Onboarding clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
An onboarding clause sets out how one party will support, train, or assist the other party during the initial setup or implementation phase of a service, product, or relationship. It helps clarify responsibilities, timelines, and expectations to ensure a smooth start.
Below are templates for onboarding clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.
Onboarding clause with structured implementation support
This version includes a defined onboarding process.
The provider shall deliver a structured onboarding program within the first [X] days of the effective date, including technical setup, access provisioning, and initial training sessions for designated users.
Onboarding clause with customer responsibilities
This version defines the client's role in onboarding.
The client agrees to provide timely access to necessary systems, personnel, and information required for onboarding. Delays caused by the client may result in adjusted onboarding timelines.
Onboarding clause with phased milestones
This version breaks onboarding into stages.
Onboarding shall occur in three phases: (1) environment setup, (2) user training, and (3) operational handoff. Each phase must be completed and approved before the next begins.
Onboarding clause with onboarding fee
This version includes a charge for setup.
A one-time onboarding fee of [$X] shall be payable within [X] days of contract execution, covering initial setup, configuration, and administrative support.
Onboarding clause with completion deadline
This version sets a firm timeline.
Onboarding activities must be completed within [X] calendar days from the effective date, unless otherwise extended in writing by mutual agreement.
Onboarding clause with knowledge transfer requirement
This version requires documentation and handoff.
The provider shall deliver documentation, manuals, and a final onboarding summary upon completion of onboarding to support long-term usage by the client’s internal team.
Onboarding clause with remote delivery
This version specifies onboarding is virtual.
All onboarding activities shall be conducted remotely unless otherwise agreed, using video conferencing, email, and digital training platforms.
Onboarding clause with success criteria
This version defines what counts as “complete.”
Onboarding shall be deemed complete once all agreed milestones are met, key users are trained, and the service is ready for use in a production environment.
Onboarding clause with support transition
This version shifts responsibility post-onboarding.
Upon completion of onboarding, the client shall transition from implementation support to standard customer support services as outlined in this agreement.
Onboarding clause with opt-out option
This version allows parties to waive onboarding.
The client may opt out of formal onboarding by notifying the provider in writing. In such cases, the provider shall have no obligation to offer onboarding support or training.
Onboarding clause with designated onboarding manager
This version appoints a point of contact.
Each party shall assign an onboarding manager responsible for coordinating setup, resolving issues, and ensuring completion of onboarding tasks within the agreed timeline.
Onboarding clause with pre-implementation checklist
This version ensures readiness.
The provider shall deliver a pre-implementation checklist to the client outlining prerequisites, required inputs, and environment setup prior to initiating onboarding.
Onboarding clause with delayed start buffer
This version includes grace time before onboarding begins.
Onboarding will commence within [X] business days after contract execution to allow both parties sufficient preparation time unless otherwise agreed.
Onboarding clause with language customization
This version adapts to multilingual clients.
Onboarding documentation and training shall be provided in [Language] upon request, subject to reasonable timelines and availability.
Onboarding clause with parallel onboarding for affiliates
This version enables group onboarding.
Affiliates or subsidiaries of the client may be onboarded in parallel using the same process, subject to approval and additional fees where applicable.
Onboarding clause with onsite availability option
This version allows in-person onboarding.
Upon request, the provider shall deliver onsite onboarding services for an additional fee, including travel expenses, scheduling, and resource availability.
Onboarding clause with escalation protocol
This version outlines issue escalation.
Any critical issues during onboarding shall be escalated to senior contacts from both parties for resolution within 48 hours of identification.
Onboarding clause with time tracking of support
This version monitors time spent.
The provider shall track onboarding hours and provide a summary report upon completion. Any hours exceeding the base allocation shall be billable at standard rates.
Onboarding clause with systems access clause
This version defines initial login and permission setup.
The provider shall provision administrative accounts and configure user permissions as part of onboarding within [X] days of client access request.
Onboarding clause with integration alignment
This version ensures alignment with third-party tools.
The provider shall verify compatibility and configure integrations with third-party systems designated by the client during the onboarding period.
Onboarding clause with optional workshop add-on
This version offers training enhancement.
Clients may request live onboarding workshops for internal teams during onboarding at a rate of [$X] per session, subject to scheduling availability.
Onboarding clause with delay penalty
This version penalizes late onboarding delivery.
If onboarding is not completed within the agreed period due to provider delay, the provider shall credit the client [$X] per day, up to a maximum of [$Y].
