolutely necessary.
Unlocking allows you to make corrections after a contract has been signed, but it has significant consequences.
When Unlocking Might Be Needed:
- Critical error in pricing discovered after signing
- Corrections required for data integrity
- Rare administrative fixes
How to Unlock:
- Open the signed contract
- Click Unlock Contract
- Confirm the action
- The linked estimate becomes editable again
Consequences:
- Sold status is removed from the estimate
- Project's sold amount may need adjustment
- Any invoices already generated remain (must be handled separately)
- Contract signature records are preserved but the contract is no longer "active"
Recommended Workflow After Unlocking:
- Make necessary corrections to the estimate
- Void the original contract
- Create a new contract with corrected information
- Send the new contract for signature
Contract Revisions (Pre-Signature)
If changes are needed before the customer signs:
- Void the Sent Contract - Cancel the version that's currently out for signature
- Update the Estimate - Make any necessary pricing or scope changes
- Create a New Contract - Generate a fresh contract with the updates
- Send the New Version - Deliver the corrected contract to the customer
This workflow maintains a clear audit trail and ensures customers always sign the most current version.
Best Practices
Before Sending:
- Review all contract details carefully
- Verify pricing matches the estimate
- Confirm the correct template is selected
- Double-check customer contact information
After Sending:
- Follow up on unsigned contracts promptly
- Set reminders for signature deadlines
- Communicate proactively with customers
Record-Keeping:
- Document reasons for voids and cancellations
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Archive completed contracts according to your company's retention policy
- Keep signature records for compliance purposes
Corrections:
- Void and recreate rather than unlocking when possible
- Handle invoice adjustments separately from contract changes
- Maintain clear communication with customers about revisions