How to Send Client Contracts for Online Signing: Step-by-Step

You've finalized the project scope, agreed on payment, and prepared the contract. Now you need your client to sign it before work begins.

To send client contracts for online signing, prepare the final document, upload it to an electronic signature platform, assign signing fields, add your client as a recipient, and send the signing request. This guide explains how to complete the process, follow up with clients, and manage the signed agreement.

At a Glance: Sending Client Contracts for Online Signing

What Does Online Contract Signing Mean?

Online contract signing is the process of applying electronic signatures to an agreement without relying on physical paperwork.

Instead of exchanging printed copies, the parties complete the signing process through a digital document or signing service.

A typical workflow looks like this:

1. The sender prepares the contract.
2. The sender adds the relevant recipients.
3. The document is sent through an electronic signing service.
4. Each recipient reviews the agreement.
5. The required signatures are applied.
6. The parties retain the completed document.

Depending on the service, additional records may document signing activity.

Electronic Signature vs. Digital Signature

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have different meanings.

An electronic signature is a broad category that includes electronic symbols or processes adopted with the intention of signing a record.

Examples can include typing a name, drawing a signature, or completing a signing action through an electronic signature service.

A digital signature, in the technical sense, uses cryptographic technology to link a signature to signed data and support verification.

Not every electronic signing workflow uses an individually verifiable certificate-based digital signature.

For everyday business agreements, the important question is whether the signing method satisfies the applicable requirements, not whether it uses a particular visual signature style.

Are Electronically Signed Client Contracts Legal?

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in many jurisdictions, including the United States and European Union.

However, the legal effect of a signature depends on the transaction, applicable laws, and surrounding circumstances.

Electronic Signatures in the United States

The federal ESIGN Act↗ generally provides that a signature, contract, or record relating to a covered transaction cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is electronic.

Many states also have electronic transactions laws.

This legal framework supports electronic signing for numerous commercial agreements.

However, it does not eliminate ordinary contract requirements such as agreement to the terms, capacity, lawful purpose, or applicable document formalities.

Certain transactions are subject to exceptions or additional rules.

Electronic Signatures in the European Union

The EU's eIDAS Regulation↗ recognizes electronic signatures and establishes requirements for advanced and qualified electronic signatures.

A signature cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is electronic or does not meet the requirements of a qualified electronic signature.

However, a particular document may require a specific signing method or additional formalities.

What This Means for Freelancers and Businesses

Many routine service agreements, project contracts, proposals, and NDAs can be signed electronically.

Before sending a contract, confirm that the signing method is suitable for the transaction and acceptable to the parties.

Documents involving notarization, property transactions, regulated activities, or other special legal requirements may need additional procedures.

A signing platform helps collect signatures, but it cannot independently guarantee that every agreement is legally enforceable.

Before You Send: Client Contract Checklist

The preparation stage is one of the most important parts of the signing process.

Sending an incorrect or incomplete contract can create delays, even when the electronic signature tool works perfectly.

Use this checklist before sending the agreement.

• The client's name and business details are correct.
• The scope of work matches what was agreed.
• Deliverables and deadlines are clear.
• Payment amounts and due dates are accurate.
• Revision limits and additional charges are addressed where relevant.
• Termination and cancellation terms are included where appropriate.
• All comments, placeholders, and unfinished edits have been resolved.
• The correct document version is ready.
• The appropriate recipients have been identified.
• Any special signing or approval requirements have been checked.

Review the Contract Terms

Start by reviewing the actual agreement.

For example, if you're a freelance designer, confirm that the contract accurately describes:

• What you will design.
• How many revisions are included.
• When deliverables are due.
• How and when payment will be made.
• What happens if the project scope changes.

The contract should reflect the final terms agreed with the client.

Check the Recipient Information

Verify the client's name and email address.

If the client represents a business, confirm who is authorized to sign on its behalf.

Sending the agreement to someone who cannot approve it may create unnecessary delays.

Confirm the Required Signing Fields

Decide which fields are necessary.

These might include signatures, dates, names, initials, or additional information.

Not every contract requires initials on every page, and the signing software should not determine the legal requirements for you.

