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Electronic Signatures for Tradespeople: A Practical Guide
4 min read
No more chasing wet signatures. Electronic signatures are legal, fast, and professional. This guide explains how they work and how to use them.
Are Electronic Signatures Legal?
**Yes.** In the UK (Electronic Communications Act 2000), EU (eIDAS), and US (ESIGN Act), electronic signatures are legally binding for most contracts.
Exceptions: Some documents like wills, property transfers, and certain powers of attorney still require wet signatures. Normal trade quotes and contracts? Fully valid electronically.
How They Work
The client receives an email with a link to your quote. They review it, click to sign, and draw or type their signature.
Behind the scenes, the system records:
- Who signed (email/IP verification)
- When they signed (timestamp)
- What they signed (document hash)
This creates an audit trail that's often stronger than a wet signature.
Benefits of Electronic Signatures
**Speed**: Clients can sign in 30 seconds, from their phone, anywhere.
**Convenience**: No printing, scanning, posting, or waiting.
**Tracking**: Know when they opened, viewed, and signed.
**Professionalism**: Modern clients expect digital processes.
**Security**: Timestamped, tamper-evident, legally admissible.
**Environment**: No paper waste.
Best Practices
**Clear explanation**: Help traditional clients understand the process is simple and secure.
**Mobile-friendly**: Most clients sign on phones. Ensure your documents display well.
**Immediate confirmation**: Send them a signed copy automatically.
**Secure storage**: Keep signed documents safely. Cloud backup recommended.
**Fallback option**: For clients who insist on paper, have a print option available.
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