PandaDoc Review: Sign, Seal, Deliver

PandaDoc

$

19

• PandaDoc
• How we test →

One of the biggest business challenges is to stay on top of all the documents, especially contracts and proposals.

To solve this, you need a proper document management and automation tool — such as the likes of PandaDoc, a proper document management solution.

Managing paper documents is costly; US businesses spend $8 billion every year on the same. With solutions like PandaDoc, businesses can cut the cost significantly and enjoy a centralized approach to managing documents.

In this PandaDoc review, I’ll cover its key features such as electronic signature capabilities, signable forms, quote generation, legal workflow automation, and much more. I’ll also discuss PandaDoc pricing and alternatives.

Features

• Easily draw/upload electronic signature
• Offers professional proposal creation solution
• Access to 1000+ pre-made and customizable templates
• Generate dynamic quotes from CRM data
• Built-in collaborative features
• Excellent integration capabilities

Pros

• Seamless electronic signature facility
• Contract repository simplifies contract management
• GDPR, FERPA, and HIPAA-compliant
• Easy-to-use interface
• Developer-friendly APIs

Cons

• Costly for smaller teams
• Offline functionality is limited
• Not beginner-friendly

What is PandaDoc?

PandaDoc is a document management and automation tool for businesses. It helps create, approve, track, and eSign documents with a focus on automations and smart content.

PandaDoc is not free to use but offers a generous 14-day trial with no credit card requirement.

PandaDoc excels at helping you with different types of business documentation, be it contracts, proposals, invoices, quotes, onboarding forms, agreements, and much more. 

With PandaDoc’s advanced drag-and-drop document editor, you can create a document with ease and a professional look. It fits the needs of different industries, including Sales, HR, Legal, Marketing, and Finance.

PandaDoc was founded in 2014 by Mikita and Segey in Silicon Valley. Currently, they have achieved $100 million in Annual Recurring Revenue, serving over 56000 customers across the globe.

Onboarding Experience

PandaDoc has a nice onboarding.

Once you sign up, you’ll need to add basic information related to your account, including company name, size, and phone number.

After entering these details, it redirect you to the dashboard as shown below.

From here, you can create a document where it asks you to pick a template or upload your own document.

It then asks to add the recipient (client) to which the document will be sent. You can add it right away or add it later.

Once done, it loads into the template, which you can customize as per your needs. We will discuss more about these later on.

Top Reasons To Choose PandaDoc

PandaDoc is an excellent document management solution. But what makes it so special? Let’s look at the top reasons why you should choose PandaDoc.

Electronic Signatures for Instant Approvals

PandaDoc offers secure electronic signatures. The PandaDoc eSignature software is available free of charge (via PandaDoc eSign plan), where you can create docs that are legally binding. 

As PandaDoc is available via the web, you can sign docs anywhere you want — which makes it ideal for remote teams. 

As for compliance, PandaDoc eSignature technology is also ESIGN and UETA compliant. Furthermore, each document comes with certificate authentication.

PandaDoc makes it easy to create electronic signatures and sign documents. Once you create a document, you can add a signature by choosing one of the three methods:

• Draw
• Type
• Upload

You can get to the process by clicking on the Signature Fillable Field, as shown below.

As I have a pen-enabled laptop, I tested the draw option – which worked flawlessly. In case you don’t have one yourself, you can use your mobile phone to draw it using your fingertips. Otherwise, the upload option is helpful as it lets you upload your signature and preserve your identity.

PandaDoc is an online signature platform as it lets you generate signatures right from the platform itself. All you need to do is select the font and color. That’s it!

Electronic signatures are legally binding, but their legality depends on your country. So, I suggest checking out electronic signature law to get a better idea.

Professional Proposal Creation

PandaDoc comes with all the means to create professional proposal creation via its Request for Proposal (RPF) solution.

To create a proposal, you can go to Documents and click on Create New. 

From there, you’ll find tons of templates to choose from.

As you’re creating a Proposal, you can search for it via the search bar at the top to get the list of all the PandaDoc proposal templates.

As you can notice, PandaDoc offers plenty of proposal-based templates, including:

• Marketing proposal
• Business proposal
• Sales proposal
• Video proposal
• One-page proposal

And so on.

All you need to do is select one and name the document, along with the recipient (which can be added later as well).

All these templates are completely customizable. For example, you can click and change any text, logo, or image on the template as per your needs. 

As it is a template-design philosophy, PandaDoc uses variable values for easily updating text. This can include client name, address, sender name, email address, mobile number, and so on.

Additionally, you can edit certain parts of the proposal, such as the header, by double-clicking on it. This will highlight the Header section with the option to open its settings (via the cogwheel symbol).

By using PandaDoc’s professional proposal creation, businesses can benefit in the following ways:

• Faster proposal creation (50% less time)
• Better close rate (up to 36% as per PandaDoc)
• More docs creation per month.

Teams can additionally benefit from:

• Collaboration when working on a proposal
• Use automated workflows to fill up elements (such as eSignature) or other tasks such as reminder emails, payment collection, etc.

