Proposals and signatures

Bigger jobs (replacements, commercial service agreements, multi-phase work) need a proper proposal and a signature before you order equipment. Proposal and e-signature tools build branded documents from templates, collect signatures on any device, track when they’re opened, and can take payment at signing.

Prices in the list are copied from vendor pages, with the date we read them.

When AI helps

• First drafts of scope, terms and cover letters from your notes.
• Rewriting jargon into plain language.
• Summaries of a long contract before you sign one yourself.

What to look for

Items marked must-have are the ones that decide whether a tool fits this job.

• Easy for the signer on a phone (must-have). No account, no app download, and it’s clear where to sign.
• Fast to build from templates.
• Reminders and an audit trail showing who opened and signed, and when.
• Payment at signing, through Stripe, Square, QuickBooks Payments or similar.
• Price for one to three senders.

Common pitfalls

• Free plans with tight send limits. Count how many documents you send in a month.
• Per-seat pricing when only one person sends.
• AI-written terms nobody reviews. Contract language needs a human, and for big jobs, a lawyer.

FAQ

Is an e-signature legally binding?

In the US, the federal ESIGN Act generally gives electronic signatures the same legal effect as ink (S.761, 106th Congress). There are exceptions, so ask your attorney about unusual contracts.

Do I need this if my FSM has quotes?

For routine jobs, FSM quotes are usually enough. Proposal tools earn their keep on larger, multi-page bids.