> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Contracts overview

> Understand contract templates, signing flows, document requirements, and customer agreements.

## What you will accomplish

You will set up agreements and file types so your facility can collect **signed storage contracts**, **waivers**, and **supporting documents** (insurance, registration, and more) in one organized place on each customer record.

When this section is set up well:

* Customers understand what they are signing and receive links that work on a phone or computer.
* Your team can find signed PDFs and uploaded files in seconds—not in email threads.
* New customers can finish paperwork during portal onboarding without repeated phone calls.
* Front desk staff know whether to send a **contract** (signature required) or accept an **upload** (file only).

## Who this section is for

These guides are for **facility owners, managers, and front-desk staff** who send agreements, collect uploads, and check whether a customer finished signing. You do not need technical skills—only access to **Settings** and **Contacts** in your dashboard.

## Quick links by job

| I need to… | Open this page | Step-by-step guide |
| - | - | - |
| Buy a starting storage or membership PDF | [Settings > Contracts & Documents](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/contracts-and-documents) → **Add template** → **Purchase a template** | [Buy a ready-made contract template](/docs/contracts/buy-a-ready-made-contract-template.md) |
| Set up templates and upload categories | [Settings > Contracts & Documents](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/contracts-and-documents) | [Create a contract template](/docs/contracts/create-a-contract-template.md) |
| Book drop-off or pickup while they sign | Template editor → **Event Scheduling** field | [Schedule a service while signing a contract](/docs/contracts/schedule-a-service-while-signing-a-contract.md) |
| Send one agreement to one customer | [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts) → customer record → **Setup → Fields → Review** wizard | [Send a contract for signature](/docs/contracts/send-a-contract-for-signature.md) |
| Send the same agreement to many customers | [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts) → select rows → **Actions** | [Send contracts to many customers at once](/docs/contracts/send-contracts-to-many-customers-at-once.md) |
| Send the same agreement for several cars | [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts) → customer record | [Send multiple contracts in one signing link](/docs/contracts/send-multiple-contracts-in-one-signing-link.md) |
| Save an insurance card staff received by email | [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts) → customer record | [Upload a document for a customer](/docs/contracts/upload-a-document-for-a-customer.md) |
| Require signing when customers first log in | [Settings > Customer onboarding](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/customer-onboarding) | [Attach contracts to customer workflows](/docs/contracts/attach-contracts-to-workflows.md) |
| Check whether someone signed | [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts) → **Documents & Contracts** | [Review signed contracts and document history](/docs/contracts/review-signed-contracts-and-documents.md) |
| Coach a customer stuck during first portal login | Phone or email with the customer | [Help customers complete onboarding paperwork](/docs/contracts/help-customers-complete-onboarding-paperwork.md) |
| Let customers upload insurance in the portal | Customer portal **My Documents** | [Help customers upload documents in the portal](/docs/contracts/help-customers-upload-documents-in-the-portal.md) |

![Contracts and Documents settings page showing contract templates at the top and document types for uploads below](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/Y2uxZmzRWHSqQdJO/images/contracts/contracts-overview-workflow.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=Y2uxZmzRWHSqQdJO\&q=85\&s=ffadaf1493ea755ca18164d8971dff5a)

*Most setup starts in [Settings > Contracts & Documents](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/contracts-and-documents). Templates are at the top; upload categories are farther down the page.*

![Settings page Contracts and Documents showing contract templates list and document types for uploads](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/Y2uxZmzRWHSqQdJO/images/contracts/contracts-settings-overview.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=Y2uxZmzRWHSqQdJO\&q=85\&s=4c14c6c0e0181c94ecdfbae8d4140bb2)

*After setup, every agreement and upload for a customer appears on their record under **Documents & Contracts**.*

## When to use Contracts vs Documents

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Contracts** are PDF agreements customers **sign electronically** (storage agreement, waiver, service authorization).
>
> **Documents** are **files customers or staff upload** (insurance card, registration, driver's license, title).

![Document types for uploads section in settings showing Insurance and Vehicle Registration categories](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/R5kE8xRstcG_Arf7/images/contracts/contracts-document-types-section.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=R5kE8xRstcG_Arf7\&q=85\&s=3487c3a3f39980e80511758e873a63b3)

*In [Settings > Contracts & Documents](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/contracts-and-documents), **contract templates** are at the top and **document types for uploads** are farther down the page. Use the right section for each job.*

Contracts and documents both appear on the customer record under **Documents & Contracts**, but they serve different jobs. Use the right tool so customers are not asked to sign a file that should only be uploaded, or upload a file when they should sign an agreement.

## Best setup order for a new facility

Follow this order the first time your team turns on agreements and uploads.

**1. Create a reusable PDF template**

If you do not already have a lawyer-reviewed PDF, start with [Buy a ready-made contract template](/docs/contracts/buy-a-ready-made-contract-template.md). Then place fields in [Create a contract template](/docs/contracts/create-a-contract-template.md). Example: **Car Storage Agreement** or **Vehicle Storage Agreement**.