Place fields according to the document and transaction.

Check the Document Format

PDF is commonly used because it helps preserve the document's layout.

If your contract was prepared in Word or another editor, review the exported PDF before sending it.

Check that page breaks, tables, clauses, and signature areas display correctly.

How to Send Client Contracts for Online Signing: Step-by-Step

The following process applies to most electronic signature services.

Specific buttons and interface labels vary by platform, but the main steps remain similar.

Step 1: Choose an Electronic Signature Platform

Start with a signing tool that supports your workflow.

For a freelancer or small business, useful features may include:

• Document uploads.
• Recipient assignment.
• Signature and date fields.
• Signing-status tracking.
• Multiple signers.
• Reminders.
• Completed-document downloads.
• Audit trails or signing records.

If you send similar agreements repeatedly, reusable templates can also save preparation time.

You don't necessarily need the most expensive plan.

Choose based on your signing volume, document requirements, and the features you actually use.

Step 2: Upload Your Client Contract

Open your selected signing platform and create a new document or signing request.

Upload the finalized agreement.

For example, LoreSign lets users upload PDFs, generate document drafts with AI, or start from reusable templates.

After uploading, review the document to ensure the correct version has been selected.

Avoid making unnecessary changes after you've already confirmed the final terms with your client.

Step 3: Add Your Client as a Recipient

Enter the client's name and email address.

If several people must sign, add each relevant recipient.

For example, an agency agreement may require signatures from:

• The agency's authorized representative.
• The client's authorized representative.
• An additional business stakeholder, if required.

Check that each recipient has the appropriate signing role.

If only one person is authorized to sign for a company, don't assume every stakeholder needs to be included.

Step 4: Place the Signing Fields

Add the necessary fields to the agreement.

Typical fields include:

Signature field: Where the recipient applies their electronic signature.

Name field: Where the signer's name is entered or displayed.

Date field: Where the relevant signing date is recorded.

Initial field: Where initials are required by the document or agreed process.

Assign each field to the correct recipient.

Before sending, review every page to ensure required fields are placed correctly and do not cover important contract terms.

Step 5: Set the Signing Order if Necessary

If several people need to sign, decide whether signatures should be collected sequentially or in any order.

Sequential signing can be helpful when one person's approval must come before another.

For example, a company may require internal approval before a document is sent to an external party.

For a straightforward agreement involving two people, a specific signing order may not be necessary.

Follow the agreed business process rather than assuming the client must always sign first.

Step 6: Send the Contract for Signature

Once the document and recipients are ready, send the signing request.

Where the service allows it, include a short message explaining:

• What the document is.
• Why the recipient is receiving it.
• What action is required.
• When a response is needed, if there is an agreed deadline.

Keep the message straightforward.

Example:

Hi Alex,

I've attached our finalized service agreement for electronic signing. Please review the terms and sign when you're ready.

Let me know if you have any questions before completing it.

Thanks!

The goal is to provide enough context so the client recognizes the request and knows what to do.

Step 7: Track the Signing Status

After sending the contract, use the available tracking features to check its progress.

Depending on the platform, you may see states such as:

• Sent.
• Opened.
• Viewed.
• Signed.
• Completed.

These records can help you identify whether the client has received or interacted with the signing request.

However, an email being delivered or a document being opened does not necessarily mean the recipient has agreed to its terms.

If the contract remains unsigned, follow up according to the deadline and urgency of the project.

Step 8: Download the Completed Contract

Once all required signing steps are finished, retrieve the completed document.

Check that the expected signature fields have been completed and that the final agreement is available.

Where provided, retain the associated Certificate of Completion or audit trail.

These records can help document signing activity, although they are not an automatic guarantee of legal enforceability.

Step 9: Store the Contract Securely

Save the completed agreement in an appropriate document storage system.

Use a consistent naming format, such as:

ClientName_ServiceAgreement_Signed_2026.pdf

Keep the relevant signing records with the contract.

For teams working with many clients, organizing documents by client or project can make later retrieval easier.

Ensure that storage permissions and retention practices are appropriate for the information contained in the agreement.

Free vs. Paid Electronic Signature Plans

Not every freelancer needs a paid electronic signature subscription.

