Back in 2013, Adobe Echosign was first introduced to us by Kim Whitaker, a highly regarded commercial lawyer. At that time, the concept of digital signatures was gaining traction, but it wasn’t yet the well-used tool it is today. Since then, especially during the lockdown period, the use of e-signatures and digital contracts has skyrocketed. As businesses increasingly move towards online solutions, electronic signatures have become a vital part of daily operations.

There are numerous e-signature tools available on the market today, many of which offer free trials. While DocuSign remains the most widely used with over 200 million users, there are other worthy options such as HelloSign (part of the Dropbox family) and UK-based E-Sign. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to decide which tool is the best fit for your business needs. That’s why it’s important to explore different options and try them out before making your final decision.

If you run a business that requires contracts or documents to be signed regularly, then e-signature tools are something you need to consider. In this article, we take a closer look at one of the newest options available – eSignature, a tool that works seamlessly within Google Workspace.

eSignature

If you have a Google Workspace account, you’re in luck – you already have access to eSignature, which just needs to be activated by the Workspace administrator. With eSignature, you can easily create documents for signatures and send signature requests directly from Google Docs and Google Drive. Signers can then easily fill in the required information, making it a streamlined process.

Here’s how you can use eSignature in Google Workspace:

1. Open the Google Doc you want to sign.
2. Click on Tools in the menu.
3. Select eSignature from the drop-down list.
4. Enter the details for your eSignature.
5. Drag and drop fields such as the signature, initials, or date into your document.
6. If you have multiple signers, select Manage Signers to add and label each one.
7. Click Request eSignature.
8. Enter the email addresses of the people who need to sign.
9. Optionally, write a message to be included in the request email.

Legal Credibility of e-Signatures

One common question that arises when discussing e-signatures is whether they are as legally binding as a traditional physical signature. In 2013, we consulted Kim Whitaker to clarify the legal status of e-signatures, and here’s what she had to say:

“Electronic signatures are recognised as legally binding in most countries, including the UK, provided that the parties have agreed to sign that way. Since the Electronic Communications Act 2000 was passed, it is also clear that they are admissible as evidence in courts.”

This means that e-signatures hold the same legal weight as physical signatures, as long as both parties agree to sign electronically. This has been a game-changer for businesses, allowing for quicker, more efficient document handling.

Choosing the Right e-Signature Tool

Now that you understand the legal standing of e-signatures, it’s time to pick a tool that works best for your business. Many e-signature platforms offer free trials, so it’s worth testing a few before making your decision. Whether you choose DocuSign, HelloSign, E-Sign or eSignature, you’ll be improving your workflow with a secure and efficient solution that saves you time and resources.

In conclusion, e-signatures are not only legally binding but also incredibly convenient. The rise of digital contracts is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, and integrating e-signatures into your business processes will ensure that you stay ahead in today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world.