Defining Wet Signatures
When you physically sign a piece of paper or a document with a pen or liquid ink, you are employing a wet signature. A document must typically be signed in person by all signatories.
Advantages of Wet Signatures
- Branding
- Wet signatures can be an effective branding tactic. These can be noticed in handwritten notes and autographs that reflect the signatory's personality.
- Longer-Lasting Impact
- Wet signatures have a longer-lasting effect since they allow the parties to become acquainted with one another because signatories must be present.
Disadvantages of Wet Signatures
- Lack of security
- Wet signatures lack inherent security, making them simpler to fake. With enough practice, even the most complicated signatures can be faked.
- More Costly
- A physical copy of the agreement and a pen are needed for wet signatures. If several documents need to be signed by numerous signatories in various locations, there can be large expenditures involved.
- Less Convenient
- A contract must have both signatures and witnesses present in the same room for it to be enforceable. The parties would have to exert more effort given the time and distance.
With so many businesses streamlining their contract signing procedure, it is best to choose a more approachable and practical way to sign contracts, especially when employing e-signatures.
