Move Electronically Signed Contractor Quote For Free

A quote can become a contract if both the seller and the buyer agree. A quote (or quotation) is not a binding contract. Contract law says that a quote is not considered an offer and only acceptance of offers makes for a legally binding contract.

The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, otherwise known as the E-Sign Act, states that electronic signatures shouldn't be considered invalid simply because they're electronic. In other words, e-signatures are completely legal and binding. They can hold up in court.

A contract can't be denied legal effect or enforceability simply because an electronic record was used in its formation. If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record satisfies the law. If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law.

Electronic contracts and electronic signatures are common and perfectly legal. Most business contracts these days are made without handwritten signatures on paper copies.

Electronic signatures are legal in all 50 states in the United States. However, it's important to understand which specific acts and regulations protect those signatures in each state. While most states have both ESIGN and UETA protections, states like New York have opted for their own version of protections.

If you simply send a price quote to a client and they never actually accept or confirm it, it won't be considered legally binding. On the other hand, if you provide a written quote to a client detailing a job and they provide an electronic signature to confirm their acceptance, a formal agreement has been established.

It is not illegal to alter a contract once it has been signed. However, it must be materially changed, meaning that if an important part of the contract is altered by the change, it must be made by mutual consent of both parties.