Are you interested in learning how to reduce your cycle time and eliminating NIGO? Join Steve Woodworth, Market Director – Wealth Mangement and Insurance, in a free electronic signature webinar to discuss how DocuSign’s eSignature services can reduce cycle times and nearly eliminate NIGO rates.

Learn how insurance companies are reducing cycle times to just minutes and nearly eliminating NIGO rates with DocuSign Electronic Signatures.

Market Director Steve Woodworth will lead a discussion about the benefits of using an electronic signing process followed by a customer case study from Banner Life explaining how DocuSign Electronic Signatures have changed their business.

So when is this all happening? Wednesday, March 24th, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm PDT.

Click here to register for this informational eSign webinar about reducing cycle time and eliminating NIGO!

Today we announced an agreement with Banner Life Insurance Company, a leader in life insurance products. Under the agreement, Banner Life will integrate and deploy DocuSign’s eSignature service to accelerate delivery of its ePolicies. As part of the implementation process, Banner Life will use  DocuSign’s Web Services Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate data exchange and update policyholder information between internal systems, while safely and securely transacting business online with policyholders.

We chose DocuSign because it is the market leader and simply the best in eSignature Services. DocuSign is fast, easy to use and flexible. We expect DocuSign to positively impact our business processes while reducing costs. – Eric Lester, vice president of administrative services at Banner Life Insurance Company

Since 1949, Banner Life has provided life insurance products to families across the United States, and holds more than $379 billion of life insurance in force with over $4.8 billion in assets (as of 2008). Located in Maryland, it is among the most financially sound life insurers in the United States with an AM Best ranking of A+ (Superior) and an S&P rating of A+. Banner Life was ranked 11 among all United States companies for new coverage issued in 2008.

DocuSign has seen tremendous momentum among large insurance carriers in adopting electronic signing to enhance placement ratios and reduce cycle time in new business and policyholder services. We are pleased to be working with Banner Life on this project and anticipate Banner will realize significant financial and process benefits soon after deploying DocuSign. – Steve Woodworth, market director of wealth management and insurance at DocuSign

Want to learn how to use DocuSign’s Web Services Application Programming Interface? Take a look at DocuSign’s eSign Developer Center, where you can download the Software Developer Kit (SDK), access the API, register for your free developer account as well as take advantage of the other resources available. Interested in learning how electronic signature from DocuSign can streamline your workflows, reduce your cycle time to mere minutes and nearly eliminate Not In Good Order (NIGO) rates? Register for the free eSignature webinar, “Insurance: Reducing Cycle Time and Eliminating NIGO with eSign” on Wednesday, March 24th, from 12:30 – 1:30 PST.

We at DocuSign listen to our customers when they talk about their electronic signature needs. This weekend, we stumbled across some comments about DocuSign and our free eSignature customer support. They were just too good not to share! Without further ado:

DocuSign’s Electronic Signature Customers Comment on Customer Support

The first story shares the experience of signing up for DocuSign’s eSignature service:

The reason I joined DocuSign was because of their AMAZING customer support. I joined on a Saturday night around 6pm and by 9pm I was having issues and needed to get a contract done that night. I asked if anyone knew the answer on twitter and within 5 minutes I had both their twitter account and the owner of the company talking to me on twitter and walking me through it. Then An, who is behind the twitter account, called me to make sure everything was ok. THAT IS SERVICE.

OK so they don’t offer free phone support. I have NEVER had a problem getting an immediate answer with them on chat or twitter. The support is some of the best I have ever seen. If you had a problem with any product in the world and put something out there on Twitter what do you think the chances of anyone, never mind the Founder and Vice President of Product Strategy of the company, offering help at 9pm on a Saturday night?

You have free email support and also free support via chat, the product is amazing, the support is amazing.

