As I explained in previous posts, you can create an e-signature in handwriting, a mouse created version, or by typing. If you have untidy handwriting, you might imagine that a font would look better. Yes and no.
Initials and Fonts in E-signatures
I don't like initials. However, many documents require your full name earlier on, then initials on later pages.
However, I think it would be better to use your own handwriting. You can fit it to the size, and reflect your personality. Some of the fonts for initials have ridiculous flamboyant loops. Others are tall and thin, suggesting you are a tall thin person, and have a pernickety personality. Others lean forward, creating an odd effect.
If you read books about analysing handwriting, you can see that you might be judged by an expert as a forward leaning personality. Even if neither the creator of the signature or the reader is an expert, a leaning signature in my opinion will create a strange impression on the reader.
My view is that a signature should suggest that you are a reliable, straightforward person who can be trusted. (I assume that is the impression you want to give and that is a true reflection of your personality!)
In the initials, other styles have emphasis on a larger initial letter or a larger middle letter or a larger third letter. That might suit a large letter the the initial for the surname in western names. So if your names were John Richard Brown, one version has a large J, another has a large R and a third has a large B.
I pondered whether to make the initial of the middle name larger, if you use your middle name most of the time. However, the triple initials looked odd to me with a larger middle letter.
Go back to your own signature to see how it looks. Strangely, when I write just my initials, the letters look different to when I write a quick signature.
You can also change your signature for different documents.
If a large number of people know you by your married name or pen name, you might need to change your signature.
Cost
What does it cost to do an e-signature? For a one-off signature, in Hellosign, nothing.
On reflection, you might be sent a document using another signature providing service. If somebody else creates a document using a different system of signature provider, you might have to load up your previous version from the other website, write your name and load it up again, or create a new one by typing in and using the fonts they offer.
Why would they offer a free service for a one-off signature?
Maybe because, if you send a document to somebody else, and they have to pay to create a signature, and refuse to do so, or there is a long delay until you agree to pay for them, your e-signature is useless.
Premium Rates And Security
Hellosign also offer premium rate services if you are signing documents frequently. That would mean higher security. More documents are flying about on the web with your signature. More people are seeing your e-signature when they receive and check it or add their signature. Higher risk from hacking systems and hackers. See the signature company's FAQ.
Adobe offered a free 14 day trial. You would need to get all parties to sign before you were committed. If you like it, and need it regularly, then it is a business expense to offset against income on your tax return.
Useful Websites
www.hellosign.com
https://acrobat.adobe.com/uk/en/sign/free-trial
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.