However, free and paid plans may differ in signing volume, templates, branding, and workflow features.

These are general differences, not universal rules.

Some free plans include audit trails and completion certificates. Others do not.

What Does LoreSign's Free Plan Include?

LoreSign currently advertises a free plan with three documents per month and up to three signers per document.

The free plan also includes completed PDFs with Certificates of Completion.

For freelancers sending occasional agreements, this may be a useful starting point.

If you send contracts frequently or need reusable templates, compare the available plans and their current limits.

Check the LoreSign website for current plan details before choosing.

When Is a Paid Plan Worth Considering?

A paid plan may be useful when:

• You regularly send more documents than your free allowance.
• You want to reuse contract templates.
• Your agreements involve more signers.
• You need additional branding or administrative features.
• Your team manages signing requests collaboratively.

The right choice depends on the total workflow, not simply the number of signatures collected.

How to Handle Clients Who Hesitate to Sign Online

Not every client is familiar with electronic signatures.

Some may have security concerns, prefer paper documents, or want more time to review the agreement.

Clear communication usually helps.

When a Client Doesn't Trust Online Signing

Explain the process without promising that every electronic signature is automatically legally binding.

You might say:

"I understand your concern. Electronic signatures are recognized for many business agreements, and the signing service keeps records of the transaction. You're welcome to review the document before signing, and I can answer any questions about the process."

If appropriate, provide the signing service's official help or security information.

When a Client Prefers Paper

If the document and business process allow it, offer a paper-signing alternative.

Confirm the preferred method before proceeding.

Don't assume that a client must agree to electronic signing simply because you use an electronic signature platform.

When a Client Hasn't Signed

Avoid sending repeated reminders without considering the circumstances.

The client may be reviewing the contract internally or waiting for approval.

A short follow-up can help.

Example:

Hi Alex,

Just checking whether you received the agreement I sent earlier.

Let me know if you have any questions or need anything clarified before signing.

Thanks!

If there's a genuine project deadline, communicate it clearly.

When a Client Requests Changes Before Signing

Review the requested revisions and determine whether both parties agree.

Update the contract before sending it again.

If a signing request has already been issued, use the platform's supported correction, cancellation, or replacement process as appropriate.

Make sure the client signs the intended final version.

When a Client Requests Changes After Signing

A completed contract should not be silently edited.

If both parties agree to new terms, an amendment or replacement agreement may be appropriate.

The correct approach depends on the original contract and applicable law.

A newly signed document does not automatically cancel an earlier contract unless the parties' agreement or relevant law produces that effect.

Retain the previous signed version and the new documentation.

After the Client Signs: What Happens Next?

Collecting signatures is only one part of managing client agreements.

Once the document is completed, take a few additional steps before beginning the next stage of the project.

Confirm Completion

Check that everyone required to sign has completed their part.

For agreements involving several parties, verify the final signing status rather than assuming the first signature means the contract is fully executed.

Save the Completed Documents

Retain the signed PDF and available signing records.

For example, a completed signing package may include:

• The signed contract.
• A Certificate of Completion.
• An audit trail.
• Relevant approval or confirmation correspondence.

Not every platform provides the same records, so preserve what is available and appropriate.

Share the Completed Agreement

Ensure that the relevant parties have access to the final agreement.

Some signing services automatically distribute completed copies.

If yours does not, arrange delivery through an appropriate secure channel.

Confirm the Next Project Step

After signing, communicate what happens next.

For example:

"Thanks for completing the agreement. I'll begin the initial design phase on Monday and share the first update by Thursday."

This closes the signing process and establishes the next expectation.

Common Mistakes When Sending Client Contracts Online

Several avoidable mistakes can delay signing or create confusion.

Sending an Unfinished Contract

Unresolved comments, missing information, or outdated terms can cause a client to reject or question the agreement.

Review the final document before uploading it.

Assigning Fields to the Wrong Person

When multiple recipients are involved, confirm that each required field belongs to the correct signer.

An incorrect assignment can interrupt the signing process.

Assuming Every Page Needs Initials

Initial fields may be appropriate for some agreements, but they are not universally required.

