E-signatures

Legally valid digital signatures, in seconds

Electronic signatures for proposals are digital sign-offs that let a client accept a proposal with legal effect, without paper, printer or scanner. Proposal Expert uses a Simple Electronic Signature (SES) within the eIDAS framework (EU 910/2014) and records an audit trail for every signature: the signer's name, email verification with a one-time code, IP address, timestamp and a hash of the document. The signed PDF is sealed with an RFC 3161 timestamp. It is not a qualified signature, but for quotes, order confirmations and NDAs it is usually sufficient.

How do electronic signatures work in practice?

You send the proposal as a web link from Proposal Expert. The client opens it in the browser, reads the sections and clicks sign. They enter their name and receive a one-time code by email to confirm their address. They then draw or type their signature on desktop, tablet or phone. Proposal Expert computes a hash of the document, logs the IP address and timestamp, and seals the PDF with an RFC 3161 timestamp. You get a notification straight away.

What do you get out of it?

No more print, scan and email rounds, and no separate subscription to a signature tool. The client signs in the same web view where they read the proposal, so the step to agree is small. Every signature produces a sealed PDF with an audit trail that you can show as evidence later. The status update flows through to your CRM automatically, so HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive or Monday shows the won deal right away.

What should you watch for?

An SES is not the same as a qualified electronic signature. It covers commercial agreements in most cases, but some documents, such as certain notarial or employment papers, require a higher level. Check with your lawyer when in doubt. Make sure the signer's email address is correct, because the one-time code goes there. Keep the sealed PDF with its RFC 3161 timestamp in your own records, and do not change the proposal text after the link has been sent.

Send, get it signed, close the deal, without the document ever leaving Proposal Expert.

Within the eIDAS framework

Electronic signatures (Simple Electronic Signature, SES) within the eIDAS framework (EU 910/2014), with full supporting evidence. Within the EU, electronic signatures are recognised as evidence.

Complete audit trail

Timestamp, IP address, browser fingerprint, approximate geolocation and every action logged. Verifiable through a unique verification link.

No extra tools needed

The signature workflow is built in. No more DocuSign or Adobe Sign subscription required.

Sign on any device

Desktop, tablet or mobile. Touch signing works everywhere.

Auto-sync to your CRM

A signature automatically triggers a status update in HubSpot/Salesforce/Pipedrive/Monday.

Related