Send Client Contracts Using DocuSign Pilot Services Agreement Template

Learn how to prepare and send a client contract by attaching a scope of work to a pre-configured template in DocuSign.

August 10, 2026 By Dana Peck

This guide explains how to prepare and send a contract using a pre-existing template in DocuSign. By following these steps, you can quickly attach a custom scope of work and configure recipient details to securely gather client signatures.

This process is for sales representatives or account managers who are finalizing deals. Use this workflow whenever a client has approved a proposal and is ready to officially sign the standard services agreement.

Logging In and Selecting the Template

Begin by logging into your DocuSign account to access your organization's standardized agreements.

Step #1: Click Log In in the top-right navigation bar. — Click **Log In** in the top-right navigation bar.

Step #2: Enter your account credentials and click Log in. — Enter your account credentials and click **Log in**.

Step #3: Navigate to the Templates tab at the top of the dashboard. — Navigate to the **Templates** tab at the top of the dashboard.

Step #4: Locate the Pilot Form Services Agreement and click Use. — Locate the Pilot Form Services Agreement and click **Use**.

Uploading the Scope of Work

By default, the template only includes the base contract. You must attach the specific Scope of Work (SOW) before you send the envelope.

Step #5: Click Advanced Edit in the top-right corner to open the document upload interface. — Click **Advanced Edit** in the top-right corner to open the document upload interface.

Step #6: Click Upload to add a new document to the envelope. — Click **Upload** to add a new document to the envelope.

Always verify that you are uploading the exact SOW version the client last saw and approved. Pulling it directly from the final email thread is a safe way to avoid version control errors.

Step #7: Drag and drop the approved proposal document from your files or email directly into the upload area. — Drag and drop the approved proposal document from your files or email directly into the upload area.

Adding Recipient Details

With both the contract and SOW attached, input the client's contact information so they receive the document.

Step #8: Scroll down to the recipient section and click Add recipients. — Scroll down to the recipient section and click **Add recipients**.

Step #9: Type the client's full name into the Name field. — Type the client's full name into the **Name** field.

Step #10: Enter or paste the client's email address into the Email field. — Enter or paste the client's email address into the **Email** field.

The template is pre-configured with the correct signing order. The client will sign first, followed by your internal signature, after which copies will automatically route to the appropriate team members.

Step #11: Click Next in the top-right corner to proceed to the tagging stage. — Click **Next** in the top-right corner to proceed to the tagging stage.

Reviewing and Sending

The template automatically populates all required fields, including the client's signature, name, title, address, phone number, company name, entity type, and the date signed.

Scroll through the document briefly to verify all fields are correctly placed and ensure no stray fields were automatically added by DocuSign.

Step #12: Click Send in the top-right corner to dispatch the contract to the client. — Click **Send** in the top-right corner to dispatch the contract to the client.

Q: Do I need to manually set the signing order for internal approvals?

A: No, the template is pre-configured so that the client signs first. Once they sign, the contract is automatically routed to you for a signature, and then copies are sent to the rest of the team.

Q: Do I need to manually add signature or date fields to the document?

A: No, all required fields—such as the signature, date signed, company name, and entity type—are pre-populated by the template. You only need to quickly scroll through to confirm there are no extraneous fields.

Q: What if I need to alter the contract text itself?

A: This standard workflow applies to unchanged contracts. If you need to negotiate or make alterations to the contract terms, you must follow a separate procedure for altering agreements.

Term	Definition
Scope of Work (SOW)	A document outlining the specific tasks, deliverables, and timelines associated with a project or contract.
Template	A pre-configured document setup in DocuSign that standardizes recipient roles, routing orders, and signature fields for repeated use.
Envelope	The container used by DocuSign to send one or more documents for signature, complete with recipient routing and field placement.