What Are E-Signatures and How Do They Work?

January 8, 2025

Are you a CXO, an entrepreneur, or someone who still can't sign or get a document signed without printing it out, fumbling around for a pen, traveling miles just to sign, or dealing with endless back-and-forth emails?

Let me introduce you to eSignatures, the game-changing solution that's about to flip the script on your signing life. 

In this blog, we’ll be getting into what e-signatures are, how they work, and why they’re an absolute game-changer for businesses and individuals alike. Plus, we’ll introduce you to Evia Sign, the e-signature solution designed to make document signing—whether you’re closing a business deal, onboarding new employees, or approving a project, it's going to make it seamless, secure, and, dare we say, user-friendly.  

What Are E-Signatures? 

An electronic signature (or e-signature) is the modern, digital equivalent of your traditional handwritten signature. It’s a simple yet legally binding way to sign documents online, enabling you to finalize agreements and approvals without the need for physical paper or pen. 

Usually the tools that facilitate electronic signing are  designed for speed, security, and convenience. Whether you’re closing a business deal, approving an NDA, signing an invoice, or even agreeing to terms and conditions, an e-signature streamlines the entire process. 

The Problem with Traditional Signing 

Here’s why our classic pen–paper signing is falling behind: 

Time-Consuming 

The manual process of signing a document involves a series of steps which could be tedious at most times: 

  • Printing the document (if you have a printer that works when you need it). 
  • Physically signing it with a pen. 
  • Scanning the signed document back into your device. 
  • Emailing or mailing it to the recipient. 

Each step adds up, turning what could be a quick task into an ordeal that eats into your valuable time. When you’re managing multiple documents, this inefficiency multiplies, leaving you missing out on your deadlines. 

The Hidden Cost 

If you think eSignature tools are expensive, think again. 

Have you ever taken a good, hard look at the costs of your current signing process? It’s easy to overlook, but the expenses pile up faster than you think. 

Here’s what traditional signing is quietly costing you: 

  • Printing Costs: Paper, ink, and printer maintenance aren’t free—and they’re ongoing expenses. 
  • Storage Costs: Filing cabinets, office space, or even offsite archives add up over time. 
  • Postage and Courier Fees: Every document you mail out digs a little deeper into your budget. 
  • Wasted Time: Hours spent printing, signing, scanning, and mailing could be spent on more valuable work. 
  • Human Error and Delays: Misplaced documents, errors in manual handling, or delays in delivery can cost you dearly in both time and reputation. 

And let’s not forget the opportunity cost: the business deals you might miss or slow down because you’re stuck in an outdated process. 

Security Risks 
 
Did you know that signing on papers has never really been secure?  

Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of physical signatures: 

  • Lost Documents: Whether it's lost in transit or misplaced in storage, important papers can just disappear, leaving you scrambling to find them. 
  • Forgery: Handwritten signatures might seem secure, but they’re surprisingly easy to fake. A few quick strokes of a pen, and suddenly your signature is being used for things you never signed off on. 
  • Tampering: Once you’ve signed a physical document, how do you know if someone’s changed something? The truth is, it’s almost impossible to spot if someone’s messed with the original after the ink dried. 

The Environmental Toll  

Every time you print a document, there’s more happening behind the scenes than you might realize—and it's not pretty. 

  • Deforestation: For every piece of paper you use, that’s one less tree standing tall in a forest. And when you multiply that by the millions of documents printed every day, it adds up to some serious environmental damage. 
  • Water and Chemicals: Turning wood into paper isn’t as simple as just cutting down a tree. It takes huge amounts of water and chemicals to bleach the paper and make it nice and white.  
  • Waste: After all that effort, when a document is signed, it’s often printed, filed, or even discarded, creating just another waste. 

Why E-Signatures Are Defined as the Future of Document Signing 

E-signatures aren’t just a tech innovation—they’re revolutionizing how businesses handle document signing. In an era where speed, cost-efficiency, and security matter more than ever, e-signatures are emerging as the go-to solution for organizations worldwide. 

Why E-Signatures Are the Future of Document Signing 

E-signatures aren’t just a tech innovation—they’re revolutionizing how businesses handle document signing. In an era where speed, cost-efficiency, and security matter more than ever, e-signatures are emerging as the go-to solution for organizations worldwide. Let’s dive into why they’re not just a trend but the future of efficient, sustainable, and secure document management. 

