Sample Email Asking to Sign NDA: How to Create One That Gets Results

Are you looking for a sample email to ask someone to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)? Look no further! In this article, we’ll provide you with examples of emails that you can edit and customize to fit your specific needs.

Before we dive into the templates, let’s quickly touch on why it’s important to have an NDA in place. Essentially, an NDA is a legal document that protects confidential information from being shared or disclosed to unauthorized parties. This is especially important in business settings where sensitive information such as trade secrets, financial data, and other proprietary information is shared between parties.

Now that you understand the importance of having an NDA in place, let’s get into the email templates. Whether you are a startup seeking funding, a business owner discussing a partnership, or simply sharing information with a potential client or investor, these email templates can help ensure that your confidential information stays protected.

Feel free to use these templates as a starting point and edit them as needed to fit your situation. With these templates, you can confidently ask others to sign an NDA and be assured that your confidential information will remain just that – confidential.

The Best Structure for Asking Someone to Sign an NDA

In today’s fast-paced business world, intellectual property and confidential information have become some of the most valuable assets that a company can possess. It’s no wonder why Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) have become a popular tool to protect sensitive information. However, getting someone to sign an NDA can be a tricky task, especially if you’re not sure how to approach it. In this article, we’ll explore the best structure for a sample email asking someone to sign an NDA using the writing style of Tim Ferriss.

Firstly, we need to be clear about why we’re requesting an NDA. It’s important to explain the value of the information that needs protection. Tim Ferris recommends starting the email with a clear and concise statement that highlights the significance of the information that needs protection. This statement should be short, direct, and persuasive. For example:

“Hello [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I have an exciting opportunity that I believe you’ll be interested in, but before I can share the details, I need you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).”

Next, we should explain what the NDA entails and what are the obligations of the recipient. This section should have clear language and legal terminology should be avoided to make it easily understandable. The NDA should clearly specify what information is considered confidential, how it should be handled, and what the penalties are for breach of the agreement. Tim Ferriss advises us to keep this section brief and to the point. An example of this section is as follows:

“The NDA will cover any sensitive information that we share with you during the course of work. This includes but is not limited to business plans, strategies, financial information, and trade secrets. As per this agreement, you’re obliged to keep this information confidential, use it solely for the purpose intended, and not share it with any third-party without prior written consent. Any breach of this agreement could result in legal action against you.”

Once we have explained what the NDA entails, we need to explain the benefits of signing it. This section should highlight the advantages and disadvantages of signing the agreement. It’s important to make sure that the recipient understands that signing the NDA will protect their interests along with yours. Tim Ferris recommends that we focus on the positive benefits of the agreement, such as building trust and long-term business relationships. Here’s an example of how this section can look like:

“I understand that signing the NDA may seem like an inconvenience, but it is a necessary step for us to move forward. Not only will it guarantee the protection of our intellectual property, but it also shows that we value and respect our business relationship. Your compliance with this agreement will ensure that our confidential information will remain uncompromised, allowing us to work together for the long-term success of our company.”

Finally, we should conclude the email with a clear call to action. We need to make it as easy as possible for the recipient to sign the NDA. Tim Ferris suggests that we provide clear instructions on how to sign the agreement, and provide an incentive such as access to more detailed information or an opportunity to participate in upcoming projects. Here’s an example of how to put the call to action in an email:

“If this agreement sounds acceptable to you, the next step is for me to forward the NDA to you. Please let me know if you require any clarification on the agreement or have any concerns. Once you receive the agreement, please review it and respond back to me at the earliest, indicating your acceptance along with your signature. Please note that once signed, we can move forward with the project and provide you access to detailed information.”

In conclusion, getting someone to sign an NDA requires a well-crafted email that highlights the importance of the agreement, explains its contents, and emphasizes its benefits. The email should include a clear call to action and make it as easy as possible for the recipient to sign the agreement. By following these guidelines and using Tim Ferriss’ writing style, you’ll increase your chances of successfully protecting your intellectual property and confidential information.

7 Samples of Email Asking to Sign NDA for Different Reasons

Sample 1: Asking a Freelance Writer to Sign NDA for a Confidential Project

Dear [Recipient Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to discuss an upcoming project I have in mind that will require your writing expertise. Before we proceed with the details, I would like to request that you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

The reason for this NDA is that the project involves sensitive information that cannot be shared with anyone outside the project. The confidentiality of this information is of utmost importance, and the NDA ensures that we can both protect our interests. I have attached the NDA to this email, and I kindly request that you review and sign it before we move forward.

Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to discussing the project with you and getting started on it soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Requesting an Employee to Sign NDA In Compliance With Company Policy

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to request that you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in compliance with our company policy.

The reason for this request is to protect sensitive information that you may come across during your employment with us. As part of our commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting our company’s interests, we require every employee to sign an NDA before they start their employment with us.

I have attached the NDA to this email, and I kindly request that you review and sign it as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 3: Requesting a Candidate to Sign NDA In Preparation for a Job Interview

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for your interest in the job position we have advertised. We’re excited to learn more about you and your skills, but before we proceed with the interview process, we would like to request that you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

The reason for this request is that the position you’re applying for involves working with confidential information. The NDA is intended to ensure that this information remains confidential and is not shared with anyone outside the company. The NDA is also required by our company policy and is a standard procedure for all candidates who are considered for employment with us.

I have attached the NDA to this email, and I kindly request that you review and sign it before we schedule an interview. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know, and I’ll be happy to clarify them for you. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 4: Asking a Startup Co-Founder to Sign NDA Before Discussing Business Plans

Dear [Co-Founder Name],

It was great meeting you at the startup event last week, and I am excited about the possibility of working with you as a co-founder in our startup venture. Before we proceed with discussing the business plans and strategies, I would like to request that you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

The reason for this request is that the discussion would likely involve sensitive information that we do not want to disclose outside the group. The NDA ensures that any information shared during the discussion remains confidential and is not shared with anyone outside the group without prior consent.

