See why sales teams close more deals when they use eSignatures, from faster approvals to fewer stalled contracts and cleaner handoffs.
TL;DR: Most deals slow down at the contract stage. eSignatures remove friction, reduce delays, and help sales teams get agreements signed while interest is still high. This guide explains why.
You’ve got the right product and commitment from the buyer. If the deal fails now, it’s most often because momentum gets lost at the contract stage.
The document sits waiting to be printed, signed, scanned, or sent back. And at each step, there’s more risk of delay, doubt, or distraction.
eSignatures remove that friction. They shorten the gap between ‘yes’ and ‘signed,’ reduce manual work for reps, and make it easier for your buyers to complete the last step while intent is still high.
This guide explains why sales teams that use eSignatures consistently close more deals, move faster, and waste less time chasing paperwork.
Why the Contract Signing Stage Is Where Deals Are Won or Lost
By the time a contract is sent, most of the selling has already happened. The buyer understands the value, pricing has been discussed, and internal approvals are usually in place.
This means any delays waiting for signatures, confusion over versions, missed fields, or a slow back and forth can cost you the deal.
This is exactly where digital tools and automation make a real difference. According to McKinsey research, sales automation alone improves efficiency by 10–15%, leading to sales uplift potential of up to 10%.
Bottom line: The longer it takes to get a signature, the higher the risk the deal cools off.
7 Reasons Sales Teams Close More Deals With eSignatures
If the signing stage is where your deals slow down, eSignatures can make a big difference.
Reason 1: Deals Move Forward While Buyer Intent Is High
Speed matters most when buyer interest is fresh. eSignatures let buyers sign the moment they are ready, instead of waiting for a printer, scanner, or desktop computer.
eSignature and digital contract tools can cut turnaround times dramatically, with up to 79% of agreements completed within 24 hours (instead of days or weeks), and overall contract turnaround times improving by more than 75% after adoption.
Shorter cycles mean fewer dropped deals and more consistent closes for your team.
Reason 2: Fewer Manual Errors and Incomplete Contracts
Missing initials, unsigned pages, or incorrect versions create unnecessary delays. Digital signing tools guide signers to required fields and prevent submission until everything is complete.
That means fewer revisions and less time spent fixing mistakes on your end.
Reason 3: Sales Reps Spend Less Time Chasing Signatures
Following up on paperwork is one of the least valuable uses of a sales rep’s time. eSignatures automate reminders and show exactly who has signed and who has not.
Instead of guessing or sending awkward follow-ups, you can see exactly where each deal stands and focus on moving it forward.
Reason 4: Buyers Get a Simpler, More Professional Experience
Today’s buyers expect digital workflows. When you make signing feel easy and familiar, it reinforces trust and reduces hesitation.
A smooth signing experience shows that you’re organized and easy to work with. That perception matters when buyers are comparing options.
Reason 5: Mobile Signing Removes Scheduling Friction
Many buyers review contracts on their phone. eSignatures let them sign there too.
This removes delays caused by travel, time zones, or limited access to devices. Your deals keep moving even outside standard business hours.
Reason 6: Clear Audit Trails Reduce Last-Minute Pushback
eSignatures create automatic records showing who signed, when, and what version was approved. That clarity reduces disputes and internal confusion.
When procurement, legal, or finance ask questions, you already have the answers.
Reason 7: Faster Closures Improve Forecasting Accuracy
When contracts close faster, your pipeline becomes easier to predict. You get a clearer view of what’s really closing and when, instead of carrying stalled deals forward week after week.
When signing is predictable, the rest of your sales process works better too.
eSignatures vs. Traditional Signatures: ROI Comparison
Traditional signing adds hidden costs you hardly ever think about. Printing, scanning, courier services, and manual follow-ups all take time and money.
Some reports estimate that removing paper, shipping, and storage saves companies around $36 per contract on average.
Beyond cost savings, the biggest ROI comes from deals that close faster instead of stalling out.
What Sales Teams Should Look for in an eSignature Tool
You don’t need more features. You need fewer obstacles at the final step. When you’re choosing an eSignature tool, focus on what actually helps deals close:
Fast, simple signing. Your buyers should be able to open, review, and sign in seconds, without creating accounts or learning a new tool.
Mobile-friendly workflows. Many signatures happen on phones or tablets. The experience should work smoothly on any device.
Built-in security. Look for encrypted file handling, tamper-evident documents, and protection for sensitive contract data.
Clear audit trails. Every signed document should include timestamps and proof of who signed and when, in case questions come up later.
Easy setup for sales reps. Uploading documents, placing fields, and sending signature requests should be intuitive for you and your team.
Fits existing workflows. The best eSign tools work with how your team already sends proposals and contracts, without adding extra steps or complexity.
When signing feels effortless for both your buyers and your team, deals close faster and fewer contracts get stuck at the finish line.
How Smallpdf and Sign.com Support Faster, Friction-Free Deal Closures
Sales signing usually falls into two scenarios: Sometimes you need to sign or finalize a document yourself before sending it out. Other times, you need to request signatures from buyers, legal teams, or multiple stakeholders.
Smallpdf eSign works well for fast, simple signing when you are handling the document directly.
Sign.com supports structured signature requests, signer order, tracking, and reminders when multiple parties are involved. It’s included in the Smallpdf tool suite with a Pro or Team plan.
Both tools run in the browser, work on mobile, and are designed to be simple for buyers to use. That reduces friction at the exact moment deals are most fragile. Take advantage of a free 7-day trial to try them out.
Frequently Asked Questions About eSignatures and Sales
Do eSignatures actually increase close rates?
Yes. By reducing delays and friction at the contract stage, eSignatures help more deals reach completion while buyer intent is high.
How much time can sales reps save using eSignatures?
Studies show that sales teams can save hundreds of hours per month by eliminating printing, scanning, and manual follow-ups.
Why do deals get stuck at the contract signing stage?
Common reasons include manual processes, missing signatures, version confusion, and slow follow-ups. eSignatures address all of these issues.
Can eSignatures replace in-person contract signing?
In most everyday sales transactions, yes. Legal acceptance depends on jurisdiction and contract type, but eSignatures are widely used across industries.
What costs do sales teams reduce with eSignatures?
Teams reduce printing, courier, storage, and administrative labor costs. The biggest savings often come from faster closes and fewer lost deals.