1. Faster Turnaround 

Time is money, and e-signatures are built to save both. Delays of printing, signing, scanning, and emailing, are things of the past. With an e-signature solution, agreements can be signed digitally in minutes, not days. 

Need to finalize a contract before the weekend? No problem. E-signature tools streamline workflows, cutting turnaround times by 80% or more, according to industry research. Faster approvals mean quicker deals and more productive teams. If you're in real estate, legal services, or sales, this speed can be the difference between closing a deal or losing it. 

2. Cost-Effective 

Traditional signing methods are riddled with hidden costs—think paper, ink, printers, postage, and even office storage for piles of documents. The result? Businesses end up overspending on outdated processes. 

E-signatures eliminate these expenses entirely. Studies show organizations save an average of $20 per document by going digital. Over time, those savings add up, making e-signatures not just a smarter choice, but a budget-friendly one too. Plus, by reallocating those resources, businesses can invest in what really matters: growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction. 

3. Enhanced Security 

When it comes to document security, e-signatures are miles ahead of paper-based methods. Physical documents can be lost, stolen, or tampered with, while e-signatures provide robust security measures like: 

  • Encryption to protect sensitive data. 
  • Authentication tools to verify the signer’s identity (think multi-factor authentication). 
  • Audit trails that track every step of the signing process, ensuring documents are tamper-proof. 

In addition, e-signatures are legally binding in over 60 countries, including the U.S., EU, and many parts of Asia, making them a trustworthy option for global businesses. 

4. Convenient & Mobile-Friendly 

You can sign documents from any device, anywhere, anytime, with an eSignature tool in hand. This mobility empowers businesses to operate at full speed, even in remote or hybrid work environments. 

Whether you're a freelancer, a corporate executive, or a small/large business owner, the convenience of e-signatures removes the hassle of printers and scanners. Plus, mobile-friendly tools ensure you never miss a critical signature, no matter where work takes you. 

5. Eco-Friendly 

E-signatures don’t require any trees to be cut down, no water to be wasted, and no toxic chemicals to mess with the environment. Just a few clicks, and you're done, with zero waste and a lot less environmental impact. It’s an easy win for both you and the planet. 

How Do E-Signatures Work? 

E-signatures may sound techy, but they’re surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they work with Evia Sign

  1. Upload Your Document: Start by uploading your document—contracts, agreements, or forms—to the eSignature platform. 
  1. Add Recipients: Specify who needs to sign and their email addresses. 
  1. Customize & Send: Drag and drop signature fields, add notes, and send the document for signing. 
  1. Secure Signing: Recipients click a link to review and digitally sign the document.  
  1. Track & Store: Once signed, you’ll get a notification, and the document is securely stored for easy access. 

And voilà! A process that used to take days is now completed in minutes. 

Solution to Consider: Why Choose Evia Sign? 

There’s no shortage of e-signature platforms out there, but Evia Sign stands out for a reason (or five): 

  • Simple Interface: Designed for everyone, from tech newbies to digital pros. 
  • Global Compliance: Meets international e-signature standards for legal validity. 
  • Top-Tier Security: Your data stays protected with enterprise-grade encryption. 
  • Smart Features: From customizable workflows to integrations with your favorite tools. 
  • Flexible Plans: Whether you’re a freelancer or a large enterprise, there’s a plan that fits. 

With Evia Sign, e-signatures aren’t just a feature—they’re an experience. 

Let’s Recap 

E-signatures are revolutionizing the way we handle documents. They’re fast, secure, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. And with Evia Sign, you get an e-signature solution that’s not just functional but exceptional. 

Don’t take our word for it, try Evia Sign today and experience the difference for yourself. 

FAQ

Q: What is an e-signature? 
A: An e-signature, short for electronic signature, is a digital alternative to signing documents by hand. It’s secure, legally binding, and can be done online in minutes. 

Q: Are e-signatures legally valid? 
A: Yes, e-signatures are legally valid in most countries, including the U.S., EU, and many others. Platforms like Evia Sign ensure compliance with global e-signature standards.. 

Q: What are the benefits of using e-signatures? 
A: E-signatures save time, reduce costs, enhance security, and are eco-friendly. They eliminate the need for printing, signing, and scanning. 

Q: Why should I choose Evia Sign for e-signatures? 
A: Evia Sign offers a user-friendly platform with advanced features like document tracking, audit trails, and global compliance, making it a top choice for e-signatures. 

Q: Can I use e-signatures for official contracts? 

A: Absolutely! E-signatures are valid for contracts, agreements, NDAs, and more. 

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