# Contract Wizard Guide

The Contract Wizard transforms approved quotes into professional contracts in minutes. This guide explains the block-based contract builder and how each step flows from quote to signed agreement to automated invoices.

## What is the Contract Wizard?

The Contract Wizard is a step-by-step interface that guides you through creating a contract from an approved quote. Instead of building contracts from scratch, you:

1. Select a contract template (or start fresh)
2. Configure each block with your specific needs
3. Preview the complete contract
4. Send for digital signature

The wizard pulls in all relevant data from your quote—client details, line items, totals—so you never re-enter information.

## Starting the Contract Wizard

When a client approves a quote:

1. Click **"Create Contract"** from the approved quote
2. The Contract Wizard opens
3. Your quote data is automatically available

You can also start from:
- Contracts section → New Contract → Select quote
- Dashboard quick action after quote approval

## Understanding Contract Blocks

Contracts in Tillage are built from modular **blocks**. Think of each block as a section of your contract that serves a specific purpose.

### Why Blocks?

Traditional contracts are monolithic documents—hard to edit, harder to reuse. Block-based contracts are:

- **Modular** - Add, remove, or reorder sections
- **Reusable** - Save block configurations in templates
- **Dynamic** - Blocks can auto-populate from quote data
- **Flexible** - Different block combinations for different contract types

### Available Block Types

| Block Type | Purpose |
|------------|---------|
| Text | Custom content, terms, legal language |
| Deliverables | Scope of work from quote line items |
| Payment Schedule | Deposit, milestones, payment terms |
| Ongoing Services | Recurring billing configuration |
| Timeline | Project phases and dates |
| Signature | Digital signature capture |
| Attachments | Supporting documents |
| Email Template | Default email for sending |

## Block-by-Block Walkthrough

### Text Block

**Purpose:** Custom content sections

**Common uses:**
- Introduction and parties
- Terms and conditions
- Confidentiality clauses
- Limitation of liability
- Cancellation terms
- Custom provisions

**Features:**
- Rich text editor
- Smart variable support (`{clientName}`, `{projectName}`, etc.)
- Formatting: headers, lists, bold, italic

**Example:**
```
This Statement of Work ("SOW") is entered into as of {contractDate}
between {businessName} ("Provider") and {clientName} ("Client")
for the project known as "{projectName}".

The parties agree to the following terms and conditions...
```

### Deliverables Block

**Purpose:** Scope of work pulled from quote

**How it works:**
- Automatically imports line items from your quote
- Displays descriptions, quantities, and amounts
- Locked pricing ensures contract matches quote

**Configuration options:**
- Show/hide quantities
- Show/hide individual prices
- Show total amount
- Custom header text

**What clients see:**
```
DELIVERABLES

1. Discovery & Strategy
   - Requirements gathering and stakeholder interviews
   - Content strategy and sitemap development
   - Technical requirements documentation
   Estimated: 12 hours

2. Design Phase
   - Homepage design and 2 revision rounds
   - Interior page templates (5 pages)
   - Mobile responsive designs
   Estimated: 24 hours

[Additional line items...]

Total Project Investment: $15,000
```

### Payment Schedule Block

**Purpose:** Define when and how you get paid

**Configuration:**
- Number of payments
- Amount or percentage per payment
- Payment triggers (on signing, fixed date, milestone)
- Due days (when payment is due after trigger)

**Common patterns:**

**50/50 Split:**
| Payment | Amount | Trigger |
|---------|--------|---------|
| Deposit | 50% | On contract signing |
| Balance | 50% | On project completion |

**Milestone-Based:**
| Payment | Amount | Trigger |
|---------|--------|---------|
| Deposit | 25% | On contract signing |
| Design | 25% | Design approval milestone |
| Development | 25% | Development complete |
| Launch | 25% | Project launch |

**Monthly Installments:**
| Payment | Amount | Trigger |
|---------|--------|---------|
| Month 1 | 33% | On contract signing |
| Month 2 | 33% | 30 days after signing |
| Month 3 | 34% | 60 days after signing |

**Invoice generation:**
When the contract is signed, Tillage automatically creates invoices according to your payment schedule. You don't manually create them.

### Ongoing Services Block

**Purpose:** Recurring billing for retainers

**Configuration:**
- Service name and description
- Billing frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually)
- Amount per billing cycle
- Start and end dates (or ongoing)
- Auto-send invoices (yes/no)
- Due days after invoice date

**Example configuration:**
```
Service: Website Maintenance & Support
Amount: $2,000/month
Frequency: Monthly
Start: First of next month
End: Ongoing (no end date)
Auto-send: Yes
Due: Net 15
```

**How it works:**
1. Contract is signed
2. On each billing date, Tillage generates an invoice
3. If auto-send is enabled, invoice emails to client
4. If client has auto-pay enabled, payment is collected

