Service authorization
How to write a service authorization
A service authorization should turn a field recommendation into a clear decision. It identifies the customer, location, recommended work, price, timing, and approval without forcing every business to use construction terminology.
When to use a service authorization
Use one when a technician discovers or recommends work that needs customer approval before it is performed. Common examples include a pest treatment, security-device installation, HVAC repair, plumbing replacement, electrical diagnostic recommendation, landscaping service, restoration task, or property-maintenance repair.
What the authorization should contain
- Customer and full service location
- Existing job, account, ticket, or work-order number when available
- Specific work, treatment, repair, or equipment being authorized
- Itemized or clear total price, including optional tax
- Schedule impact, access needs, or limitations that affect the decision
- Photos when they help explain a condition or recommendation
- Customer approval language, name, and signing time
Write the scope for a customer—not a technician
Use recognizable equipment names and plain descriptions. Explain what will be done and what is not included. Replace “perform treatment as discussed” with language such as “Apply exterior perimeter treatment to the foundation and treat the active wasp nest above the rear entry.”
Keep authorization and payment separate
The service authorization records permission to perform and price the work. Your accounting or field-service system can still create the invoice and collect payment after the approved work is completed.
Put the approval in writing while the details are fresh
JustSignOff sends estimates, change orders, and service authorizations by text or email and keeps the signed PDF in one searchable dashboard.