FAQs

eSign4Business - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I use eSign4Business?
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to use this platform.
Is eSign4Business a separate company?
No. eSign4Business is the product name for our electronic signature service. The platform is owned and operated by Simply-4-Business Limited (trading as Simply-Docs). It is not a separate legal entity.
Will recipients see eSign4Business or Simply-Docs when they receive a signing request?
Recipients receive emails from eSign4Business (not Simply-Docs) to provide a neutral, professional signing experience. The service is owned and controlled by Simply-4-Business Limited (trading as Simply-Docs).
Can we white-label or brand the emails?
Not yet. We’re working on it.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
Please contact us.

Are electronic signatures legally valid in the UK?
Yes. Under the Electronic Communications Act 2000 and the UK eIDAS Regulation, electronic signatures are generally valid for most business agreements. Some documents may require higher assurance (e.g. Advanced/Qualified Electronic Signatures).
Does this signature process meet legal witnessing requirements?
No. Some documents must be signed in the presence of an independent witness (e.g. deeds and certain guarantees). Where witnessing is legally required, do not use eSign4Business.
Is eSign4Business suitable for documents requiring strong authentication?
It’s suitable for many business agreements but not for matters needing enhanced authentication or tamper-evident protections (e.g. deeds requiring witnessing, some property or finance transactions, affidavits). Seek legal advice if unsure.
Does eSign4Business provide a witnessing facility?
No, not currently. This functionality is in development. Until then, do not use the platform where a witness is legally required.
Does Simply-4-Business Limited assume liability for signature validity disputes?
No. eSign4Business is a basic e-signature service. We do not accept liability for disputes about signature authenticity, integrity, or enforceability. Users are responsible for assessing suitability and legal compliance.

How does eSign4Business verify a signer’s identity?
Identity relies on control of the recipient’s email address. We do not currently provide additional verification (e.g. 2FA or ID checks).
Does eSign4Business provide an audit trail?
We record when a document is sent and when it’s signed. We do not currently provide a detailed audit log (e.g. open events or ID verification).
Will additional security features be added?
We may add options such as two-factor authentication and digital signatures in future updates. For now, the service remains a basic e-signature platform.

Can signatories download signed documents?
Yes. Once fully signed, a copy is emailed automatically to all signatories. You can also save the signed file into Document Storage.
Can a signed document be altered after signing?
Not via the platform. We do not apply cryptographic hashing or digital seals to prevent external edits. You should secure and verify files as needed after signing.
How are dates handled in the signature field?
The signature field records the date the signer applies their signature. If you need a specific effective or completion date, include it in the document text before sending. We do not support setting a predefined completion date.

How many eSignatures can I send with my subscription?
Folder subscribers (not on Premium): up to 20 envelopes (one document per envelope) per subscribed folder per year. The 20-envelope limit is per folder. Limits reset annually or on early renewal; unused envelopes do not roll over. Once a folder’s limit is reached, wait for renewal or upgrade to Premium.

What are the limits for Premium or Multi-User subscribers?
Premium and Multi-User plans come with unlimited eSignatures, subject to fair usage (e.g. 200 per user per year). There is no hard technical cap, but Simply-Docs reserves the right to intervene in cases of misuse or excessive consumption.

When you hit the limit, uploading is blocked. Access to existing files remains. Storage does not reset on renewal; delete files to free space.

What happens to my eSign items and storage if my subscription expires?
When a subscription expires, the account (Master User and any Multi-Users / Sub-Users) enters a 90-day retention window. Sending new envelopes is disabled. The policy is:

Immediate effect (Day 0):

Multi-Users / Sub-Users are blocked from logging in.
Only the Master User receives reminder emails; Multi-Users / Sub-Users do not.
The Master User can download Multi-Users’ / Sub-Users’ documents via Manage Multi-User during T+90.

Reminder schedule (Master User only):

Deletion (Day 90):

All files in Document Storage and all eSign items (drafts, sent/active envelopes, history) are permanently and irreversibly deleted.
Recovery is not possible.

Drafts (never sent): Remain visible to the Master User during T+90; permanently deleted on Day 90.
Active envelopes (sent, awaiting completion): Continue to collect signatures during T+90 unless you cancel them, but all are permanently deleted on Day 90 if not completed. After Day 90 nothing can be recovered.

Do Multi-Users / Sub-Users get reminder emails?
No. Only the Head User receives reminders at Day 60, Day 30, and Day 85.
Can Multi-Users / Sub-Users access eSign or storage after Master User expiry?
No. They are blocked immediately at expiry. The Master User can download Multi-Users’ / Sub-Users’ documents held in storage and eSign during T+90 from Manage Multi-User.

Is eSign4Business mobile-friendly?
It’s designed primarily for desktop/laptop. Mobile often works but isn’t fully optimised. If you must use a phone/tablet: try desktop view, rotate to landscape, zoom as needed, and consider another browser. For the best experience, use a desktop or laptop.