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E-signatures are no longer a feature of convenience – they’re today’s standard for fast, secure, and professional document signing. Whether you’re finalizing a business proposal or closing a deal within your sales pipeline, electronic signatures make the process easier for everyone involved. But what exactly is an e-signature, and how does it differ from a handwritten one?
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What does “e-signature” mean?
An e-signature (electronic signature) is a digital version of a handwritten signature. It indicates a person’s intent to agree to the content of a document – just like putting pen to paper. But instead of printing and scanning, all you need is a click, tap, or typed name.
E-signatures are used to sign contracts, proposals, agreements, and just about any document that requires approval or authorization. They’re legally recognized in most countries, and in many industries, they’re the go-to method for fast, remote document signing.
Are e-signatures legally binding?
Yes – in most parts of the world, e-signatures are considered legally valid and enforceable. In the U.S., for example, the ESIGN Act of 2000 and UETA (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act) give electronic signatures the same legal weight as handwritten ones. In the EU, eIDAS Regulation governs the use and validity of e-signatures.
That said, legal enforceability can depend on how the e-signature was captured and whether certain conditions were met, such as:
- Intent to sign
- Consent to do business electronically
- Clear attribution of the signature
- Document integrity
Most modern e-signature tools, like Proposaly, include audit trails, timestamps, and identity verification to support compliance and legality.
How do e-signatures work in Proposaly?
With Proposaly, you don’t need a separate tool to collect signatures. Once your business proposal is ready, you can send it directly to the recipient with an integrated e-signature option.
Here’s how it works:
- Add an e-signature block to your proposal.
- Assign it to the recipient or yourself.
- When the recipient opens the proposal, they can sign instantly.
- Both parties receive a timestamped confirmation once the document is signed.
This seamless flow saves time, eliminates friction, and keeps all your approvals within the same platform – no more chasing down PDFs or switching between tools.
Related: What is a business proposal?
What’s the difference between an e-signature and a digital signature?
While often used interchangeably, there’s a technical difference between the two:
- E-signature is a broad term for any electronic method of signing a document.
- Digital signature is a specific type of e-signature that uses encryption and authentication technology (like a digital certificate) to verify the identity of the signer.
In other words, all digital signatures are e-signatures, but not all e-signatures are digital signatures.
Most business tools, including Proposaly, use legally compliant e-signature methods that balance simplicity with security – ideal for proposals, quotes, and contracts.
Why are e-signatures important in the sales process?
Speed and efficiency. That’s the short answer.
In a competitive sales environment, time kills deals. E-signatures eliminate the waiting game by allowing clients to sign proposals as soon as they’re ready – from any device, anywhere in the world.
Here’s how e-signatures support your sales pipeline:
- Reduce delays caused by printing, scanning, or mailing
- Increase close rates by removing friction
- Build trust with clients through a seamless, modern experience
- Keep your deal momentum going
Explore more: What is a sales pipeline?
Final thoughts
E-signatures are more than just a digital convenience – they’re a modern business essential. Whether you’re a startup, agency, or enterprise sales team, using e-signatures streamlines your workflow, shortens your sales cycle, and simplifies your client experience.
With Proposaly, you get integrated e-signature capabilities built right into your proposal platform – no plug-ins, no downloads, just faster closes.
🔗 Start your free trial today at Proposaly.io and take control of your pipeline.
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