I’m constantly asking myself this question: “with all of the benefits associated with using e-signatures, why aren’t more people using this technology?” I found an interesting article from a writer who has been asking himself this same question since 2003. He chalks the delayed acceptance up to psychological factors associated with legality and technology. He says, “the act of signing a document is so simple, and so ingrained in our consciousness, that switching to a new mode that requires not only ‘technology’ but also ‘legislation’ is just too much for us.”
I have to agree that these factors have added a mystique over electronic signatures because many people don’t understand technology and many more don’t understand law. Pen and paper is just much easier for us to understand.
I believe people want to cut costs, save time, and increase document security. All things provided by electronic signatures. Yet, I believe another factor exists that is creating a barrier for the mass acceptance of e-signatures, and that is the cost of esignature software.
Today, I can write my name on a piece of paper 100 times without paying a dime. I may develop carpel tunnel in my wrist, but I don’t have to pay a cent to sign my name to the document. If I wanted to electronically sign my name, most e-signature services offer a limited use or trial use before charging me to sign my name.
Granted, there are a number of reasons why paying this fee will still save me money in the long run. Yet, the psychological factors associated with paying to write may name may pose as a barrier to mass acceptance of e-signatures in the mind of many people.
The environmental aspects alone demand that we do something to reduce the needless use of paper and the carbon emissions associated with paper production and document management. People are slowly becoming more accustomed to doing business online, and the legal questions are fading. Document management suites are even integrating free e-signatures solutions to move us one step closer to a paperless office. Now, if we can get past the relatively cheap cost of using this technology (not much more than the cost of a stamp), then more people will begin to use e-signatures.
