eSignatures are becoming vital tools in the
business world to help streamline and simplify processes. No matter the size of your
business, digitizing with the use of
eSignatures creates the shift from slow email and snail mail to immediate
signatures anywhere. Next-generation
eSignatures deliver the highest
signature completion rate by making it easy for customers to sign documents from their cell phones and communicate with agents via text message. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 eSignature use cases for small businesses (SMBs).
10 eSignature Use Cases for Small Businesses
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Vendor/Supplier Agreements
Smaller businesses often struggle to hold their position when negotiating with large vendors. But, if they are able to reach an agreement quickly and with a high-tech eSignature platform, they become more respected and enjoyable to work with. Instead of taking hours or days to finalize an agreement, it would be finalized in a matter of minutes. Examples of SMBs in this scenario include:
- Retail
- Customer or business services
2. Change Orders
Businesses that focus on individualized projects for customers often deal with lots of change along the way. Clients can change their mind or there can be an unexpected change in the middle of a project. With
eSignatues, change orders can be completed quickly to avoid delays in the project. Also, both the client and the
business can view their updated order online at any time, since eSigned documents are saved in the cloud. Examples of SMBs in this scenario include:
- Architects
- Web designers
- Construction
3. Employee Onboarding
When hiring a new person, there are tons of papers that need to be filled out such as contracts, benefits enrollment, paychecks, and more. However, if these documents can be
signed digitally, the employee onboarding process becomes much easier and faster. Then the employee can start working sooner and their time can be spent on more valuable tasks. In fact, a
Glassdoor study concluded that new hire retention improved by 82% when the organization had a strong onboarding process. Any
business with more than one employee would be put in this scenario.
4. Non-Disclosure Agreements
Non-disclosure agreements are important in such a competitive environment because they allow you to do
business more securely and freely. If they need to be signed with a pen and paper, it becomes very inconvenient and are often ignored or forgotten about. With the use of
eSignatures, it becomes easy, fast, and
convenient to sign because they can be eSigned on a mobile device. Examples of this scenario include:
- Employee NDAs
- Licensing negotiations
- Protecting IP
5. New Customer Forms
When new customers want to do
business with you, it is much easier to use
eSignatures over heavy paperwork and handwritten
signatures. Not only does this save money on paper and printing, but it also ensures more accuracy and saves time. Examples of SMBs in this scenario include:
- Salons and spas
- Doctor’s offices
6. Sales Contracts
In many cases, sales contracts are the most common form of documentation to be signed, as well as the most important. Sales contracts are used in
businesses of any size, ranging from a small residential
business to a multinational enterprise.
Lightico’s platform provides a solution for any
business of any size. Examples of his scenario include:
- B2B sales
- Real estate contracts
- Service businesses
7. Distributor/Channel Agreements
When working with others and creating partnerships with dealers, distributors, or any sales channel, it is important to make the partnership as easy and enjoyable as possible. The success of your
business depends on how well you work with others. By implementing eSignature solutions, deals become easier and more people will enjoy doing
business with you. Examples of SMBs in this scenario include:
- Technology companies
- Wholesalers
8. Intellectual Property Licensing & Other Legal Agreements
Lightico’s eSignatures are legally binding, have a full audit trail, and are securely kept in the cloud. The eSignature solution surpasses legal requirements such as the
ESIGN Act and the
Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, making it a reliable platform for SMBs and large
businesses. Examples of SMBs in this scenario include:
- Franchise stores
- Technology companies
9. Customer Approvals
When
businesses deal with custom orders, they need to be precise and the approval before manufacturing is a crucial component. With an eSignature solution,
businesses can capture and secure approvals easily and efficiently, so customers have their orders completed quickly. Examples of SMBs in this scenario include:
- Print shops
- Custom art/furniture
10. Parental Consent/Age Verification
ID verification, which is a part of
Lightico’s eSignature solution, can be used to verify the age and
identity of others. If you work with kids, need to verify the age of employees at a restaurant for alcohol purposes, or need parental consent for anything,
eSignatures and ID verification tools combine to make this easier. Examples of this scenario include:
- School field trips
- Party supply rentals
- Kids’ day camp
eSignatures Now a Must For Small Businesses
eSignatures are no longer a luxury reserved for the biggest firms — they can significantly help small businesses sell and serve their customers in an efficient manner. And at a time when businesses are competing with each other over customer experience, having an eSignature platform can give an important edge. This platform should ideally include not just
eSignatures but also eForms, digital document collection, and automatic ID verification. Learn more at
Lightico.com.