- Dean Ouellette, Tempe Real Estate

The second story details the robust support options DocuSign offers to its eSign customers:

I’ve used DocuSign for over two years and never needed to call them. Not once. Twice I had a question about how to do something (that if I’d taken a few minutes on my own to find the answer, I could have. It was on their site) and was immediately answered via email and Twitter. I also have agents that have been using DocuSign for two years — never needed to make a phone call for support for two reasons: 1) The product is robust and easy to use; and 2) there are many other ways to get support beside the telephone.

Lots of companies charge for extended (read phone) customer support. DocuSign isn’t the only one, not by a long shot. I’d rather them charge for extended support than raise my rates so they can handle all the “I forgot my password” and “It’s broken” (when it’s not) phone calls.

Have you tried the [free] chat, email, twitter, forums, webinars, blog, and/or FAQs for support? They work, and work well.

- Jay Thompson, Phoenix Real Estate Broker

The third comment explains a customer’s experience with how easy and intuitive DocuSign’s electronic signature service is for his clients:

I have used the DocuSign service hundreds of times over the past couple of years and I love it. More importantly, my clients LOVE it. The recent enhancements to their system helped an already great product become even more beneficial to my business.

My experience has been that anyone that can log on to the internet and do even the most basic of tasks have great success with the DocuSign service. From young to old, computer savvy to “old school,” I have never had a complaint.

- Nick Bastian, Tempe Real Estate Agent

The fourth comment discusses how one DocuSign user has worked with DocuSign on eSign policy issues and product feedback while turning to online help and web content:

I’ve been a Docusign user for several years now and have been really pleased with the technology. I enjoy being able to sign ANYTHING. I’m pretty technically inclined and have only had to contact customer service a couple times with help on policy issues, like FHA not recognizing e-signatures.

I’ve spoken with their Chief Legal Counsel and they’re now working with FHA and lenders to gainer wider acceptance of electronic signatures. I consider that responsive.

When I call in about product limitations or ideas, my requests are acknowledged and supposedly added to the feature request for future releases. I hope they don’t charge for these types of call. [ed. note: We don't charge for feedback-type calls, but as a best practice, email or chat works better discuss product limitations or ideas - we can log and track these communications and share them more effectively with the Product team!]

On the other hand, their online help has always been responsive and there’s a lot of material published on the website that’s gotten me through most issues.

- Derec Shuler, Denver Real Estate Broker

Do you have a story similar to Dean, Jay, Nick, or Derec’s? Do you have your own story about how DocuSign’s eSign service you want to share? Leave a comment to share your thoughts – we welcome them!

Our First Nest Realty uses DocuSign to accelerate the signing process for real estate documents. DocuSign has expedited the average turnaround of real estate documents from days to minutes. Houston-based Our First Nest Realty also leverages DocuSign as a green technology differentiator and as part of the company’s commitment to environmentally-friendly business processes.

Paul Silverman, Owner, Our First Nest Realty

Our First Nest Realty owner Paul Silverman first discovered DocuSign when working with a buyer for a hot property with multiple bidders. The need for an alternative to ink signatures became paramount when the buyer had to sign papers while out of state. Silverman registered for a free trial of the DocuSign eSignature service and within minutes was able to electronically send the documents for e-signature. His client received a DocuSign email notification, quickly adopted a signature and signed the documents online. Silverman presented the offer and it was accepted immediately. Later, Silverman’s client used DocuSign’s service from her Apple iPhone to electronically sign additional paperwork.

DocuSign came to the rescue. It helped streamline the process, provided my client an added service and reduced my company’s carbon footprint in just one service. Being able to sign from a mobile phone was a huge advantage. Clients always tell me how easy it is to DocuSign—it’s convenient, safe and legal. This is clearly the best tool I have ever used. – Paul Silverman, owner, Our First Nest Realty, and strong advocate of green technology

DocuSign has reduced or eliminated the need for Our First Nest Realty to print, fax or waste paper, ink and energy. He is pleased that he is helping clients with a hassle-free transaction and also upholding his pledge to the environment. Silverman holds a number of green designations and certificates including the National Association of REALTORS® Green designation and is a National Association of Homebuilders Certified Green Professional (CPG).

