Step by step guide to adding e signatures to proposals in Bidsketch

So you’re using proposals to win business, and you want to get them signed without printing, scanning, or chasing signatures over email. Smart move. If you’re using Bidsketch, adding e-signatures to your proposals is possible, but the setup isn’t always as obvious as it should be.

This guide is for anyone who wants a no-nonsense, practical walkthrough of getting legally binding e-signatures into their Bidsketch proposals—without wasting time. Whether you’re new to Bidsketch or just tired of PDF ping-pong, you’ll find what works, what trips people up, and which features are more fluff than function.

Why Add E-Signatures to Proposals?

Before we jump in, let’s keep it real: e-signatures aren’t magic, but they do make getting to “yes” faster. They:

  • Save time (no printers, no scans)
  • Are legally binding in most places
  • Make your proposals look more professional
  • Let you track who’s actually signed (no more “lost in spam” excuses)

But don’t expect e-signatures to win deals for you. They just remove friction once your client’s ready to say yes.

What You Need Before You Start

Bidsketch’s e-signature feature isn’t available on all plans. Here’s what you need:

  • Bidsketch account: E-signatures are only on paid plans (as of this writing).
  • Proposal template or draft: You’ll need something to add the signature block to.
  • Client info: Make sure your proposal is actually going to someone.

If you’re on a free trial or a lower-tier plan and don’t see the e-signature options, that’s why. You’ll have to upgrade.

Step 1: Enable E-Signatures in Your Account

First things first—make sure e-signatures are turned on.

  1. Log into Bidsketch.
  2. Go to the main dashboard.
  3. Click your name or profile picture in the upper right corner.
  4. Select Account Settings.
  5. Look for a section called E-signatures or Signature Settings (the wording sometimes changes).
  6. Make sure the e-signature feature is enabled. If it’s not, toggle it on.

Heads up: Bidsketch sometimes buries this setting or moves it around with UI updates. If you can’t find it, check their help docs or reach out to support—they’re usually pretty responsive.

Step 2: Add the Signature Block to Your Proposal

Now, let’s add a spot for your client to sign.

  1. Open your proposal (either start a new one, or edit an existing draft).
  2. Go to the section where you want the signature (usually at the end—don’t overthink it).
  3. Click to add a new block or section.
  4. Look for the Signature or E-signature option in the block menu.
    • If you don’t see it, double-check you’re on a paid plan and have e-signatures turned on.
  5. Insert the signature block. It’ll show something like “Click here to sign” when the client views it.
  6. You can usually add signature lines for both yourself and your client (helpful if you want a record on both ends).

Pro tip: Don’t clutter up your proposal with extra text around the signature. A simple “Please sign below to accept this proposal” is enough. Nobody reads the legalese.

Step 3: Set Who Needs to Sign

Bidsketch lets you pick who needs to sign—just your client, just you, or both.

  1. After adding the signature block, look for a settings or options menu for the block.
  2. Assign who needs to sign:
    • Client only: Most common. They sign, you get notified.
    • Both client and you: Adds your own signature as well.
  3. If you have multiple contacts at the client’s company, pick the right one. Only that person will get the “Sign here” prompt.

Watch out: If you mess this up and send it to the wrong person, you’ll have to duplicate or redo the proposal. Bidsketch can’t reassign signers after it’s sent.

Step 4: Customize Your Acceptance Message (Optional)

This part’s optional, but it helps set expectations.

  • Click into the signature block or acceptance area.
  • You can usually edit the default message (“By signing, you accept this proposal and terms…”).
  • Keep it simple. If you need legal language, paste it here, but don’t turn your proposal into a wall of text.

Honest take: Overly legal messages aren’t foolproof. If you’re doing big contracts, get a lawyer to review your terms separately. For most service proposals, the default Bidsketch message is fine.

Step 5: Preview and Test the Signature Flow

You don’t want to look clueless in front of your client. Always test before you send.

  1. Use the Preview button in Bidsketch.
  2. Walk through the proposal as if you’re the client.
  3. Click the signature area—make sure it actually lets you “sign” (usually by typing your name or drawing a signature).
  4. Check what the confirmation message looks like.
  5. Make sure you (the sender) and your client get the right email notifications.

If something looks weird, fix it now. Better you than your client.

Step 6: Send the Proposal

Ready to go? Time to send it.

  1. Click Send Proposal or Share (Bidsketch sometimes changes the button label).
  2. Double-check the recipient’s email address.
  3. Add a personal note if you want (always better than just “Please see attached”).
  4. Hit send.

Your client gets a link to the proposal. They can review and sign right in their browser—no downloads, no account needed.

Step 7: Track Signatures and Follow Up

You’re not done once you hit send. Now you need to keep tabs.

  • Dashboard: Bidsketch shows proposal status—Sent, Viewed, Signed, etc.
  • Notifications: You’ll get an email when the client signs (assuming notifications are turned on).
  • Download and save: Once signed, you can download a PDF copy for your records.
  • Reminders: If your client hasn’t signed after a few days, don’t rely on Bidsketch’s automatic reminders—send a personal follow-up. People respond better to real humans.

What to ignore: Don’t obsess over proposal analytics (like “time spent on page”). They’re interesting but rarely actionable.

What Actually Happens When a Client Signs?

Let’s demystify the process:

  • The client clicks the signature block, types or draws their name, and clicks “Sign.”
  • Bidsketch logs the signature with a timestamp and IP address (basic audit trail).
  • Both you and your client get a confirmation email.
  • The proposal status changes to “Signed” in your dashboard.

Legal note: For most everyday business, this is enough. If you’re in a highly regulated industry or doing six-figure deals, talk to a lawyer before relying on any e-signature tool.

Common Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)

  • Wrong plan: E-signatures just aren’t there on the cheapest plans.
  • Signature block not added: If you forget this, your client can’t sign—double-check before sending.
  • Wrong signer: Triple-check the recipient’s email.
  • Overly complicated legalese: Don’t scare off clients with a mini novel. Short and clear wins.
  • Assuming e-signatures are foolproof: They’re legally binding in most places, but not everywhere. Know your industry rules.

Pro Tips for Smoother Signatures

  • Keep proposals short. Long docs get ignored—or at least, the signature page does.
  • Send a personal note with the proposal. “Hi Jane, here’s the proposal. Let me know if you have questions, and you can sign right at the end.”
  • Don’t wait for reminders. If you haven’t heard back, follow up yourself.
  • Download signed copies. Store them somewhere safe—don’t rely on Bidsketch’s servers forever.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overcomplicate It

Adding e-signatures in Bidsketch is pretty straightforward once you know where to click. Don’t get bogged down in features you don’t need or stress about making it perfect.

Just focus on making it easy for your client to say “yes” and sign. Get your process dialed in, and you’ll spend less time chasing paperwork—and more time closing deals. If something feels clunky, tweak and simplify. That’s really all there is to it.