I've never had a problem getting a contract signed either. You might want to consider calling it a "service agreement" (sounds less harsh) and phrase it in a way that shows it's meant to protect both parties (because in reality, it is). Like Tess said, if they balk, do you really want to do business with them?

As for the other question, my agreements have all been returned to me via email. I don't see a problem with having a scanned copy, as long as their signature is visible.

__________________
Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"