Onboarding clause with beta program access
This version grants access to early features.
Clients completing onboarding within [X] days may be eligible to participate in beta programs or pilot releases for upcoming features.
Onboarding clause with user import assistance
This version includes migration help.
The provider will assist with importing user data or accounts from legacy systems as part of onboarding, provided that the client supplies structured export files.
Onboarding clause with template provisioning
This version includes starter materials.
The provider shall furnish a library of pre-built templates, forms, and tools for immediate use upon onboarding to accelerate adoption.
Onboarding clause with certification offering
This version rewards completion.
Upon completion of onboarding, the client may request onboarding certification for up to [X] users, demonstrating proficiency in system use and configuration.
Onboarding clause with customer success handoff
This version transitions from onboarding to account growth.
Following onboarding completion, the client will be assigned a customer success manager to support ongoing objectives and performance tracking.
Onboarding clause with co-branded training
This version allows brand customization.
The provider will deliver co-branded training materials featuring the client’s name, logo, or colors, upon request, for internal rollout purposes.
Onboarding clause with account provisioning schedule
This version outlines delivery timelines.
User accounts and roles will be provisioned in tiers over the onboarding period, starting with administrators and followed by end-users.
Onboarding clause with preloaded data setup
This version includes a sandbox environment.
The provider shall preload sample or test data into the client environment to support training and testing during onboarding.
Onboarding clause with onboarding documentation bundle
This version mandates handover materials.
At the end of onboarding, the provider shall deliver a documentation pack including user guides, recorded sessions, onboarding timeline, and contact directory.
Onboarding clause with system acceptance testing
This version includes UAT in onboarding.
The client shall complete user acceptance testing (UAT) before onboarding is considered finalized. Any issues must be logged and addressed within [X] days.
Onboarding clause with staging-to-production migration
This version includes go-live support.
Upon client approval, the provider shall migrate configuration and data from staging to production environments as part of final onboarding steps.
Onboarding clause with onboarding pause clause
This version allows temporary onboarding suspension.
Either party may pause onboarding for up to [X] days in the event of unforeseen delays, dependencies, or internal resource limitations.
Onboarding clause with change request handling
This version covers adjustments during onboarding.
Any changes to the onboarding scope or timeline must be submitted as a written change request and approved by both parties before implementation.
Onboarding clause with checklist sign-off
This version formalizes completion.
Onboarding shall not be considered complete until both parties sign off on the final onboarding checklist verifying that all required tasks were fulfilled.
Onboarding clause with limited onboarding window
This version enforces strict duration.
Onboarding services shall be available for a maximum of [X] days from the effective date. Unused onboarding time will not roll over or be refunded.
Onboarding clause with kickoff meeting requirement
This version starts with a formal meeting.
Onboarding shall begin with a formal kickoff call involving key stakeholders to review project goals, schedule, communication protocols, and success metrics.
Onboarding clause with mutual feedback review
This version includes retrospective evaluation.
Upon completion, both parties shall participate in a feedback session to assess onboarding effectiveness and identify areas for future improvement.
Onboarding clause with service-level onboarding response time
This version guarantees speed.
The provider shall respond to onboarding-related queries within [X] hours during business days, ensuring prompt support throughout the onboarding period.
Onboarding clause with onboarding plan delivery deadline
This version requires early planning.
The provider shall deliver a detailed onboarding plan within five (5) business days of contract execution, outlining tasks, milestones, and assigned responsibilities.
Onboarding clause with preconfigured environment deployment
This version provides a ready-made workspace.
As part of onboarding, the provider shall deliver a preconfigured environment based on client specifications to expedite setup and reduce time-to-value.
Onboarding clause with asynchronous training materials
This version provides self-paced resources.
The provider shall supply asynchronous training materials, including videos, slide decks, and step-by-step guides, to support flexible onboarding at the client’s pace.
Onboarding clause with access credential audit
This version confirms role-appropriate permissions.
During onboarding, the provider shall perform an access rights audit to ensure each user has the appropriate level of system access based on their role.
Onboarding clause with priority support during onboarding
This version elevates service responsiveness.
The client shall receive priority support during the onboarding period, including expedited response times and access to a dedicated onboarding support queue.
Onboarding clause with knowledge base orientation
This version includes documentation review.
The provider shall schedule a session to walk the client through its knowledge base, FAQs, and support articles as part of onboarding orientation.
