Client Sign-Off

What is client sign-off?

Client sign-off is the moment a project officially ends. In Finalizo, sign-off happens when your client reads the handover pack you sent them, confirms they have reviewed and received everything, and digitally signs the sign-off form.

Once signed, Finalizo generates a timestamped completion certificate that both you and your client receive by email. This certificate is your proof that the project closed on a specific date, with the client acknowledging the scope and support terms in writing.

Why it matters

Without a formal sign-off, projects never really end. Clients come back with requests that feel like support questions but are actually scope additions. Because there is no agreed boundary, it is hard to push back without damaging the relationship.

A signed handover pack changes that dynamic. The support window, included fixes, and excluded work are all in the document the client signed. You can reference it directly — calmly, professionally — when a request falls outside the terms.

How the sign-off flow works

When you send a handover pack to a client, they receive a link via email. That link opens a clean, mobile-friendly page that shows:

1. The project scope summary you wrote 2. Credentials and access details (revealed after signing) 3. Training resources and links 4. Your support boundary — duration, included, and excluded items 5. The sign-off form itself

The client reads through each section and then signs using a typed signature or drawn signature. They do not need to create a Finalizo account.

What the client signs

The sign-off statement confirms:

• They have received the handover pack
• They have reviewed the deliverables
• They understand the support terms, including what is included and excluded
• They accept the project as complete as of the signing date

This is not a legal contract, but it is a clear, dated written acknowledgement — which is sufficient for the vast majority of freelance disputes.

What you receive after sign-off

Once your client signs, you receive:

• **Email notification** with the client's name and the timestamp of their signature
• **Completion certificate** — a PDF that records the project name, client name, signing date, and a summary of the support terms
• **Dashboard update** — the pack is marked as "Signed" in your Finalizo dashboard

The completion certificate is automatically archived against the project record. You can download it at any time.

What if the client does not sign?

Some clients are slow to respond. Finalizo handles this in two ways:

• **Reminders:** You can send a follow-up reminder from the dashboard with one click. The client receives a polite email prompting them to review and sign.
• **Deadline:** You can optionally set a sign-off deadline. After this date, if the client has not signed, the pack is flagged as "Awaiting response" in your dashboard rather than silently sitting open.

You can still begin your support window clock from the delivery date regardless of whether sign-off has been completed — the timeline is set in the pack, not tied to the moment of signing.

Revoking or updating a pack

If you need to correct something after sending (a wrong password, a missing resource), you can recall and reissue the pack from the dashboard. The client's sign-off link becomes invalid and a new one is sent automatically. Any previous signature is voided and the client must sign the updated version.

Downloading your certificate

Go to **Projects → [Project Name] → Documents** to find the completion certificate. You can download it as a PDF or share a view-only link. Keep a copy in your client folder as part of your project records.

← Back to Help Centre