Electronic Signature of a Commercial Quote

Why Sign a Quote Electronically

Getting a quote signed means transforming a proposal into an order. The faster it happens, the hotter the prospect stays. Electronic signature allows you to move from "I'll think about it" to "approved and signed" in just a few minutes.

Concrete benefits:

• shortened sales cycle (1-3 days instead of 7-15)

• improved conversion rate (+15 to 30% depending on sector)

• traceability of the agreement (exact date, IP, identification)

Recommended Level

Simple electronic signature (SES) is sufficient for the majority of commercial quotes. Fast, frictionless, legally valid: once signed, the quote is binding.

For high-value quotes (> 20,000 €) or regulated sectors, AES provides additional security.

Typical Procedure

• Draft the quote in your billing tool (Sellsy, QuickBooks, Sage…)

• Export to PDF

• Send via your signature platform, SES or AES

• Client signs from their mobile or computer

• Signed quote automatically returns to your CRM and accounting

"Approved" Mention

Traditionally, the handwritten mention "Approved" was required before signing. With electronic signature, clicking "I sign" with OTP provides the same consent, legally equivalent.

You can nevertheless integrate a "Approved" text field in the electronic quote to reassure clients accustomed to paper.

Operational Benefits

• Sales teams freed from manual follow-up

• Fewer "forgotten" or lost quotes

• Impressive responsiveness for the prospect

• Direct feed to invoicing (accounting gains)

Common Mistakes

• Not including terms and conditions in the annex

• Using AES for a simple quote (oversized, unnecessary friction)

• Forgetting payment terms

• Not setting up automatic follow-ups

Real Case Study: Industrial SME

An industrial SME sent 150 quotes/month by email. Paper signature rate: 40%, average deadline 8 days. Switched to electronic signature:

• signature rate: 62%

• average deadline: 2.5 days

• estimated annual commercial gain: +180,000 € additional revenue

How Certyneo Helps You

Certyneo integrates with major billing tools (Sellsy, Axonaut, Sage, Pennylane) to generate and send quotes for signing in one click. Reusable templates, automatic follow-ups, real-time sales dashboard.

FAQ

Does a quote signed with SES engage the client?

Yes, SES is legally valid. The evidence may be assessed by the judge but the commitment exists.

Can a signed quote be modified?

No. If modification is needed, you must issue a new quote and have it signed.

Must terms and conditions be signed separately?

Ideally, include them in the quote within the same envelope.

How long should a signed quote be kept?

10 years (commercial document).

Must a sole proprietor sign their quotes?

Yes, best practice: it proves the existence of the commercial relationship.

Conclusion

Getting a quote signed electronically accelerates your sales cycle, improves your conversion rate, and secures your invoicing.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.