Use them when the document or signing procedure calls for them.

Using an Unverified Recipient Address

A signing request sent to the wrong address may expose confidential information or create confusion.

Confirm recipient details before sending.

Treating the Audit Trail as Conclusive Identity Proof

Audit trails can provide valuable transaction evidence.

However, email addresses, IP addresses, and timestamps do not individually establish identity or authority to sign.

Forgetting to Save the Completed Agreement

Retaining the final document and available records helps preserve important project information.

Avoid relying exclusively on an email notification that the contract was signed.

How LoreSign Simplifies Client Contract Signing

For freelancers, consultants, agencies, and small businesses, contract signing is often a recurring task.

LoreSign helps manage the process from document preparation through completion.

Users can:

• Upload existing PDFs or prepare documents using AI-assisted drafting.
• Add recipients and assign signature fields.
• Configure signing order.
• Send secure signing requests.
• Allow recipients to sign without creating an account.
• Track document activity.
• Use reminders.
• Save reusable templates.
• Access completed PDFs and Certificates of Completion.

LoreSign also provides audit trails and document verification capabilities to help users review completed signing records.

For example, an agency that sends a standard service agreement to every new client can save the document as a reusable template, update the project details, assign the client's fields, and send it for signing.

This can reduce repetitive document preparation while keeping signing activity organized.

The Bottom Line

Sending client contracts for online signing can make agreement completion more convenient for both parties.

• Finalize the contract before sending. Check the scope, payment terms, deadlines, names, and document version.
• Choose a suitable signing tool. Look for recipient assignment, signature fields, status tracking, and completed-document access.
• Make the signing request clear. Tell clients what they're signing and what action is needed.
• Use reminders appropriately. Follow up based on agreed deadlines without overwhelming the client.
• Keep supporting records. Save the signed contract and relevant audit or completion information.
• Handle later changes properly. Use an appropriate amendment or replacement process rather than editing a completed agreement without authorization.

For an organized way to prepare, send, and track client agreements, LoreSign provides electronic signing tools designed for everyday business workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I send a contract to a client for electronic signing?

Prepare the final agreement, upload it to an electronic signature platform, add your client as a recipient, place the necessary signing fields, and send the request. After the client signs, review the completion status and retain the signed contract and any available supporting records.

2. Are electronically signed client contracts legally binding?

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in many jurisdictions, including the United States under the ESIGN Act and the European Union under eIDAS. Whether a particular agreement is enforceable depends on
2. Are electronically signed client contracts legally binding?

Electronic signatures are legally recognized in many jurisdictions, including the United States under the ESIGN Act and the European Union under eIDAS. Whether a particular agreement is enforceable depends on the signing circumstances, applicable contract law, document requirements, and other relevant conditions.

3. Can I send a client contract for online signing for free?

Yes. Some electronic signature platforms offer free plans with limited document allowances. For example, LoreSign offers a free plan for occasional document signing. Check the provider's current document limits, recipient allowances, and included features before sending.

4. Does my client need an account to sign a contract online?

Not always. Some electronic signature platforms allow recipients to review and sign directly through a secure browser link without creating an account. LoreSign supports no-account signing for recipients. Other providers may have different requirements.

5. What should I do if a client doesn't sign the contract?

Check the signing status and follow up politely. Ask whether the client received the agreement or has questions about the terms. If the project has a deadline, communicate it clearly. Avoid assuming that an unopened or unsigned request means the client has rejected the agreement.

6. Can I change a client contract after it has been signed?

The parties may be able to modify a signed contract through an amendment or another appropriate agreement, depending on the contract's terms and applicable law. Do not silently modify the completed document. Clearly document the agreed changes and retain the original contract along with subsequent amendments or replacements.

About LoreSign

LoreSign is an electronic signature platform that helps freelancers, consultants, agencies, and small businesses prepare documents and collect signatures online.

With PDF uploads, AI-assisted drafting, signature fields, recipient management, reusable templates, reminders, audit trails, Certificates of Completion, and signing-status tracking, LoreSign helps simplify everyday client agreement workflows.

Our guides explain electronic signatures, contract preparation, document signing, and practical ways to manage business agreements.