Signing contracts online has become a common practice in today’s world, where quick document circulation is necessary both in private and professional life. Thanks to electronic signatures, it is possible to conclude a contract in just a few minutes, without the need to meet in person. However, for this process to be safe and compliant with regulations, everyone has to use proven solutions and take into account several important elements. Below we present the key issues that are worth paying attention to when signing contracts online, so that you can enjoy full peace of mind and confidence in the validity of your signatures.

Choice of Platform for Contract Signing

The primary condition for signing an online contract is to choose an additional platform that allows electronic signatures. Choosing this solution is crucial for security and legal compliance. The electronic signatures offered on the platform we use should meet the legal requirements outlined in the eIDAS Regulation on electronic identification and trust services.

The SIGNIUS electronic signature platform is a solution that guarantees the highest level of security and regulation compliance. This tool allows quick and intuitive creation of qualified and advanced signatures that are fully compliant with legal regulations. Moreover, SIGNIUS does not require the installation of additional software to submit signatures, but allows you to use the platform fully online, which facilitates and speeds up the entire process of signing the contract.

Choosing the right form of signature – qualified or advanced?

We distinguish three types of electronic signatures – most commonly used are the qualified and advanced signatures. The choice of the appropriate signature depends on the type of contract and its legal requirements.

A Qualified Electronic Signature has full force and is included with a handwritten signature. It is used when signing documents that require a written form, such as employment contracts, official documents, or loan agreements.
Advanced electronic signature is a high-security signature that is used in less formal meetings, most often in business relationships.

The choice of the appropriate type of signature depends on the individual needs of the organization with which we are signing documents, as well as the legal requirements of the agreement.

In addition to selecting a platform for signing an online agreement and the type of electronic signature, it is also important to pay attention to the elements of the agreement itself before signing it. Below, we present the most important ones.

Carefully reading the content of the agreement

Before deciding to sign an agreement online, always take the time to thoroughly review its content. Even though the process of signing online is quick and convenient, skipping this step is not advisable. Many people focus solely on the final signature, but the content of the agreement is where clauses that could later become problematic may be hidden.

Reviewing the terms of contract withdrawal

Make sure you are familiar with the terms under which you can withdraw from the agreement. Online agreements should include legal provisions regarding the right to withdraw, especially in the case of online purchases. Understanding these terms will help you avoid unpleasant situations in the future.

Reviewing provisions regarding personal data (GDPR)

According to GDPR regulations, every agreement should include provisions regarding the processing of Your personal data. Check if the agreement contains relevant information about how your data will be used, stored, and protected. It is important to ensure that the subject you are entering into the agreement with complies with data protection laws.

Assessing the credibility of the other party to the agreement

It is also important to verify the credibility of the other party. Checking the details of the company, organization, or individual you intend to contract with is crucial to avoid fraud and misunderstandings. In case of large transactions, it is also worth checking feedback from other users or seeking legal advice.

Reading the terms and privacy policies associated with the agreement

Online agreements often require the acceptance of terms and privacy policies. Before proceeding with signing, make sure you have reviewed these documents. They contain information on how the company will process your data, what rights you have in case of issues with the agreement’s execution, and other important matters.

Analysis of potential contractual penalties and additional fees

Be sure to carefully analyze the provisions regarding contractual penalties and any additional fees. Some agreements may include high fees for withdrawing from the contract or other actions that could prove costly. Review these provisions and ensure they are clear and understanable to you.

Ensuring the agreement matches terms agreed upon verbally or via email

Make sure the provisions in the agreement align with the terms agreed upon verbally or through email. The agreement should reflect prior negotiations to avoid misunderstandings later on.

Verification of required attachments and documents

Check whether all required attachments and documents are included with the agreement. Sometimes, additional forms, certificates, or other materials are necessary and may impact the validity of the agreement.

Familarizing yourself with payment deadlines and payment methods

Ensure you fully understand when and how you will be required to make payments under the agreement. Understanding the payment terms will help avoid misunderstandings related to fulfilling financial obligations.

Ensuring there are no hidden costs or service fees in the agreement

It’s important to check for any hidden costs or service fees that may arise during the execution of the agreement. Make sure the contract does not contain unclear provisions that could surprise you later.