Picture this: you’re running a small business or freelancing, and you finally make the smart switch to e-signatures. Goodbye, paper jams. So long, mailing delays. But then… surprise! Your monthly invoice from that big-name e-sign provider looks like it’s charging you rent.
Where’s the money going? Let’s peel back the curtain.
The Fee Parade You Didn’t Sign Up For
Per-Envelope Pricing
Some platforms actually charge you per document or “envelope” sent. It’s like paying extra every time you click “Sign Here.” Those costs pile up fast.
Tiered Features
Need more than the bare minimum? Get ready to pay. Want advanced authentication, more users, or integrations? That’ll be another tier, aka another hit to your wallet.
Storage Limits
Wait, you thought storing your signed contracts was included? Nope. Many providers sneak in fees for storage once you hit their cap. Your “all-in-one” solution suddenly feels a lot less all-in-one.
Add-On Charges
Extra signers, premium templates, or even basic branding options can quietly rack up the bill. It’s the software equivalent of ordering fries and finding out ketchup costs extra.
Why It Matters
For enterprise giants, these fees are just a line item. But for small businesses and freelancers? Every dollar counts. Hidden costs turn what should be a straightforward tool into a budget headache.
E-signatures should simplify your workflow, not sneak extra charges into your overhead. And here’s the kicker: most of the features you’re paying extra for—like encryption, audit trails, and compliance—are industry standards. Translation: you’re not getting “premium”; you’re just paying more for what everyone already offers.
The Bottom Line
If you’re using a big-name e-signature tool, take a close look at your invoice. Are you really paying for innovation, or just for a logo and a marketing campaign?
The good news: the e-signature space has plenty of options that don’t nickel-and-dime you. Tools should be about saving time, not burning cash.
At HubSign, we like to keep things simple and transparent. Because when it comes to your bottom line, the only thing you should be signing is your contracts. Not your budget away.
