Contract Automation: From 2 Hours to 5 Minutes

How long does it take you to create a contract after a client approves your quote?

If you're like most agencies, it's a 2-hour process involving:

• Finding your contract template
• Copy-pasting client details
• Manually transferring quote items
• Creating payment schedules
• Setting up signature collection
• Praying you didn't typo anything

There's a better way.

The Manual Contract Problem

Let's walk through the traditional process:

Step 1: Find Your Template (10 minutes)

Where did you save that contract template? Is it the latest version? Did you update it after your lawyer reviewed it?

Step 2: Update Client Information (15 minutes)

• Client company name (search and replace all instances)
• Client contacts and titles
• Project name and description
• Start date and duration
• Your company info (hopefully consistent)

Step 3: Transfer Deliverables (30 minutes)

• Copy from approved quote
• Reformat for contract language
• Organize into logical sections
• Add acceptance criteria
• Define delivery timelines

Step 4: Create Payment Schedule (20 minutes)

• Calculate milestone percentages
• Set payment dates
• Link to deliverables
• Include payment terms
• Note late fee policies

Step 5: Format & Review (30 minutes)

• Ensure consistent formatting
• Check for typos
• Verify all fields updated
• Review legal language
• Generate final PDF

Step 6: Signature Setup (15 minutes)

• Upload to DocuSign/HelloSign
• Configure signature fields
• Set signing order
• Add reminder settings
• Send to all parties

Total time: 2 hours (if everything goes smoothly)
Risk of errors: High
Client experience: "Finally!"

The Automated Way

With Tillage's Contract Wizard:

Step 1: Click "Create Contract" (30 seconds)

From approved quote, click one button. Client details auto-populate.

Step 2: Choose Template (30 seconds)

Select from your saved templates or use standard contract.

Step 3: Map Deliverables (1 minute)

Review auto-pulled deliverables from quote. Everything transfers automatically.

Step 4: Set Payment Schedule (1 minute)

Choose from templates (50/50, 33/33/33, deposits, milestones, recurring) or customize.

Step 5: Add Timeline (1 minute)

Set start date and key milestones. Deliverable dates can auto-calculate.

Step 6: Preview & Send (1 minute)

Review complete contract with all details filled in. Send for digital signatures.

Total time: 5 minutes
Risk of errors: Minimal
Client experience: "Wow, that was fast!"

What Happens After Signing (60 seconds)

Once the contract is executed, Tillage's payment schedule algorithms automatically:

• Generate all invoices based on your payment terms
• Set due dates according to milestones
• Apply deposits, splits, or recurring billing
• Send invoices at the right time

Your invoices are ready before you finish celebrating the signed contract.

What Gets Automated

A good contract automation system handles:

Data Transfer

• Client company and contact information
• Project name and description
• All quote line items
• Pricing and totals
• Dates and timelines

Smart Calculations

• Payment milestone amounts
• Percentage-based splits
• Date calculations
• Recurring service schedules
• Total contract value

Professional Formatting

• Consistent section numbering
• Proper legal language
• Professional typography
• Branded appearance
• Mobile-friendly layout

Signature Management

• Automatic field placement
• Signing order logic
• Reminder scheduling
• Completion tracking
• Signed copy distribution

The Hidden Benefits

Beyond time savings, automation provides:

Consistency

Every contract looks professional, uses correct legal language, includes all necessary terms.

Compliance

Templates reviewed by your lawyer. Every contract inherits those protections.

Tracking

Automatic status updates. Know when contracts are viewed, signed, or need follow-up.

Speed to Cash

Faster contracts mean faster signatures mean faster invoices mean faster payment.

Client Confidence

Professional, error-free contracts build trust and position you as a premium provider.

Real Results

Design Studio (5 people)

Before automation:

• 2 hours per contract
• Frequent typos found after sending
• Lost contract templates
• Inconsistent payment terms
• Delayed project starts

After automation:

• 5 minutes per contract
• Zero errors in 3 months
• Standardized templates
• Invoices generated automatically in 60 seconds
• Projects start faster

Time saved per year: 40 contracts × 1.8 hours = 72 hours
Hourly value: $150
Annual value: $10,800

That's enough to hire a part-time team member or invest in business development.

Payment Schedule Automation

One of the most powerful features is automatic payment schedule creation:

Template-Based

• 50/50 split: Deposit + final
• 33/33/33: Deposit + milestone + final
• 25/25/25/25: Quarterly payments
• Custom: Whatever works for your business

Milestone-Based

• Payment tied to deliverable completion
• Automatic invoice generation on milestone
• Client approval workflows
• Progress tracking

Date-Based

• Monthly recurring (retainers)
• Quarterly payments
• Annual billing
• Custom schedules

Whatever your payment model, automation handles it.

Integration with Invoicing

Here's where it gets really powerful:

When your contract automation integrates with invoicing:

• Payment milestones auto-generate invoices
• Invoices include contract details
• Payment links integrated
• Status updates automatic
• Follow-ups scheduled

No more "Did I invoice for that milestone?" moments.

Getting Started

Transition to contract automation gradually:

Month 1: Set Up Templates

• Review current contract
• Create 2-3 templates for different project types
• Get lawyer review if needed
• Test with internal projects

Month 2: Hybrid Approach

• Use automation for standard projects
• Manual for complex/custom deals
• Note where you still need manual editing
• Refine templates based on patterns

Month 3: Full Automation

• Default to automation
• Rare manual overrides
• Build new templates as needed
• Enjoy the time savings

Common Questions

"What if I need custom terms?"
Templates are starting points. Customize as needed. Still faster than starting from scratch.

"Will clients think it's impersonal?"
Opposite. Fast, error-free contracts show professionalism and respect for their time.

"What about complex projects?"
Start with standard projects. Add complexity as you build confidence.

"How much does this cost?"
Tillage's Contract Wizard is included in the free tier. No per-signature fees like DocuSign.

The Bottom Line

Time is your most valuable asset as an agency owner. Spending 2 hours on each contract is time you could spend:

• Closing new deals
• Managing projects
• Growing your team
• Taking a break

Automation isn't about being lazy. It's about being smart with your time.

Start Automating Contracts →