Managing Contracts

PandaDoc also acts as a proper contract management solution. 

I found its centralized approach useful, considering that you can create and collaborate without the need to leave the platform. The centralized contract repository helps manage deadlines, key terms, and obligations. Teams also get proper search and filter options to search through contracts. 

I use PandaDoc to sign contracts. No complaints so far.

– Reddit

Additionally, teams can use AI-powered data extraction to extract data points such as company name, dates, and obligations automatically from contracts via its Contract Repository feature. This feature is available only on Business and Enterprise plans.

Some of the key contract management features that PandaDoc offers include:

• Access to proper audit trial
• Smart content that uses rules to populate criteria dynamically
• Create dynamic contracts using a master template
• Proper CRM integrations with CRM solutions such as HubSpot and Salesforce
• Ability to generate reports for analyzing contracts

Signable Forms

All forms shared via PandaDoc are singable forms with the option to add signatures without the need to install or use any third-party solution.

PandaDoc offers plenty of forms – be it for Sales, IT, or Marketing, giving teams the ability to collect information or perform deals faster. The different types of supported forms include sign-up forms, agreements, standard NDAs, order forms, and so on.

Below is an example of a W-9 IRS Tax form needed for employment purposes. It offers a signature section with the option to draw, upload, or use an electronic signature.

Quote Generation

PandaDoc offers a feature-rich quote solution. This gives teams the ability to create dynamic quotes for each customer. The dynamic quote is generated via the existing CRM data — saving a lot of time and effort. 

So, the next time a customer requests a quote, the system automatically generates it based on the customer’s profile and requirements. 

Like other features such as Proposals, PandaDoc delivers quotes via the Simple Quotes extension (which comes pre-installed).

You can use pre-defined quote templates such as Sales Quote, Design Quote, Landscaping, and Building Quote. Below is what a sample sales quote document looks like.

Additionally, you can use Pricing Table and Product Catalog blocks in any of the documents to provide quotes.

Some of the key aspects of PandaDoc quotes include:

• Dynamic product configurations that offer multiple options from one quote
• Accurate quotes baked by CRM data
• Ability to build custom documents 
• Functions as CPQ software with native CPQ integrations with HubSpot and Salesforce
• Streamline payment solutions such as Paypal, Stripe, etc., providing an instant checkout option
• Automated follow-ups

Document Generation & Management

PandaDoc is known for its ability to create and manage documents. As it is aimed at businesses, it is GDPR, FERPA, and HIPAA-compliant.

With over 1000 pre-made templates, teams can create documents related to different needs and industries. The templates are fully customizable and support dynamic data fill for error-free document creation.

PandaDoc also excels at managing assets with centralized and secure storage. 

Workflow Automation

PandaDoc offers complete workflow automation that removes the need for manual work.

With PandaDoc, you can automate the complete documentation creation, review, and approval process. This saves time and improves consistency.

It all starts with CRM integration via pre-made automation. This syncs data and gives the option to schedule follow-ups during the document journey. Other automations include:

• CRM integrations
• Approval workflows
• Automated reminder emails
• Real-time collaboration

Collaboration & Approval

PandaDoc comes with built-in collaborative features. Businesses can set up collaboration on documents among team members or with external collaborators with proper access control.

Furthermore, teams get a proper approval workflow that handles automated sending to designated approvers. This can be enabled on the template level or via the Workflow tab.

What I like About PandaDoc

PandaDoc has a lot to offer. However, I found the following worth mentioning.

Easy to Use Interface

PandaDoc is fairly easy to use. 

The dashboard is simple and gives an overview of current working documents. Additionally, it lists the documents separately based on their stage, such as Drafts, Action required, waiting for others, and so on.

You can also customize the dashboard by adding or removing the tabs according to your preference. For example, you can choose to list documents that are viewed, expired, waiting for payment, and so on.

I found its document editing user-friendly. You can start with a blank document or pick from the predefined templates. Once selected, elements can be added or removed — with the option to integrate CRM for error-free data filling.

Yep, have been using PandaDoc for just over 6 months now and I love it. We were a web development and online marketing company prior, and it was super useful.

 – Reddit

Document Tracking & Analytics

PandaDoc comes with comprehensive document tracking. It helps with an automated audit trail, which tracks every workspace document.

By doing proper document tracking, teams can benefit from:

• Learning the stage of the document
• Review document analytics to learn how each document interacted
• Use data to build better templates

Proper document tracking also improves security as it tracks all user activity. This ensures contract validation.

Templates and Pre-built Forms

PandaDoc has a rich template gallery offers options for different needs and industries, be it sales, agreements, invoices, presentations, healthcare, marketing, education, and so on.

The template gallery is categorized nicely for easy searchability. You can also search for particular templates via its search bar option.

Teams also get access to pre-built forms such as W4 Form, W9, volunteer application form, and much more. 

Smart Content

I found PandaDoc smart content very useful for teams that handle large volumes of customers. It helps them to create custom content for customers. 

Furthermore, smart content brings multiple benefits, including reduced errors, as it uses rules-based content blocks.