The DocuSign Advantage

After reviewing other e-signature solutions providers, Our First Nest Realty has continued using DocuSign based on the following key criteria:

• Ease of Use—DocuSign makes it easy for Silverman to send documents for client e-signature, and just as simple for clients to sign electronically. This intuitive service closely replicates the traditional signing experience, creating a positive client experience. DocuSign’s Designed for Mobile functionality provides Silverman’s clientele with anywhere, anytime electronic signing capabilities from an Apple iPhone, RIM BlackBerry, Google Android, Windows Mobile or any other Internet-enabled mobile device.
• Compliance—With DocuSign, Our First Nest Realty is assured of security as documents are an encrypted PDF. Signers are authenticated and contracts can only be returned only if fully completed, ensuring 100 percent compliance.
• Real-Time Visibility—DocuSign reveals the signing status of every agreement in real-time: when it was opened, when it was signed, the time the transaction has taken, and which contracts remain to be signed. Our First Nest Realty knows immediately when a real estate document is completed so deals can be transacted faster in a highly competitive market.
• Workflow Management—DocuSign automates Our First Nest Realty’s workflow processes. DocuSigned documents are returned only when complete, thereby reducing turnaround time from days to minutes.
• Cost-Effective—DocuSign reduces administrative costs associated with the traditional signing process, eliminating the need to print, fax or drive to meet clients for in-person signings
• Going Green—Environmentally-friendly, DocuSign aligns with Silverman’s green initiatives and further differentiates Our First Nest Realty from competitors using older, resource-wasting business processes.

For more information about the business benefits DocuSign provides Our First Nest Realty, read the detailed eSignature case study.

REThink Real Estate implemented DocuSign’s eSignature solutions to accelerate its real estate document signing process. This leading San Francisco Bay Area-based real estate firm employs DocuSign’s electronic signature services as the primary vehicle to complete real estate transactions.  DocuSign expedites the average turnaround time of real estate documents from days to minutes. DocuSign helped REThink Real Estate successfully expand and leverage DocuSign’s green technology as a market differentiator and competitive advantage.

Tara-Nicholle Nelson, MA, Esq. REALTOR®, Owner, REThink Real Estate

Owner of REThink Real Estate, Tara-Nicholle Nelson, MA, Esq. is a successful real estate broker, attorney, author and accredited buyer’s representative. Nelson recently represented a buyer in a competitive real estate transaction where the seller’s agent wanted to collect as many offers as possible to present to her client. To stall Nelson and her buyers, the seller’s agent sent a 150-page disclosure agreement that typically takes hours to fax to clients and hours for clients to sign and fax back. Instead, Nelson scanned the disclosure agreement and sent it via DocuSign to her clients. Her clients received an email notification, adopted an e-signature and returned the completed disclosure within the hour. The selling agent was obligated to present the offer to her client and it was accepted.

DocuSign has changed my life. I can’t imagine doing business without it. My clients love the convenience. Sometimes a buyer can make more than 20 offers before one is accepted. That means signing hundreds of pages at least 20 times! With DocuSign, it’s click, click, click and you’re done. – Tara-Nicholle Nelson

Nelson credits DocuSign with giving her more freedom—from paper, faxing and wasting time. By leveraging the Internet, Nelson notes that she and her clients can write, sign and submit an offer without being in the same state. With DocuSign, clients are rarely aware that Nelson is out of town for a speaking engagement or training. DocuSign also provides a much more polished and professional offer to agents, making Nelson’s offers appear more persuasive than the handwritten, scanned and faxed documents typically presented to sellers.

The DocuSign Advantage

After reviewing other e-signature solutions providers, Nelson chose DocuSign based on the following key criteria:

• Ease of Use—DocuSign makes it easy for Nelson to send documents for client e-signature, and just as simple for the client to sign electronically. This intuitive service closely replicates the traditional signing experience, creating a positive client experience. Plus, DocuSign’s Designed for Mobile functionality provides Nelson’s clientele with anywhere, anytime electronic signing capabilities from an Apple iPhone, RIM BlackBerry, Google Android, Windows Mobile or any other mobile device.
• Compliance—With DocuSign, RETHink Real Estate is assured of security as documents are an encrypted PDF. Signers are authenticated and contracts can only be returned only if fully completed, ensuring 100 percent compliance. Aged, confidential documents are archived and purged automatically, thereby safeguarding personal client information.
• Real-Time Visibility—DocuSign reveals the signing status of every agreement in real-time: when it was opened, when it was signed, the time the transaction has taken, and which contracts remain to be signed. REThink Real Estate knows immediately when a real estate document is completed so deals can be transacted faster in a highly competitive market.
• Workflow Management—DocuSign automates Nelson’s workflow processes. DocuSigned documents are returned only when complete, thereby reducing the turnaround time from days to minutes.
• Cost-Effective— DocuSign reduces administrative costs associated with the traditional signing process, eliminating the need to print, fax or drive to meet clients for in-person signings.
• Going Green— Environmentally friendly DocuSign aligns with Nelson’s green initiatives and further differentiates REThink Real Estate from competitors using older, resource-wasting business processes.

For more information about the business benefits DocuSign provides ReThink Real Estate, read the detailed eSignature case study on the DocuSign Web site!

The Crawfords used the Gogo Inflight High Speed WiFi Internet service to stay connected throughout the flight, and using DocuSign’s secure e-Signature service, the Crawfords were able to eSign the purchase agreement and return the documents to Patricia Navone, who works for Morgan Lane, part of McLaughlin Ventures.

The ability to sign and return their offer via DocuSign reduced the Crawfords’ stress, made the process seamless, and allowed them to enjoy their vacation – they didn’t have to spend vacation time dealing with physical documents. By the time they landed in San Francisco, Patricia had already presented their offer to the listing agent, and that they would be opening escrow.

The San Francisco Chronicle shared how DocuSign’s eSignature services enabled the Crawfords to finalize their offer and close on the property. With technologies like electronic signature and transaction document managers, real estate professionals can streamline the dealmaking process.

For example, DocuSign and TransactionPoint have partnered to enable the customers of both services to select an envelope from their member console and upload one or more envelope documents to target TransactionPoint transactions without having to leave DocuSign.

For more information, read the San Francisco Chronicle article and take a look at DocuSign’s real estate eSignature solutions.

Lauren Bernstein, VP of Operations, ActiveRain

It’s the perfect partnership—ActiveRain gives real estate professionals the tools to use the Internet to extend reach and capture business opportunities. DocuSign’s e-signature service uses the Internet to accelerate business and close deals faster. Adding DocuSign as a sponsor offers our real estate community another tool to increase success in a highly competitive environment. – Lauren Bernstein, vice president of operations at ActiveRain

To kick-off the partnership, DocuSign will be a sponsor of ActiveRain’s Denver RainCamp to be held at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center in Englewood on Tuesday, March 9. The fifth in the U.S. tour, the Denver RainCamp is a full day conference offering valuable content, presentations and innovations that help real estate professionals with social networking, blogging and business planning. RainCamp was developed for real estate professionals seeking successful methods and tools to maximize and grow their online business in today’s modern day real estate market. DocuSign is the exclusive eSignature service sponsor of the event. More information can be found at the RainCamp Web site.

In this economic environment, employing technology is the most cost-effective method to grow a business. We are looking forward to extending our reach through ActiveRain and partnering to help real estate professionals learn how to effectively leverage technology like DocuSign’s electronic signature service to close deals faster, safer and more efficiently. – Dave Thorpe, business development director at DocuSign

More than 20,000 real estate professionals have used DocuSign to accelerate their business, with thousands more subscribing each month. Rather than driving across town to get a signature or forcing clients to find a fax machine, real estate professionals use DocuSign to execute agreements with buyers and sellers electronically, eliminating the antiquated process of printing, faxing and waiting for the return fax. As more than 95 percent of home buyers have Internet access, but fewer than 10 percent have fax service at their home, DocuSign saves agents time and money while providing client convenience. Real estate forms are signed in minutes, not days, from a PC, Mac or even a mobile phone. DocuSign real estate professional subscribers achieve higher sales, increase client satisfaction and maintain a competitive edge.

Safe and secure, the DocuSign e-signature process is also easy to use and legally compliant.

February brought us many updates regarding electronic signature. From the launch of DocuSign Version 10.1 SaaS esignature service to participation at multiple conferences to discuss eSign as a speaker or expo participant, DocuSign continues its leadership role in helping you save time and safely send, sign, and manage your documents with confidence.

Ken Moyle to Discuss eSignature at 10th CSO Council Bay Area Event on Electronic and Digital Signatures

We’re pleased to announce Ken Moyle’s selection to a panel at the 10th CSO Council Bay Area event on Electronic and Digital Signatures, March 1st (full day) at Adobe in San Francisco. Ken will be discussing eSigning in the cloud, legal issues of chain of custody, evidence preservation and other related topics.

Announcing the Launch of DocuSign Version 10.1 SaaS eSignature Service

New Customer-Driven Capabilities and Exclusive ESIGN Service Offerings for Adobe PDF, Salesforce CRM and Apple iPhone
Today, we announced our latest innovations in on-demand electronic signature solutions, with the release of the DocuSign version 10.1. This version of our award-winning e-signature service offers unique features and functionality designed to support workflow and productivity.

Don’t Miss Electronic Signature at the National Real Estate CyberConvention and Expo

We’re excited to let you know that Tom Gonser, Founder and VP of Product Strategy for DocuSign, will be a featured speaker with a presentation for Accelerating Real Estate Business With E-Signatures at the upcoming National Real Estate CyberConvention & Expo, February 21-27, 2010.
This online convention means that you may attend all events — without leaving the comfort of your home or office!

Talking eSign at Next Week’s Keller Williams Family Reunion!

New Orleans – What a happening place! Last weekend, The Saints won the Super Bowl. This weekend is Mardi Gras. Next week, DocuSign will be on hand in booth #456 to discuss eSignature with those attending the Keller Williams Family Reunion! We look forward to connecting with many of our current DocuSign customers and meeting with anyone interested in learning more about electronic signature from DocuSign!

Cash in on the Demand for eSignature Services With the DocuSign Affiliate Program

Today’s a big day – we’re announcing the launch of the DocuSign Affiliate Program to enable online businesses to share the benefits of the DocuSign Electronic Signature Services with their online clients and visitors. We’ve extended our reach and shattered expectations with more than 500 affiliate partners joining in the first week of launch.

As Demand for eSignature Services Accelerates, DocuSign Partner Program Expands

Today, we’re announcing the launch of the DocuSign Partner Program, a comprehensive initiative to effectively extend DocuSign’s reach through strategic, referral and affiliate partners. Rapid adoption of DocuSign Electronic Signature Services sparked this new lead referral program to spur partner success. The program is designed to further accelerate the adoption of DocuSign eSignature services.

Network Products Guide Names DocuSign 2010 Hot Companies Finalist

Winners Will Be Honored at Technosium 2010 Hot Companies and Technology Award Presentations and Dinner – Today, we announced our selection as a 2010 Hot Companies finalist by Network Products Guide. DocuSign is the only electronic signature services provider selected as a 2010 Hot Companies finalist.

DocuSign Receives Red Herring 100 Global Award Nomination

Red Herring Reveals the Top Finalists for the Red Herring 100 and Includes DocuSign, the Leader in Electronic Signature Services – Today, we’ve announced our selection as a finalist for Red Herring’s Global 100 award, a prestigious list honoring the year’s most promising private technology ventures from around the world.