**2. Add booking on the agreement (optional)**

If the first visit should be booked while they sign, add **Event Scheduling** using [Schedule a service while signing a contract](/docs/contracts/schedule-a-service-while-signing-a-contract.md). Example: **Vehicle Drop Off**.

**3. Set up document types**

Add upload categories in [Configure document requirements](/docs/contracts/configure-document-requirements.md). Example: **Insurance**, **Vehicle Registration**.

**4. Test a one-off send**

Send a test contract from one customer record using [Send a contract for signature](/docs/contracts/send-a-contract-for-signature.md). You will walk through **Setup** → **Fields** → **Review** before the customer receives email. If your test customer has two vehicles, try [Send multiple contracts in one signing link](/docs/contracts/send-multiple-contracts-in-one-signing-link.md).

**5. Practice a staff upload**

Upload a sample insurance card with [Upload a document for a customer](/docs/contracts/upload-a-document-for-a-customer.md) so your team knows where files live on the record.

**6. Attach to onboarding (optional)**

If every new customer must sign during portal setup, connect the template in [Attach contracts to customer workflows](/docs/contracts/attach-contracts-to-workflows.md).

**7. Review signed work daily**

Use [Review signed contracts and document history](/docs/contracts/review-signed-contracts-and-documents.md) when you need proof, downloads, or status checks.

> [!TIP]
>
> **Why this order helps**
>
> Templates come first because every signing request needs a template. After one test send works, you can safely connect onboarding or registration without guessing whether email links and PDF fields are correct.

## How-to guides in this section

* [Buy a ready-made contract template](/docs/contracts/buy-a-ready-made-contract-template.md) — preview a DRAFT, purchase an unmarked PDF, then upload it as your template.
* [Create a contract template](/docs/contracts/create-a-contract-template.md) — upload a PDF and place signature, name, vehicle, and date fields.
* [Use Auto-fill when building a template](/docs/contracts/use-auto-fill-when-building-a-template.md) — speed up field placement with suggested fields.
* [Schedule a service while signing a contract](/docs/contracts/schedule-a-service-while-signing-a-contract.md) — add **Event Scheduling** so staff or the customer can book **Vehicle Drop Off** (or another visit) during send or sign.
* [Configure document requirements](/docs/contracts/configure-document-requirements.md) — define Insurance, Registration, and other upload types.
* [Send contracts to many customers at once](/docs/contracts/send-contracts-to-many-customers-at-once.md) — same template for many contacts from the Contacts list.
* [Send multiple contracts in one signing link](/docs/contracts/send-multiple-contracts-in-one-signing-link.md) — one email when the same agreement applies to several vehicles.
* [Send a contract for signature](/docs/contracts/send-a-contract-for-signature.md) — email one customer a signing link from their record.
* [Counter-sign after the customer](/docs/contracts/counter-sign-after-the-customer.md) — add your facility signature when the template uses **Team signs last**.
* [Upload a document for a customer](/docs/contracts/upload-a-document-for-a-customer.md) — save insurance, registration, and other files staff receive in person or by email.
* [Attach contracts to customer workflows](/docs/contracts/attach-contracts-to-workflows.md) — require signing during customer onboarding.
* [Review signed contracts and document history](/docs/contracts/review-signed-contracts-and-documents.md) — download PDFs, check status, and confirm uploads.
* [Amend a signed contract](/docs/contracts/amend-a-signed-contract.md) — update allowed fields and keep version history.
* [Help customers complete onboarding paperwork](/docs/contracts/help-customers-complete-onboarding-paperwork.md) — coach customers through portal signing and upload steps.
* [Help customers upload documents in the portal](/docs/contracts/help-customers-upload-documents-in-the-portal.md) — let customers upload insurance and registration from **My Documents**.

## What the customer sees

Customers do not use the staff dashboard. They open a link in email or the customer portal and sign in a simple browser page.

![Customer contract signing page showing agreement title, vehicle details, signature pad, and Sign Contract button](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/Y2uxZmzRWHSqQdJO/images/contracts/customer-contract-signing-page.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=Y2uxZmzRWHSqQdJO\&q=85\&s=f419c942d34c356543b8af8602af3893)

*The signing page shows the agreement, vehicle details when needed, and a place to draw a signature. Staff configure this experience from templates and send links from the customer record.*

## Important words in plain English

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Contract template** means the reusable PDF your team starts from.
>
> **Field** means a spot on the PDF for a name, vehicle detail, date, signature, initials, or **Event Scheduling** (a box that books a visit such as **Vehicle Drop Off** while the agreement is sent or signed).
>
> **Document type** means a label for uploaded files, such as **Insurance** or **Registration** (your facility may use **Vehicle Registration** or a similar name).
>
> **Customer onboarding** means the steps a new customer completes in the portal after your team invites them.
>
> **Status** on a contract might read **Draft**, **Sent**, **Viewed**, **Awaiting team signature**, **Signed**, **Completed**, **Cancelled**, **Expired**, or **Voided**. Each status tells your team what happened and what to do next.

## Contract status at a glance

Front desk staff often ask, "Did they sign yet?" Use this table before you call a customer or resend email.

