Configuring Contract Periods
Contract periods define when the work or services in your proposal begin and end. Setting clear contract dates helps both you and your client understand the timeline and creates boundaries for the engagement.
What Is a Contract Period?
[Screenshot: Proposal settings showing contract period configuration]
A contract period specifies:
- Start Date: When the work or service agreement begins
- End Date: When it concludes (or if it continues indefinitely)
This is different from the overall project timeline—it’s the legal/billing period during which the agreement is active.
Contract Period vs. Expiration Date
Don’t confuse these:
Expiration Date:
Deadline for client to accept the proposal (“Decide by March 15”)
Contract Period:
Duration of services after acceptance (“12-month contract starting when you sign”)
Configuring the Start Date
[Screenshot: Contract period start date options]
You have two options for when the contract begins:
On Acceptance Date (Automatic)
The contract starts automatically when the client signs the proposal.
Use when:
- You’re ready to start immediately upon acceptance
- Start date should align with client decision
- Flexibility is important
Example:
Client signs February 10 → Contract starts February 10
Custom Start Date (Manual)
You specify an exact start date regardless of when the client signs.
Use when:
- Work starts on a specific future date
- You need to coordinate schedules
- Project has a predetermined kickoff
Example:
Custom date: April 1 → Contract starts April 1 (even if signed March 1)
[Screenshot: Calendar picker for custom start date]
To set a custom start date:
- Open proposal Settings
- Find Contract Period section
- Select Custom Date for start
- Choose the date from the calendar picker
Configuring the End Date
[Screenshot: Contract period end date options]
You have three options for when the contract ends:
On Termination (Indefinite)
The contract continues until one party terminates it. No fixed end date.
Use when:
- Ongoing retainers or subscription services
- Long-term partnerships without defined end
- You bill monthly until client cancels
Example:
Monthly marketing services that continue indefinitely
Custom Date (Specific End Date)
You specify an exact end date for the contract.
Use when:
- Fixed-term contracts
- Seasonal work
- Specific project deadlines
Example:
Start: April 1 → End: December 31 (9-month contract)
[Screenshot: Calendar picker for custom end date]
To set a custom end date:
- Select Custom Date for end
- Choose the date from the calendar picker
- Ensure it’s after the start date
After Duration (Time Period)
The contract lasts for a specific duration from the start date.
Use when:
- Standard contract lengths (3 months, 6 months, 1 year)
- You want automatic calculation
- Common for retainers and subscriptions
Example:
Start: Upon Acceptance, Duration: 12 months
Client signs February 10 → Contract ends February 10 next year
[Screenshot: Duration selector with number field and unit dropdown]
To set duration:
- Select After Duration for end
- Enter the duration number
- Select the unit (Days, Weeks, or Months)
Preset options:
Quick select common durations like 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, etc.
Duration Units
Days:
For short-term engagements (14 days, 30 days)
Weeks:
For project-based work (8 weeks, 12 weeks)
Months:
For retainers and longer contracts (1 month, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months)
Choose the unit that makes most sense for your engagement.
What Clients See
[Screenshot: Client-facing proposal showing contract period details]
The contract period appears in your proposal, often near pricing or signature sections:
- “Contract Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027”
- “This agreement begins upon acceptance and continues for 12 months”
- “Services commence April 1, 2026 and continue on termination”
Clear dates set expectations.
Changing Contract Period
For Draft proposals:
Edit settings anytime to change start/end configuration.
For Pending proposals:
You can usually update contract periods, but this changes what the client is reviewing. Consider recalling to Draft, making changes, then resending.
For Accepted proposals:
Contract periods become part of the signed agreement. Don’t change them after acceptance without client discussion and potentially an addendum.
Contract Period and Recurring Invoices
If your proposal triggers recurring invoices upon acceptance:
- Contract period controls when invoicing starts
- Duration might determine how many invoices are created
- End date might stop recurring invoice generation
Check how your specific configuration handles this automation.
Best Practices
✅ Match client expectations: Discuss start dates with clients before sending the proposal.
✅ Use “On Acceptance” for flexibility: Unless you have a specific reason for a fixed date, starting on acceptance is simpler.
✅ Standard durations: 3, 6, or 12 months are industry standard for retainers.
✅ Allow leadtime: If you need prep time, don’t start immediately. Use a custom start date a week or two after expected acceptance.
✅ Calendar over duration for specific needs: If the contract must end December 31 regardless of start date, use a custom end date, not duration.
✅ Consider renewals: For contracts meant to renew, note that in the proposal text (system might not auto-renew).
Common Contract Patterns
Project-Based (Fixed Dates):
- Start: April 1, 2026
- End: June 30, 2026
- “3-month website design project”
Monthly Retainer (Duration):
- Start: On Acceptance
- Duration: 12 months
- “Annual marketing retainer, renews annually”
Ongoing Service (Indefinite):
- Start: On Acceptance
- End: On Termination
- “Ongoing support services, monthly billing”
Seasonal Work (Specific Dates):
- Start: November 1, 2026
- End: January 31, 2027
- “Holiday season marketing campaign”
Common Questions
What if the client signs after the custom start date has passed?
You may need to update the start date or discuss with the client. Some systems warn you; others allow it.
Can I have different contract periods for different packages?
No. The contract period applies to the entire proposal. All selected packages share the same start and end dates.
What happens when the contract period ends?
The contract status might change to “Ended.” You’ll need to create a new proposal or agreement for continued work.
Do I need to set a contract period?
Yes, in most systems it’s required. Choose “On Acceptance” and “On Termination” if you want maximum flexibility.
How do contract periods interact with linked agreements?
If you link an agreement, ensure contract periods align. Mismatched dates can cause confusion.
Can clients see the contract period before accepting?
Yes. The dates are visible in the proposal document so clients know what they’re agreeing to.