### Timeline Block

**Purpose:** Project schedule and milestones

**Configuration:**
- Phase names
- Start and end dates
- Milestone markers
- Dependencies (optional)

**Example:**
```
PROJECT TIMELINE

Phase 1: Discovery (Jan 15 - Jan 31)
- Kickoff meeting
- Requirements documentation
- Strategy presentation

Phase 2: Design (Feb 1 - Feb 28)
- Design concepts
- Client feedback
- Final design approval [MILESTONE]

Phase 3: Development (Mar 1 - Mar 31)
- Frontend development
- Backend integration
- Testing

Phase 4: Launch (Apr 1 - Apr 7)
- Final QA
- Client training
- Go live [MILESTONE]
```

### Signature Block

**Purpose:** Capture legally-binding signatures

**Configuration:**
- Your company signature (sign now or on send)
- Client signature field
- Title/role fields
- Date fields

**How signatures work:**
1. You sign first (or configure to sign when sending)
2. Client receives contract via email
3. Client clicks link to review contract
4. Client signs (draw or type)
5. Both parties receive executed copy

**Audit trail captured:**
- Full name
- Title
- Signature image
- Timestamp
- IP address
- Browser/device info

### Attachments Block

**Purpose:** Include supporting documents

**Common attachments:**
- Quote PDF as exhibit
- Technical specifications
- Reference materials
- Previous agreements

### Email Template Block

**Purpose:** Customize the sending email

**Configuration:**
- Email subject line
- Email body content
- Smart variables supported

**Example:**
```
Subject: Contract for {projectName} - Ready for Signature

Hi {clientContact},

Please find attached the contract for {projectName}.

The total investment is {totalAmount}. Please review the terms
and sign at your earliest convenience.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
{yourName}
```

## Wizard Steps

The Contract Wizard guides you through configuration:

### Step 1: Select Template

- Choose from saved templates
- Or start with blank contract
- Template pre-loads block structure

### Step 2: Configure Blocks

For each block in your template:
- Review default content
- Customize as needed
- Add or remove blocks
- Reorder blocks

### Step 3: Payment Configuration

Special attention to payment blocks:
- Verify payment amounts
- Set triggers for each payment
- Configure due dates
- Enable/disable auto-invoicing

### Step 4: Review & Preview

- See complete contract as client will
- Check all variable replacements
- Verify pricing and terms
- Make final adjustments

### Step 5: Signature & Send

- Add your signature (or configure to sign on send)
- Set recipient (defaults to primary contact)
- Customize email message
- Send contract

## What Happens After Signing

When your client signs the contract, Tillage automatically:

### 1. Executes Payment Schedule

- Creates invoices for each payment milestone
- First invoice (deposit) ready immediately
- Future invoices scheduled per triggers

### 2. Sends First Invoice

If configured:
- Deposit invoice emailed to client
- Payment link included
- Client can pay immediately

### 3. Activates Recurring Billing

If Ongoing Services block included:
- Recurring schedule begins
- Invoices generate on schedule
- Auto-payment if client consented

### 4. Triggers Notifications

- You're notified of signature
- Team notified (if configured)
- Client receives executed copy

## Creating Contract Templates

Save time with reusable templates:

### Building a Template

1. Create a contract with your ideal block structure
2. Save as template
3. Name and categorize

### Template Best Practices

- Create templates for common project types (website, app, retainer)
- Include standard terms in Text blocks
- Leave Payment Schedule configurable
- Use smart variables for dynamic content

### Using Templates

1. Start Contract Wizard
2. Select template
3. Blocks pre-load with template structure
4. Customize for this specific project
5. Send

## Complete Example: Website Project

### Quote Approved

Client approves $15,000 website redesign quote with:
- Discovery: $2,500
- Design: $5,000
- Development: $6,000
- Launch: $1,500

### Contract Wizard

**Block 1: Text (Introduction)**
```
This Statement of Work is entered into as of {contractDate}
between {businessName} and {clientName} for {projectName}...
```

**Block 2: Deliverables**
- Auto-populated from quote line items
- Shows full scope with pricing

**Block 3: Timeline**
- Discovery: Week 1-2
- Design: Week 3-5
- Development: Week 6-9
- Launch: Week 10

**Block 4: Payment Schedule**
| Payment | Amount | Trigger |
|---------|--------|---------|
| Deposit | $7,500 (50%) | On signing |
| Midpoint | $3,750 (25%) | Design approval |
| Final | $3,750 (25%) | Project launch |

**Block 5: Text (Terms)**
- Standard terms and conditions
- Revision policy
- Cancellation terms

**Block 6: Signature**
- Your signature
- Client signature

### After Signing

1. Contract executed ✓
2. Deposit invoice created ($7,500)
3. Client receives invoice with payment link
4. Client pays deposit
5. Two invoices scheduled for milestones
6. You mark "Design approval" milestone when ready
7. Midpoint invoice activates and sends
8. Repeat for final payment

**Total admin time: ~15 minutes**

---

*Related: [Contract Templates Guide](/llms/guides/contract-templates.txt) | [Payment Schedules Guide](/llms/guides/payment-schedules.txt) | [Why Tillage Exists](/llms/guides/why-tillage-exists.txt)*