> [!NOTE]
>
> | Status | What it means | What to do next |
> | - | - | - |
> | **Draft** | Created but not emailed | Review, then send—or cancel if it was a mistake |
> | **Sent** | Signing email went out | Wait, or resend from the contract card |
> | **Viewed** | Customer opened the link | Call or email—a reminder to finish signing often helps |
> | **Awaiting team signature** | Customer signed; facility must counter-sign | Follow [Counter-sign after the customer](/docs/contracts/counter-sign-after-the-customer.md) |
> | **Signed** / **Completed** | Customer finished | Download the signed PDF for your files |
> | **Cancelled** | Unsigned request stopped | Send a new contract if they still need to sign |
> | **Expired** | Link timed out | Create and send a fresh contract |
> | **Voided** | Signed copy kept but not valid anymore | Send a replacement agreement if needed |

Full steps for downloads, resends, and cancellations are in [Review signed contracts and document history](/docs/contracts/review-signed-contracts-and-documents.md).

## Daily paperwork habits that prevent support calls

**1. Morning: scan new uploads and signatures**

Open [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts) for customers who finished onboarding yesterday. Check **Documents & Contracts** for **Completed** contracts and required uploads.

**Expected result:** You catch missing insurance or unsigned agreements before the car is released or billed.

**2. When a customer calls about email**

Search their record first. If status is **Sent** or **Viewed**, resend from the contract card (see [Review signed contracts and document history](/docs/contracts/review-signed-contracts-and-documents.md)) and ask them to check spam folders.

**3. When email attachments arrive**

Save files with [Upload a document for a customer](/docs/contracts/upload-a-document-for-a-customer.md) the same day. Do not leave insurance photos in personal inboxes.

## Related sections

* [Facility Web Pages](/docs/facility-web-pages/overview.md) when contracts or uploads are part of public registration.
* [Contacts](/docs/contacts/overview.md) when you invite customers to the portal or open a customer record.
* [Settings](/docs/settings/overview.md) for the full first-week facility setup path.

## What success looks like

* At least one active contract template exists in [Settings > Contracts & Documents](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/contracts-and-documents).
* Document types match the files your facility actually collects.
* A test customer can open a signing link, sign, and show **Completed** on their record.
* Staff can download a signed PDF from **Documents & Contracts** on the customer record.

![Customer record showing Documents and Contracts with an uploaded file and a sent or completed agreement](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/R5kE8xRstcG_Arf7/images/contracts/contracts-documents-after-bundle.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=R5kE8xRstcG_Arf7\&q=85\&s=3749bc52c01606fe14f4e13f8fd3e829)

*When paperwork is working well, each customer record shows clear contract statuses and organized uploads in one place.*

## Common mix-ups (and how to avoid them)

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Customer asked to sign an insurance card**
>
> Insurance and registration are usually **uploads**, not contracts. Use [Upload a document for a customer](/docs/contracts/upload-a-document-for-a-customer.md) or turn on portal uploads in [Configure document requirements](/docs/contracts/configure-document-requirements.md).

> [!TIP]
>
> **Two cars, two separate emails**
>
> When one owner stores multiple vehicles under the same agreement, use [Send multiple contracts in one signing link](/docs/contracts/send-multiple-contracts-in-one-signing-link.md) so they receive **one** email and **one** signing session.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Agreement shows blank vehicle details**
>
> The customer record needs the correct car **before** you send or before they reach **Contract Signing** in onboarding. Add or fix the vehicle in [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts) or [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars), then send a new contract if the old one had wrong information.

> [!TIP]
>
> **Customer signed but never booked drop-off**
>
> If the first visit should happen as soon as they sign, add **Event Scheduling** to the template. Staff or the customer can click **Schedule Vehicle Drop Off** (or the matching service name) during send or sign. See [Schedule a service while signing a contract](/docs/contracts/schedule-a-service-while-signing-a-contract.md).

> [!TIP]
>
> **Customer says the email never arrived**
>
> Confirm the email on the customer record, resend from the contract card, then check spam. If corporate email blocks the message, open **View contract** and share the browser link by text when your facility allows. See [Send a contract for signature](/docs/contracts/send-a-contract-for-signature.md) and [Review signed contracts and document history](/docs/contracts/review-signed-contracts-and-documents.md).

> [!TIP]
>
> **Portal onboarding stuck after signing**
>
> Ask the customer to tap **Refresh Status** on the contract step during onboarding, then **Continue**. Staff can confirm **Completed** on the customer record while you stay on the phone. See [Help customers complete onboarding paperwork](/docs/contracts/help-customers-complete-onboarding-paperwork.md).

## What to do next

After your first test send works:

**1. Train front desk staff**

Share [Upload a document for a customer](/docs/contracts/upload-a-document-for-a-customer.md) for email attachments and [Review signed contracts and document history](/docs/contracts/review-signed-contracts-and-documents.md) for “did they sign yet?” questions. If you bought a store PDF, keep the Word file for your attorney and only send the unmarked uploaded template.

**2. Turn on portal onboarding (optional)**

When every new customer must sign online, follow [Attach contracts to customer workflows](/docs/contracts/attach-contracts-to-workflows.md).


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