TL;DR:
- Exoserva integrates with both DocuSign and HelloSign through a unified interface — connect whichever provider you already use or prefer
- OAuth authentication for both providers means setup is secure and doesn't require sharing credentials
- Signature request status updates automatically via webhooks — you see when documents are viewed, signed, or declined without checking the provider dashboard
- The integration covers the full document workflow: create request, track status, receive signed document
- Works for any document type you need signed: estimates, service agreements, change orders, project scopes
Why Contractors Need Electronic Signatures
A handshake agreement gets you into trouble when scope disputes arise. A signed document gets you paid.
Contractors who require signatures before starting work report fewer disputes, faster payment authorization on change orders, and stronger legal standing when collections become necessary. The obstacle has historically been friction: printing, mailing, faxing, or waiting for a customer to be physically present.
Electronic signature tools eliminated that friction years ago. The remaining problem for field service businesses is that e-signature workflows lived in separate software — DocuSign or HelloSign in one browser tab, your job management software in another. Documents didn't connect to jobs. Status tracking required logging into the signature platform separately.
Exoserva's integration connects e-signatures directly to your jobs and customer records. Send a signature request from within Exoserva, track status in your job view, and receive the signed document automatically — without switching platforms.
Supported Providers
DocuSign
DocuSign is the most widely recognized e-signature platform, with strong enterprise adoption and legal acceptance in virtually every jurisdiction. The Exoserva integration uses:
- OAuth 2.0 authorization — connect your DocuSign account securely
- Envelope creation — send documents for signature as DocuSign envelopes
- Status tracking — monitor envelope status (sent, delivered, viewed, completed, declined)
- Webhook events — real-time status updates pushed to Exoserva when recipients take action
DocuSign is a good choice if your customers include commercial clients, property management companies, or enterprise accounts that have their own DocuSign familiarity and may prefer its interface.
HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign)
HelloSign (rebranded as Dropbox Sign) is a popular alternative with a cleaner interface and simpler pricing for smaller operations. The Exoserva integration uses:
- OAuth authorization — same secure connection pattern as DocuSign
- Signature request creation — send documents for signature
- Status tracking — signature request lifecycle visibility
- Webhook events — real-time updates on signature activity
HelloSign is often preferred by smaller contractors for its straightforward pricing and ease of use. If your team is new to e-signatures, HelloSign's interface tends to have a lower learning curve.
Unified Interface
Exoserva connects to both providers through a provider-agnostic integration layer. From your perspective within Exoserva, the workflow is the same regardless of which provider you're using:
- Select a document
- Add signer(s)
- Send signature request
- Track status in the job or customer record
- Receive signed document
Switching providers doesn't require learning a new Exoserva workflow — only the configuration changes.
When to Use Electronic Signatures
Estimates and Proposals
Requiring a signed estimate before scheduling work is the single most effective way to reduce "I never approved that" disputes at invoice time. An estimate signed via DocuSign or HelloSign creates a timestamped record of customer approval for the scope and price.
Standard workflow: create estimate in Exoserva → send for signature → signature received → schedule job.
Service Agreements and Maintenance Contracts
Annual or multi-visit maintenance agreements require formal sign-off. E-signatures make it practical to get a signed contract before the first visit rather than chasing paper copies.
Change Orders
Scope additions during a job are the most common source of payment disputes. A quick change order signature request — sent from Exoserva while the technician is still on-site — creates an approval record before additional work begins.
The mobile-friendliness of both DocuSign and HelloSign matters here: customers can sign on their phone in under a minute.
Project Agreements for Larger Work
Residential replacement projects (new HVAC system, full repipe, electrical panel replacement) often involve contracts specifying payment terms, warranty coverage, and work scope. E-signatures formalize these agreements with the same speed as a verbal confirmation but with legal standing.
Setting Up the Integration
Step 1: Connect Your Provider
In Exoserva, go to Settings → Integrations → E-Signatures. Select your provider (DocuSign or HelloSign) and click Connect.
You'll be redirected to the provider's OAuth authorization screen. Authorize Exoserva to access your account. This grants permission to create signature requests and receive status updates — Exoserva does not gain access to other documents or account settings.
Step 2: Configure Webhooks
Both providers require a webhook endpoint to push status updates back to Exoserva. This is configured automatically during the OAuth flow. If you need to reconfigure it (for example, after changing your Exoserva domain), you can update the webhook URL in the integration settings panel.
Step 3: Test with a Sample Document
Before using e-signatures in production:
- Create a sample document (a test estimate or placeholder agreement)
- Send a signature request to your own email address
- Sign it from the recipient's perspective
- Confirm the signed document and status update appear in Exoserva
This verifies both the sending flow and the webhook-based status tracking.
Status Mapping
Both providers use different terminology for document states. Exoserva maps these to a consistent set of statuses you'll see in the job or customer record:
| Exoserva Status | DocuSign Equivalent | HelloSign Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Sent | Sent | Awaiting signature |
| Viewed | Delivered / Viewed | Viewed |
| Signed | Completed | Signed |
| Declined | Declined | Declined |
| Expired | Voided / Expired | Expired |
When a webhook event arrives from either provider, Exoserva translates it to the common status and updates the associated document record.
FAQ
Are electronically signed documents legally binding? Yes, in the vast majority of jurisdictions. The US Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) establish legal validity for e-signatures. Both DocuSign and HelloSign are compliant with these frameworks and maintain audit trails (signature timestamps, IP addresses, signer identity verification) that support enforceability. For contracts in specific industries or jurisdictions with special requirements, consult your attorney.
Can I use both DocuSign and HelloSign simultaneously? The integration is configured for one active provider at a time per Exoserva account. If you need to switch providers, disconnect the current one in integration settings and connect the new one.
What happens to the signed document after completion? When a document is signed, the completed document is accessible from the associated record in Exoserva (the job or customer record from which the signature request was sent). Both providers also store the signed document in their own platform.
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Ready to Require Signatures Before Every Job?
Connect DocuSign or HelloSign in minutes and start sending signature requests directly from Exoserva. Turn every estimate into a signed approval, every change order into a documented authorization.