Smart content relies heavily on dynamic content, which can easily be added or removed via placeholders, conditional content, and pre-selected collateral.

Integration Flexibility

PandaDoc is integration-friendly as it lets you connect popular third-party solutions, including leading CRM software, HR systems, Payment options, Storage, Admin, and so on.

Some of the popular integration options that PandaDoc offers:

• CRM software: Easily integrate CRM solutions like Hubspot CPQ, Salesforce, Pipedrive, monday.com for sales proposal automation and document approval tracking
• Payment: Let you send payment-enabled proposals with Stripe, Square, Paypal, and others.
• Storage: Access and manage documents via Dropbox, Box, Google Workspace, etc.

Out of these, few are premium add-ons that require additional cost. You can set up a sales demo to understand it better before purchasing it.

Comprehensive Features

I found PandaDoc to offer comprehensive features. This is important for businesses that don’t want to rely on multiple solutions when it comes to managing contracts, handling professional proposals, or properly implementing workflow automation while feeding data from CRMs.

Businesses get a proper template to get started with the option to integrate CRMs, storage, and payment gateways.

Developer-friendly APIs

PandaDoc offers developer-friendly APIs that let developers create custom solutions for businesses. These APIs are flexible and come with impressive documentation and guides. Additionally, there is no cost for using PandaDoc’s API.

When PandaDoc Might Not Be the Right Choice

Though PandaDoc is a top tool for managing documents, creating contracts, and automating document workflow, there are instances when businesses should avoid using it. These include:

• High cost for small teams: PandaDoc pricing starts at $19 per seat per month. This can be on the costlier side, especially for smaller teams that are looking for basic document signing or infrequent document workflow. In that case, I recommend small businesses check out signNow and Zoho Sign, which offer cheaper solutions.
• Limited offline functionality: If your business relies on offline working, then PandaDoc might not be the right choice as it is cloud-based. In that case, I suggest Adobe Acrobat Sign, which supports the offline signature option.
• Just payment collection: For businesses only looking for payment collection, PandaDoc is not the appropriate choice, as it can be done by more native solutions such as PayPal, Stripe, or Wise.

What Type of Business Should PandaDoc Use?

I recommend PandaDoc to the following types of businesses:

• Sales-Oriented Companies: If your business makes a lot of sales and hence requires creating proposals and contracts (eSignature feature), then PandaDoc is a perfect fit. It helps businesses with quote generation and gives tools for proper proposal management.
• Service-based Business and Agencies: Similar to sales-oriented companies, service-based agencies can take full advantage of PandaDoc features, which include streamlined document workflow, better customer experience, and saved time & effort.
• SMBs: SMBs can use PandaDoc to improve productivity by using built-in document templates, automation tools, and simplified follow-up processes.

PandaDoc Pricing

PandaDoc pricing starts at just $19 USD per seat per month. The Starter pack offers unlimited document upload, eSignatures, and access to a drag-and-drop document editor.

Their higher-tier Business Plan starts at $49 per seat per month. It offers everything in the Starter plan plus:

• CRM integrations
• Custom sales agreement & custom quotes
• Deal rooms
• Custom branding
• Bulk send
• Web forms

Additionally, PandaDoc offers enterprise plans with features like workflow automation, smart content, and team workspaces.

Note: All plans come with a 14-day free trial without the need for a credit card.

Can I use PandaDoc for free?

Yes, you can. PandaDoc offers a free electronic signature feature that lets you upload and eSign documents. These documents are ESIGN and UETA compliant and are legally binding. Check out the free plan details.

PandaDoc Alternatives

There are plenty of PandaDoc alternatives that you can check out, including:

• DocuSign: An Intelligent agreement management solution (IAM) that offers eSignature and workflow automation. It is the most popular IAM solution as it captures more than 80% of the market.
• Adobe Acrobat Sign: Adobe’s dedicated eSign solution for businesses. It helps collect signatures and track and manage signed documents.
• Qwilr: Qwilr offers a complete solution for closing deals via interactive web pages and proposals. It lets you collect payments and signatures with proper document analytics.
• Proposify: A dedicated proposal solution that offers end-to-end proposal management with a focus on high conversion rates.
• Dropbox Sign: Dropbox Sign (acquired HelloSign)is Dropbox’s take on an online contract proposal system with a focus on intuitiveness, security, and reliability. 

PandaDoc Verdict

PandaDoc is an excellent document eSign and management solution. It is cloud-based and provides tools to create, manage, and approve documents. 

The automation workflow is impeccable, with a focus on saving teams time and effort. It not only fills data automatically from CRM (with the help of integration) but also sends automated integrations and provides approval workflows.

All of these make PandaDoc a great pick, especially for medium to large-scale businesses.

However, it does have some drawbacks, especially value for money for smaller businesses. Its inability to offer offline eSignature is not ideal for businesses working on the ground level.

As for pricing, PandaDoc is priced with medium-scale business and hence slightly on the costlier side.

PandaDoc receives the Geekflare’s Value Award as it offers a centralized solution for contract/document creation, management, and automation. The value for money is there, especially for businesses looking for a complete solution with robust verification and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)