This guide walks you through how your client signs an Anchor proposal.
You can watch the video here or follow the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Opening the Proposal from the Email Invitation
As soon as you send the proposal, your client will receive an email with a link to review and approve it. Clicking the link takes them directly to the proposal, where they can begin the approval process.
In addition to the email, you can also share the proposal via a direct link. If your client receives the proposal this way, they can access it just as they would through the email and proceed with the review and approval process.
What they see depends on their role in the proposal:
If they are the primary contact or a required signer, they’ll have the option to approve and sign the proposal.
If they are a recipient, they can view the proposal but won’t need to take any action.
Regardless of their role, all recipients can add a payment method to the proposal.
Step 2: Reviewing Services
Once inside, your client will find the details of the services you’re offering.
If the proposal includes packages, your client will need to select one before proceeding. If there are multiple recipients, only the primary contact will have the ability to choose a package or optional services.
Each service includes a title, description, rate, and how payments are structured—whether monthly, quarterly, or on another schedule.
Step 3: Reviewing Payment Terms
Next, your client will review the payment terms and any additional conditions. This section includes:
Payment terms – How and when payments will be made, such as net terms or “payment on receipt of invoice.”
Amendments and out-of-scope charges – If changes or additional fees can apply beyond the initial scope, this section explains how they’ll be handled.
Effective date – Specifies whether the agreement starts immediately upon approval or on a scheduled date.
Terms & Conditions – Covers the standard engagement terms. Even if these are pre-set, it’s a good idea for the client to review them.
Additional terms – Any extra details or specific agreements you’ve included.
Once they’ve reviewed everything, they’ll move on to setting up a payment method.
Step 4: Adding a Payment Method
Unless you’ve set the proposal to be approved without requiring a payment method, your client will need to add one for automatic billing. They have two options:
1. Pay via ACH
ACH payments allow your client to pay directly from their bank account with no extra fees.
Clicking “Connect Bank” opens a new window.
They’ll agree to continue with Plaid, a secure banking connection service.
After selecting their bank, they log in and choose the account they want to use.
If they prefer not to log in through Plaid, they can verify their bank manually using micro-deposits:
They enter their account and routing numbers.
Plaid will send a single deposit of $0.1 which could take one to two business days. Once received, return to Anchor and enter the three-letter code provided
2. Pay via Credit Card
Clients can also choose to pay by credit card. To do this, they select “Credit Card”, then click “Connect Credit Card” to enter their details.
Important: Credit card payments include a 2.9% + 30¢ processing fee (plus an additional 1% for foreign cards). However, you can choose to pass these fees on to your client, meaning they will cover the additional cost instead of you.
Once the payment method is set up, a confirmation screen appears. Your client simply clicks “Approve Agreement”, and the process is complete.
At this point, the proposal is signed, and the agreement is now active. Billing will begin according to the terms you’ve set.