Digital Contracts Procedures?

[ChippedTooth]

I am curious as to how everyone has their contracts handled in this digital age where clients and contractors don't always meet face to face?

 

I always use a contract. If it is a larger job and I cannot meet face to face I always have the document filled out, sent, signed, scanned and sent back and copied for both parties.

 

For smaller jobs where I can't meet face to face (jobs usually needing less than a day or two worth of work) I will send out the appropriate contract via email. In that email I state that if they agree to the terms that they can respond to that email saying they agree to the contract. I then print that and keep it in my records.

 

Is this practice something that will come back to haunt me or would this hold up in court if necessary?

 

What are some other methods to getting contracts approved digitally if someone does not have a fax machine (or don't want to use a fax machine) and I can't meet face to face with them?

 

I look forward to your input.

 

Thanks,

 

Andrew

[Scott Schroeder]

Look into digital signatures, most PDF's now allow you to sign them digitally. Or tell them to print and sign the contract, then scan in back in as a PDF and email it.

 

If all else fails, as you have been doing it works too. The email is a clear paper trail that they agree to the contract. But it never hurts to have a physical signed copy somewhere in your records. Even if they have to print and snail mail it back to you after agreeing via email to get the project started.

[anejo]

Some other options you can look into.

 

hellosign.com

docusign.com

rightsignature.com

[ChippedTooth]

Thanks guys! Those look like great options. I really appreciate the input.