I have attached the NDA to this email, and I kindly request that you review and sign it before we schedule a meeting. Once you have signed the NDA, we can proceed with discussing the business plans in detail and take the first step towards realizing our startup venture’s vision.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 5: Requesting a Vendor to Sign NDA for a Proposed Collaboration

Dear [Vendor Name],

I hope this email finds you in excellent spirits. I am writing to propose a collaboration between our companies that I believe would be mutually beneficial in many ways. However, before we proceed, I would like to request that you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

The reason for this request is that the collaboration may involve the exchange of confidential information between our companies. The NDA ensures that the information exchanged remains confidential and is not shared with anyone outside our respective companies without prior consent. This step is necessary to protect the interests of both companies and create a productive partnership for the future.

I have attached the NDA to this email, and I kindly request that you review and sign it before we proceed with the collaboration discussions. Once you sign the NDA, we can schedule a meeting to discuss the collaboration in detail and make this partnership a reality.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 6: Requesting a Consultant to Sign NDA for a Confidential Project

Dear [Consultant Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to discuss an upcoming project that I believe you might be interested in, but before we proceed with the details, I would like to request that you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

The reason for this NDA is that the project involves sensitive information that cannot be shared with anyone outside the project. The confidentiality of this information is of utmost importance, and the NDA ensures that we can both protect our interests. As a consultant, you are highly valued for your expertise and discretion, and I am confident that signing this NDA will not be an issue for you.

I have attached the NDA to this email, and I kindly request that you review and sign it before we move forward. Once you sign the NDA, we can schedule a meeting to discuss the project details in depth, and I look forward to working with you on this exciting project.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 7: Requesting an Investor to Sign NDA Before Sharing Business Plan

Dear [Investor Name],

Thank you for expressing interest in investing in our venture. We’re excited about this opportunity to share our business plan with you. However, before we proceed, I would like to request that you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

The reason for this request is that the business plan contains sensitive information that we need to protect until we launch and establish the venture’s position. The NDA ensures that the information remains confidential and is not shared with anyone outside the investor group. Our start-up as a whole will benefit from the NDA as the funder guarantees us a smooth and secure start-up of the business plan.

I have attached the NDA to this email, and I kindly request that you review and sign it before we schedule a meeting to discuss the business plan. Once you sign the NDA, we can move forward with the exchange of information and discuss the investment opportunity in detail.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Requesting Someone to Sign an NDA via Email

Sending an email requesting someone to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) can be an effective way to protect your business interests. However, it is essential to ensure that your email is clear, concise and professional. To do this, here are several tips you can use:

  • Be polite and straightforward: When requesting someone to sign an NDA, it is important to maintain a polite and professional tone. Avoid using aggressive language or making demands. Instead, be straightforward and provide a clear explanation of why the NDA is necessary.
  • Explain the purpose of the NDA: Your recipient may not understand why they need to sign an NDA. Therefore, ensure you provide a brief explanation of what an NDA is and why it is essential for protecting the confidential information that will be shared.
  • Keep it brief: When drafting the email, ensure that you keep it concise, clear, and to the point. Avoid using long, complex sentences that can confuse the recipient.
  • Provide a deadline: Specify a deadline for the recipient to sign the NDA. This will increase the urgency of the request and prompt them to respond promptly.
  • Include the NDA: Ensure that you include the NDA as an attachment to the email. This will provide the recipient with all the necessary details about the document, including its purpose and legal implications.
  • Ensure proper signature: Make sure that the NDA is formatted for electronic signature so that the recipient can easily sign and return it to you.
  • Thank the recipient: Always close the email by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. This simple gesture can help build a good relationship and increase the chances of them signing the NDA.

In conclusion, sending an email requesting someone to sign an NDA can be an effective way to ensure that your business interests are protected. However, it is essential to ensure that the email is well drafted and professional. By following these tips, you can increase the chances of getting the recipient to sign the NDA.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is an NDA?

NDA stands for Non-Disclosure Agreement, a legal contract between two parties that outlines the confidential information exchanged between them and restricts the recipient from sharing the information with others.

Why do I need to sign an NDA?

You are being asked to sign an NDA to protect the confidential information that will be shared with you. It is used to ensure that you do not disclose, share, or misuse the information.

What information will be covered by the NDA?

The NDA will typically cover any sensitive or confidential information that will be shared with you during the course of a business transaction, such as trade secrets, customer lists, financial data, marketing plans, patents, and other intellectual property.

How long will the NDA be valid for?

The NDA will be valid for a specific period of time, as agreed upon by both parties. The length of time can vary based on the nature of the information and the purpose of the agreement.

What happens if I breach the NDA?

If you breach the NDA, you may be sued for damages, and the other party may seek injunctive relief or terminate the business relationship. It is important to adhere to the terms of the agreement to avoid any legal consequences.

Can I modify the terms of the NDA?

The terms of the NDA are negotiable, and you may request modifications. However, both parties must agree to any changes in writing, and the modified agreement must still protect the confidential information to the same extent as the original agreement.

What if I decline to sign the NDA?

If you decline to sign the NDA, you may not be given access to the confidential information. This could impact your ability to participate in the business transaction or partnership. It is important to carefully review the terms of the agreement before making a decision.

That’s all folks!

And that concludes our article on how to write an email asking someone to sign an NDA. I hope you learned something new today and that this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below and we’ll do our best to answer them. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to come back for more great content!