Digital Signature
Definition
A digital signature is a legally binding electronic mark a customer applies to a document on a screen, replacing a physical ink signature.
What Digital Signature Means for Your Business
What it means
A digital signature captures the customer's consent to an estimate, work order, or invoice directly on the tech's tablet or phone. It is timestamped, tied to the document, and stored permanently in the job folder.
Why it matters
Digital signatures speed approvals, eliminate paper, and give you legal protection against chargebacks and disputes. A signed estimate is the clearest answer to 'I never agreed to that.'
How contractors use it
Shops require signatures at key moments: before work starts, on every change order, and on final completion. The signature auto-attaches to the work order and triggers billing or scheduling workflows.
Real-World Example
A remodeling contractor required digital signatures on every change order. Disputed change orders dropped from 18% to under 2%, saving roughly $62,000 in annual write-offs.
Related Terms
Work Order
A work order is the digital or paper document that authorizes and records the work performed on a specific service call.
Estimate
An estimate is a written offer of price and scope that a contractor provides to a customer before beginning any work.
Change Order
A change order is a written amendment to an existing contract that adjusts scope, price, or timeline after the work has started.
Proof of Completion
Proof of completion is the documented evidence, usually photos, notes, and signatures, that confirms a service job was finished and delivered to the customer's satisfaction.
Chargeback
A chargeback is a forced reversal of a credit card payment initiated by the customer's bank, usually because the customer disputes the charge.
Put This Into Practice with Free Software
Kaldr Tech handles digital signature and everything else you need to run your shop. $0/month, 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction.