What is the difference between a non-solicit and a non-compete?

A non-compete stops someone working for a competitor at all. A non-solicit lets them work anywhere but stops them going after your customers or employees, which courts accept more readily.

Does it stop a customer from following the person on their own?

This template covers both soliciting and accepting competing business from customers the person dealt with. Some states only enforce the solicitation part, so the severability clause lets a court narrow it.

Can we still hire from a public job posting?

Yes. General job ads not aimed at the company's staff, and hiring someone who answers one, are expressly allowed.

Free template

Non-solicitation agreement template

A non-solicitation agreement protects relationships rather than restricting a career: for a set time after leaving, the person agrees not to pursue the company's customers or recruit its employees. Edit it in the browser and send it for signature from the same page; the free plan includes 5 sends a month and never asks for a card.

Start free with this template

When to use it

An account manager or salesperson who knows your customers personally.
A contractor embedded with your team who could recruit your staff.
A state where non-competes are restricted, but customer protection still matters.

What's in it

1.Consideration
2.Customers
3.Employees and contractors
4.Interference
5.Remedies
6.Severability
7.General

Plus signature, name and date fields for company and restricted party.

The full template

The text you start from, exactly as it opens in the editor. Bracketed blanks are yours to fill in; highlighted fields are filled by each signer.

Non-Solicitation Agreement

This Non-Solicitation Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of Date signed — Company between [Company legal name] (the “Company”) and [Name] (the “Restricted Party”), who is [an employee of / a contractor to / a business partner of] the Company.

1. Consideration

The Restricted Party enters this Agreement in exchange for [describe, e.g. employment / access to the Company's customer relationships / payment of $[amount]], which they acknowledge is adequate.

2. Customers

During the relationship and for [twelve (12)] months after it ends (the “Restricted Period”), the Restricted Party will not, directly or through others, solicit or accept business that competes with the Company from any customer or actively pursued prospect that the Restricted Party dealt with, or learned confidential information about, in the last [twelve (12)] months of the relationship.

3. Employees and contractors

During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party will not solicit or encourage any employee or contractor of the Company to leave the Company. General job advertisements not aimed at Company personnel, and hiring someone who responds to one, are not a breach.

4. Interference

During the Restricted Period, the Restricted Party will not encourage any supplier, vendor or partner of the Company to end or reduce its relationship with the Company.

5. Remedies

A breach may cause harm that money cannot fully repair, so the Company may seek an injunction in addition to any other remedy available.

6. Severability

If a court finds any restriction broader than the law allows, the parties ask that it be narrowed to the maximum enforceable extent, and the rest of this Agreement remains in effect. Some states limit these restrictions; check the law of the state where the Restricted Party works.

7. General

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [State]. It is the entire agreement on its subject, may be changed only in writing signed by both parties, and may be assigned by the Company to a successor to its business.

Signatures

Company

Signature: Signature — Company

Name: Full name — Company

Date: Date signed — Company

Restricted party

Signature: Signature — Restricted party

Name: Full name — Restricted party

Date: Date signed — Restricted party

This template is a general-purpose starting point written in plain English for use in the United States. It is not legal advice and has not been reviewed for your situation; for anything high-stakes, have a lawyer review the final version.

How to send it for signature

Step 1
Start from the template
It opens as a document in the editor with both parties' signature, name and date fields already placed. Fill in the bracketed blanks and change any clause.
Step 2
Add who signs
Put an email address on each party, set the signing order if it matters, add an access code if you want one, and add a viewer for anyone who only needs to read it.
Step 3
Send it and track it
Each signer gets a link and signs in the browser, no account needed. You see who has opened and signed, and everyone gets the completed PDF with a certificate of completion.