Stay tuned to see what we have coming up for you in March – Ken Moyle’s panel at the 10th CSO Council Bay Area event on Electronic and Digital Signatures, March 1st at Adobe in San Francisco is only the beginning of the developments we have regarding DocuSign and electronic signature!

About Ken Moyle, Chief Legal Officer, DocuSign and Public Policy Chair, Electronic Signatures and Records Association (ESRA)

Ken Moyle joined DocuSign® in July 2006 with more than 15 years of high-tech industry experience. He is responsible for planning and directing finance, operations, legal and corporate affairs for DocuSign.

Mr. Moyle was previously general counsel and secretary at Insightful Corporation, a publicly traded software and services company specializing in predictive analytics. As top legal and compliance officer, Moyle was responsible for all corporate legal matters, including IP licensing, mergers and acquisitions, distributor contracts, copyright and trademark issues, patents, SEC reporting, corporate governance, risk management, litigation, and investor relations. He also oversaw human resources and facilities. Ken was also instrumental in converting a remote operating division of Insightful into the corporate headquarters of a public company. He oversaw numerous strategic acquisitions and established all of the company’s foreign subsidiaries.

Moyle represents DocuSign on the board of directors of the Washington D.C. based Electronic Signatures and Records Association (ESRA) and is chairman of ESRA’s Public Policy Committee. He is also a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s MISMO eMortgage Legal Issues workgroup. He has lectured on legal topics including ESIGN/UETA, electronic signatures in academic lending, open source software licensing and application service provider (ASP) business models and has spoken on a variety of public interest topics to audiences around the country.

Mr. Moyle holds a J.D. from the University of Washington. He is a member of the Washington Bar Association and is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the State of Washington.

Attendees of the 10^th CSO Council Bay Area event on Electronic and Digital Signatures will learn the pros and cons of electronic versus digital signatures from the identity, evidence, and operational perspectives.

This year’s special guests are two federal magistrate judges. Magistrate Facciola (S.D.N.Y.) recently digitally signed the first judicial order in US history, which he will discuss in his keynote. Attendees can also witness a mock trial and ask questions of a judicial panel.

This event is on the first day of the RSA conference, which is mostly an open and free day.

If you are interested in attending, please register by clicking the graphic below:

We’re excited to let you know that Tom Gonser, Founder and VP of Product Strategy for DocuSign, will be a featured speaker with a presentation for Accelerating Real Estate Business With E-Signatures at the upcoming National Real Estate CyberConvention & Expo, February 21-27, 2010.

This online convention means that you may attend all events — without leaving home! The event is expected to attract over 10,000 real estate professionals during its seven days and is open to the real estate community worldwide.

Tom will be speaking Thursday, February 25, 2010 and Saturday, February 27, 2010 and his presentation will be accessible 24 hours each day. After you register for the convention, access Tom’s talk about how you can leverage eSignature in real estate:

“How Realtors Use Electronic Signatures to Accelerate Their Business and Outperform the Competition”

Real estate professionals are quickly adopting electronic signatures to manage the paper flow and improve critical business processes. The National Association of Realtors is now offering its members an electronic signature service that provides a better option than driving across town to get a signature or forcing their clients to find a fax machine. Learn how savvy Realtors are using Web-based e-signature services to execute agreements with buyers and sellers electronically, eliminating the old process of printing, faxing, and waiting for the return fax. By automating the signing process, they achieve higher sales, increase client satisfaction and maintain a competitive edge. This session will examine how to use electronic signatures in real estate transactions, including the transaction flow from both the Realtor’s and the homebuyer’s perspective. Attendees will also learn how faxes can be incorporated into an electronic signing process.

*Visit DocuSign’s Cyber booth to learn more about e-Signatures and a chance to win a $500 Visa Gift Card. We’re also sharing a free electronic signature trial with you – click the link to try ESIGN for free!