SignREQUESTING SIGNATURES ·
Write a clearer signature request message
Help your recipient understand which document to review, what you are asking them to do, and how to raise a question before signing.
A signature request is easier to understand when the person receiving it knows why it has arrived. A short, specific message can connect the document to your earlier conversation and make the next step clear.
Start with a recognizable document name
Name the document and the project or conversation it relates to. “Please review the service agreement for the office refresh” gives more context than “Please sign this.” Use the same document title in your message and in the file so the recipient can match them.
Before sending, confirm the recipient's name and email address. If someone else should review the wording first, resolve that with your contact before requesting a signature.
Explain the request in one or two sentences
Say why you are sending the document and what you would like the recipient to do. Ask them to review the complete document, check the details that concern them, and sign only if they are ready to agree.
A useful message points the reader toward the document without replacing it. Avoid summarizing terms so loosely that your message seems to promise something different from the document.
Give timing as a clear request
If there is a real target date, write it out and explain why it matters. For example: “If possible, please review this by October 27 so we can confirm the project schedule.” If there is no agreed deadline, do not invent urgency.
Include a time zone if you name a specific time. Make clear when a date is a preference rather than something already agreed, and invite the recipient to tell you if they need more time.
Make questions easy to raise
Tell the recipient which email address or familiar contact channel to use for questions. Check that you can receive messages there. Do not assume that replying to an automated invitation will reach the person who prepared the document.
If a name, amount, date, or other detail is wrong, ask the recipient to contact you before signing. Resolve the issue and confirm which document they should review before continuing.
Use a short message you can adapt
The following example is wording for your own communication. Replace the bracketed details and remove any line that does not fit your request.
Hello [name],
Please review [document title] for [project or purpose]. It reflects [brief context from your earlier conversation]. Please read the complete document and check [specific details, if useful] before deciding whether to sign.
If possible, please review it by [date] so we can [reason]. Let me know if you need more time.
If anything looks incorrect or you have questions, contact me at [email address or familiar channel] before signing.
Thank you,
[your name and business]
Keep the message wherever you normally communicate with this recipient. It does not depend on a custom message field being available in your signing tool.
Check the message alongside the document
- The title and project are easy to recognize.
- The requested action is clear and leaves room for questions.
- Any target date is accurate and explained.
- The contact details work and reach the right person.
- The message and document describe the same request.
For the document itself, use our document preparation checklist. For the current signing process, read the SignFinish signing guide.