Onboarding clause with milestone-based billing
This version links payment to progress.
Onboarding fees shall be billed in stages, with [X]% due upon contract execution, [Y]% upon completion of phase one, and [Z]% upon onboarding completion.
Onboarding clause with security protocol briefing
This version includes an overview of data protection.
As part of onboarding, the provider shall deliver a security and data handling briefing to the client’s designated security contact(s).
Onboarding clause with baseline metrics agreement
This version defines pre-launch KPIs.
Prior to go-live, the parties shall agree on baseline performance metrics and success indicators to be tracked post-onboarding.
Onboarding clause with live chat onboarding availability
This version expands support channels.
The provider shall make onboarding support available via live chat during business hours for the duration of the onboarding period.
Onboarding clause with early termination protection
This version protects investment in onboarding.
If the agreement is terminated before onboarding is completed for reasons not caused by the provider, the provider shall retain the full onboarding fee.
Onboarding clause with onboarding documentation repository
This version centralizes access.
All onboarding-related documents, videos, and schedules shall be stored in a shared, secure repository accessible to both parties throughout the engagement.
Onboarding clause with custom workflow configuration
This version includes workflow tailoring.
The provider shall assist the client with setting up and customizing [X] core workflows within the system during onboarding.
Onboarding clause with timezone alignment support
This version accounts for international clients.
The provider shall schedule onboarding sessions in a timezone-friendly manner based on the client’s location, with flexible scheduling windows provided.
Onboarding clause with onboarding completion attestation
This version formalizes sign-off.
Upon completion, the provider shall issue an onboarding completion certificate to the client, summarizing all deliverables and providing formal attestation.
Onboarding clause with retrospective improvement loop
This version incorporates feedback into future processes.
Feedback collected during onboarding shall be reviewed quarterly to improve onboarding processes for future clients.
Onboarding clause with onboarding scope freeze
This version limits mid-onboarding changes.
Once onboarding begins, the scope shall be considered frozen, and any changes must follow a formal change request process.
Onboarding clause with deliverable staging
This version schedules incremental delivery.
Onboarding deliverables shall be released in weekly stages to allow time for internal review, testing, and adaptation by the client’s team.
Onboarding clause with onboarding agenda pre-approval
This version requires buy-in.
The provider shall submit a proposed onboarding agenda to the client at least five (5) days in advance for review and approval before kickoff.
Onboarding clause with internal client onboarding liaison
This version mandates a contact person.
The client shall assign an internal liaison to coordinate onboarding activities, schedule sessions, and serve as the main point of contact for the provider.
Onboarding clause with onboarding record retention
This version keeps a compliance trail.
The provider shall retain all onboarding-related communications, documents, and attendance logs for at least 12 months following onboarding completion.
Onboarding clause with onboarding escalation tiers
This version introduces layered response handling.
Onboarding issues shall be categorized into tiers (critical, major, minor), each with corresponding resolution timeframes and escalation paths.
Onboarding clause with onboarding readiness review
This version checks preconditions.
Prior to starting onboarding, the provider shall verify client readiness, including necessary access credentials, decision-maker availability, and infrastructure configuration.
Onboarding clause with vendor coordination support
This version facilitates third-party involvement.
If third-party vendors are involved in the setup, the provider shall coordinate with those vendors to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
Onboarding clause with test environment verification
This version includes environment validation.
The provider shall perform a system check on the client’s staging environment to confirm readiness prior to onboarding training sessions.
Onboarding clause with dual-track onboarding
This version supports different user roles.
Onboarding will occur along two concurrent tracks—one for administrators and one for end users—tailored to each role’s responsibilities and needs.
Onboarding clause with change management orientation
This version supports internal transitions.
The provider shall conduct a session on internal change management best practices to assist the client in rolling out the solution internally.
Onboarding clause with support ticket walkthrough
This version ensures understanding of the support process.
As part of onboarding, the provider shall guide the client through its support ticket system, including ticket creation, prioritization, and escalation.
Onboarding clause with onboarding satisfaction survey
This version gathers post-onboarding feedback.
Within five (5) days of onboarding completion, the provider shall send a satisfaction survey to the client to assess overall onboarding quality.
Onboarding clause with internal training enablement pack
This version helps train future users.
The provider shall supply a customizable training enablement pack (e.g., slide deck, quick reference guides) for the client’s internal team trainers to use post-onboarding.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.