DPFS Templates
Freelance

Statement of Work (SoW) Template

A Statement of Work is used when a project scope is too complex to cover in a proposal alone. It's a binding document that defines exactly what will be delivered, when, and under what conditions — making it essential for larger or ongoing engagements.

Statement of Work (SoW) Template
STATEMENT OF WORK

Project: {{project_name}}
Client: {{client_name}}
Contractor: {{your_name}}
Effective Date: {{sow_date}}

1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
{{project_overview}}

2. SCOPE OF WORK
In-scope:
• {{in_scope_1}}
• {{in_scope_2}}
• {{in_scope_3}}

Out of scope:
• {{out_of_scope_1}}
• {{out_of_scope_2}}

3. DELIVERABLES & MILESTONES
Milestone 1 — {{milestone_1_name}}: {{milestone_1_deliverable}} by {{milestone_1_date}}
Milestone 2 — {{milestone_2_name}}: {{milestone_2_deliverable}} by {{milestone_2_date}}
Milestone 3 — {{milestone_3_name}}: {{milestone_3_deliverable}} by {{milestone_3_date}}

4. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
{{acceptance_criteria}}

5. ASSUMPTIONS & DEPENDENCIES
• Client will provide {{client_responsibility_1}} by {{dependency_date_1}}
• {{assumption_1}}

6. FEES
Total: {{total_fee}} | Payment schedule: {{payment_schedule}}

Signed:
Contractor: _________________ Date: _______
Client: _____________________ Date: _______

How to use this template

  1. 1Use a SoW for projects over $5K or with complex, multi-phase scope.
  2. 2The Out of Scope section is as important as In Scope — it prevents scope creep.
  3. 3Acceptance criteria protects both parties — define what 'done' means before starting.

Template variables

Replace each {{variable}} in the template with your actual information.

VariableDescriptionExample
{{project_name}}Full project nameE-commerce Platform Rebuild — Phase 1
{{project_overview}}2–3 sentence project overviewThis SoW covers the design and development of a new Shopify storefront for Acme Corp, replacing the current legacy platform. The project runs from May 1 to July 31, 2026.
{{acceptance_criteria}}How deliverables will be approvedClient has 5 business days to review each deliverable. Silence = acceptance. Feedback must be consolidated into a single document.

Frequently asked questions

A proposal is a sales document — it pitches your approach and price. A SoW is a legal document — it defines binding commitments. Use both: propose first, then document in a SoW once agreed.

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