How to reduce signing times?

Why do signatures take so long

Why do signatures take so long

• Signature delays are rarely due to the unwillingness of the signatories. More often:
• technical friction (document to print/scan)
• forgetting (email buried in the inbox)
• complicated process (several parts, poorly defined order)

not very ergonomic tool

Reducing these delays means attacking each point of friction.

1. Switch to 100% digital

If the signer still needs to print or scan, you pay 2-5 days of delay. End-to-end e-signature eliminates this friction.

2. Set up automatic reminders

Schedule a reminder on D+3 and a second on D+7 doubles the signature rate within 10 days. Modern platforms integrate it natively.

3. Favor mobile

80% of signatories open the email on mobile. A mobile-first platform allows you to sign directly, without switching to a computer — saving several hours.

4. Use templates

Every minute spent preparing a document is a minute that delays its sending. Templates for 5-10 recurring documents (standard contracts, quotes, NDA) divide the preparation by 10.

5. Order the signatures intelligently5. Order the signatures intelligentlyParallel order ⬥⬥⬥: everyone signs at the same time — ideal when the order does not matter.Sequential order ⬥⬥⬥: one signatory after the other — necessary for hierarchical validations. Choose according to context.

6. Switch to AES (not QES)

AdvancedSignature (AES)adds OTP authentication without creating major friction (2 additional minutes). It strengthens the evidence without degrading the experience. TheQES ⬥⬥⬥, on the other hand, often adds heavy identity verification — to be reserved for cases that require it.7. Integrate with your tools

A CRM that automatically triggers sending for signature when a quote is accepted eliminates hours of human intervention. See

automate reminders ⬥⬥⬥.8. Track metricsMeasure:

median time between sending and signature

signature rate on D+1, D+3, D+7

• causes of failure (refusal, expiration)
• causes of failure (refusal, expiration)
• Identifying friction points allows them to be corrected.

Frequent errors

Sending too many documents in the same envelope (overburdening the signatory)

• Forgetting to explain to the signatory who has never signed electronically
• Setting an expiration too short (unnecessary pressure)
• Not including a natural deadline
• Concrete case: sales team

A team of 10 salespeople processed 200 signatures/month with a median deadline of 7 days. After:

templates for the 5 recurring contracts

• AES + OTP systematic SMS
• automatic reminders D+2, D+5
• HubSpot integration
• → median delay at 1.5 days, signature rate on D+7 increased from 65% to 92%.

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo natively includes automatic reminders, reusable templates, parallel/sequential order, mobile-first, CRM integrations. Analytics dashboard to identify friction points in your signature cycles.

Certyneo natively includes automatic reminders, reusable templates, parallel/sequential order, mobile-first, CRM integrations. Analytics dashboard to identify friction points in your signature cycles.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution

FAQ

How many reminders are optimal?

Generally 2 to 3, beyond that it’s intrusive.

Should we set an expiration?

Yes, 15-30 standard days. Shorter = unnecessary pressure. Longer = forgotten document.

Mobile-first really?

Yes, 80%+ of signatures are done on mobile today.

Send to several contacts of the same customer?

Yes, if you don't know who has signing authority.

Can we take back an expired document?

No, you must send a new envelope.

Conclusion

Reducing signature times is a lever for productivity and cash flow. Attack every sticking point and divide your cycles by 5 or more.

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