DocuSign is one of the better software solutions for electronic signature online. But the product comes with a price. If you want to test the software, you can get a free 30-day trial. After that, you are subject to DocuSign pricing. That being said, if you want to know how much does DocuSign cost, check the DocuSign pricing below.
Part 1A Brief but Full Introduction to DocuSign
As mentioned previously, the simple answer is that DocuSign is an electronic signature service you can use for documents and agreements. Every document that needs signing can be signed with the help of DocuSign, in a matter of hours, not days. All the documents signed using the software are legally binding, in the same way that hard-copy documents are legally binding
DocuSign supports all types of documents, including PDF, *.docx, *.xlsx, *.txt, and much more. Integrated with your tools and business systems, DocuSign makes an effort to accelerate the transaction process, reduce costs, and improve visibility and control of your documents.
Part 2Advantages and Disadvantages of DocuSign
Every product on the market has its own strengths, but also weaknesses. DocuSign is not an exception. That being said, this electronic signature software is one of the best you can find on the market. But let's talk a bit about pros and cons of using DocuSign.
Pros:
- You can handle multiple and sequential recipients. This feature allows you to target multiple clients at the same time, with just one action.
- Full history and audit trail certificate is available.
- There are reusable templates that can be personified. You can also add custom branding to your documents.
- Offline sending and e-signing is a big plus.
- Tagging system can help you show recipients where they need to sign the document.
Cons:
- The biggest disadvantage of DocuSign, when compared to other electronic signature software, is that the process requires recipient's authentication. The recipient can verify his/hers identity via phone or RSA ID check. Both cost extra.
- Software is a bit pricey compared to similar products on the market.
- You have to pay for community-based support. Email, chat, and phone support will cost you extra money.
Part 3Steps for Using DocuSign Templates
Before we head over to the step by step guide how to use DocuSign templates, we must explain what templates are. Simply put, DocuSign templates are sample documents that can be used for the same or similar signing. All templates can be personified and individualized. But as a general rule of thumb, templates help streamline the process. You do not have to create a new document for every lease agreement. You just create one lease agreement template, and you change the name for every client. You can start any document in DocuSign from a template. You can do that in three ways:
- On the home page, click the "new" drop down, and then select "use a template".
- When you are on the documents page, click "new" drop down menu and select "use a template".
- When in the templates page, just locate "template" and click "use".
There are two ways to use DocuSign templates. One is using complete templates, and the other is using from the templates page. Let's explain the step by step guide for both. Starting from the complete templates.
- 1. Go either to the Documents or Templates page. If you are going to Documents, click "new" on the drop down menu, and select "use a template". A dialog box will open, and you can select the desired template. If you are on the templates page, just locate the template you desire and click "use".
- 2. At this point, you will get to the template dialog, where you need to complete three fields. First and foremost, you need to fill in the recipient information. Do this for all recipients. Next step is reviewing the message subject and text. As an optional field, you can enter values for the document labels.
- 3. Once you are ready to send the document, just click on the "send" button. However, if you want to make more changes, click "advanced edit". You can then add more recipients and recipient fields, or upload more documents.
When you want to use a template from the templates page, the process is the following:
- 1. Go to the "templates" page. The list of templates will appear.
- 2. Find the desired template. You can search using the search box, but also filter the search. Or you can just scan the template list manually and find the one you need.
- 3. Once you find the template you want to use, click "use", and you will start a new document. Template settings will load, and you can enter all the information needed.
- 4. Enter emails for recipients.
- 5. Enter document message and document subject. You can customize the default subject line and use it over and over again.
- 6. Click next. At this point, you can review the signing fields.
- 7. Click "Send Now" to send the document for signing.
Part 4How Do I Download DocuSign App
The DocuSign app is available for Microsoft Windows phones, Android phones, and Apple devices. Depending what operating system your phone runs, the process for downloading the app is different.
For example, if you want to download DocuSign app for your Android device, head over to the Play Store, and type "DocuSign" in the search field. The app is free. Just click on "download and install" when connected to WiFi or internet network. The app will be downloaded automatically, and a shortcut will be added to your home screen.
If you are using an iOS device, head over to iTunes, and type "DocuSign" in the search field. Again, click install, and the app will be downloaded and installed. Once the installation is complete, DocuSign will appear on the homescreen.
Part 5Most Cost-Effective Alternative to DocuSign
As mentioned at the beginning, there are many electronic signature software solutions on the market. DocuSign is not the only option. There are alternatives, and one of the best, if not the best, is SignX. With three options to create your own unique signature, SignX is far more advanced. You can draw, type in, or upload a picture with your signature.
The centralized dashboard of SignX gives you complete view and control of all the documents you've sent for signing. You will also receive notifications in real time as the process of signing goes. The software also comes with special tools that will help you personalize, modify and send your document, resulting in seamless document editing. And same as with DocuSign, you can use reusable templates for easier sending documents. It offers two-factor authentication. One is password protection, and the other is encryption protection.
