Dotloop vs Docusign – Which Is Better?

If you’re a corporate professional, you would agree that signing multiple documents daily can be stressful. Between physical meetings and having to deal with huge stacks of paperwork, it’s easy to get tired and frustrated.

Thankfully, many electronic signature platforms are emerging to help with this problem. Electronic signature platforms are software-based tools that allow users to easily sign, send, and manage important documents online.

There’s no limit to the type and amount of documents you can sign with an e-signature tool, whether agreements, contracts, or request forms.

These platforms eliminate the stress of physical meetings solely for signature purposes and reduce the paperwork involved in transaction processes.

Dotloop and DocuSign are the most popular electronic signature platforms. Both tools provide immense value, so it can be difficult to choose which is better.

In this article, I have provided a detailed review of both tools based on several categories so you can decide which works best for you.

Before I start, let me answer the big question briefly. DocuSign is the better tool between the two. This is because it is more diverse and caters to multiple industries. Dotloop on the other hand, focuses mainly on real estate.

Let’s get started and see how the two stack up against each other.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Introduction

What is Dotloop?

Dotloop is an electronic signature platform for real estate brokers and investors. It is a real estate management platform founded by Austin Allison in 2009.

The idea for Dotloop was borne out of the desire to create a seamless transaction experience between realtors and clients. Whether you want to sign, edit or manage documents, Dotloop lets you do all these.

You can upload important documents, create listings and share these easily, which makes collaboration with clients and even other realtors as smooth as possible.

Real estate brokers, agents, and teams will find Dotloop useful because it helps them stand out regarding customer experience and productivity.

The platform boasts of being responsible for 50% of all real estate transactions in the United States. Additionally, the platform guarantees realtors 98% customer retention and a 92% customer satisfaction rate.

Dotloop has successfully built a reputable image for itself as major real estate companies like Metrobrokers and RE/MAX are trusted customers of the brand.

What is DocuSign?

Conversely, DocuSign is also an electronic signature platform that lets you sign documents from virtually anywhere without any restrictions based on your location.

This electronic signature platform was launched in 2003 by Court Lorenzini, Tom Gonser, and Eric Ranft to automate work processes, especially regarding transactions and workflows.

Unlike Dotloop, DocuSign is designed for professionals across different industries and boasts over a million users worldwide. The platform is particularly focused on transforming how you work by helping with easy signing and document management, reducing the amount of paper-based transactions you must deal with.

You don’t have to worry about shuffling between texts, calls, physical meetings, and emails for transactions. DocuSign lets you collaborate with anyone and manage essential documents all on the platform.

This e-signature platform is a reputable electronic signature platform because it requires zero maintainable downtime, allows users from over 180 countries, and supports up to 44 languages.

Some of DocuSign’s reputable customers include Unilever, T-Mobile, Santander, etc.

Find out the best alternatives to DocuSign in this post.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Setup

Dotloop

Dotloop is a specialized software designed to help with electronic signatures and create workspaces for real estate professionals. Hence the setup is more complex and will take longer than a simple electronic signature tool.

If you are new to electronic signature platforms and you’re using Dotloop, you’ll notice that it has a steep learning curve.

First, you must create a listing on the platform to access a Dotloop workspace. Once completed, you can upload your documents and add your signatures before sending them to your clients.

On the other hand, Dotloop notifies real estate investors/prospects of a new mail, and once they click on the email, they automatically get a guide on how to sign the document.

DocuSign

DocuSign is designed for signing documents electronically, so its setup is easy and beginner-friendly. You don’t have to go through the trouble of creating listings before you can upload a document.

Once you create an account, you can immediately upload a document and get it ready to be signed. DocuSign also makes sharing or saving these documents easy with just a click.

You won’t spend a lot of time trying to figure out how the tool works.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Features

Dotloop

Dotloop has a nice variety of features that sufficiently caters to over a million active agents and more than 10,000 brokerages. It is no surprise why many real estate professionals like Dotloop, and with good reason.

Below are some of the features that make Dotloop stand out among e-signature platforms:

All-in-one Platform

Dotloop isn’t just a regular e-signature platform. It doubles as an all-in-one platform where you not only sign documents. You can also edit, share, and save these documents while accessing Compliance.

Time-saving Templates

Dotloop makes it easy for professionals to accelerate their workflow/ transaction processes by providing smart, pre-made templates for increased productivity. These pre-made templates make your business consistent because clients get used to your transaction format.

MLS and Associations

Another useful feature of Dotloop is that it provides users with over 190 real estate associations and MLS listings. This platform makes it easy to access and auto-fill these association forms with a click.

Unlimited Transactions and Participants

Dotloop users get to enjoy an unlimited number of transactions every day. Unlike many electronic signature platforms where users are limited to a certain number of daily or monthly transactions, Dotloop provides an endless means for transactions and workflows without interruption.

That’s not all. You can invite as many participants as you want to view your listings or sign sales-related documents.

Real-time Notification

You never have to lose track of transactions or workflows, as Dotloop keeps you in the loop with instant emails and push notifications. The best part is that you can easily customize these notifications’ appearance.

Document Scanner

Dotloop has a useful document scanner feature that converts images into editable PDFs. This feature is especially useful for spontaneous transactions where you can’t scan, email, or transcribe JPG documents.

SMS Text

This feature makes it easy for users to sign, edit, share, save, and collaborate on any document via Dotloop sms text. Hence, you don’t necessarily have to be on the platform to keep track of all activities.

Clause Manager

The clause manager helps realtors save time when creating new contracts as it saves commonly used clauses. Rather than spend time crafting a contract from scratch, this feature auto-fills the contract with these commonly used contract clauses.

Mobile app

Dotloop comes with a mobile app, making it easy to carry on with transactions and ensure consistency regardless of where you are. This app is intuitive and works for Android and iOS devices.

Online Support

You have access to 24/7 phone, chat, and email support. Whatever your inquiries or questions are, you get instant feedback from a team of highly knowledgeable customer support experts.

DocuSign

DocuSign is a worthy contender with several valuable features that make it stand out from other electronic signature platforms. Here are some of the most useful features available for users on DocuSign:

Document Creation

DocuSign has a versatile document creation feature that supports various file types, including pdf, .doc, .txt, .xls, etc. Hence, you can sign important documents regardless of their file type and format.

The DocuSign creation feature offers you over 20 custom fields and tags. You can also convert PDF fields onto signer fields and include supplemental documents as part of your ‘envelope’.

Send Feature

This feature offers multiple functions. First, you can bulk-send the same documents to different recipients simultaneously. You only need to add the list of recipients, and each will get a custom link to the same document.

You can manage recipients’ actions in your workflow including who can edit, sign, or approve. With its edit function, you can always change your documents, whether to change recipient information, add or remove tags, etc.

DocuSign even allows users to manage envelopes on behalf of others.

Branding

This feature lets users add their logo and customize document, email, and webpage colors to reflect their brand. You can even customize your email links for branding purposes.

Reusable Templates and PowerForms

Like Dotloop, DocuSign offers reusable templates to save time on document preparation. All you need to do is save tags, workflow settings, and field placements, and you can automatically reuse them for other documents.

The PowerForms feature works similarly by allowing you to create on-demand, no-code documents on the go.

Signing Experience

DocuSign offers users and their recipients different signing experiences. You can sign from any device remotely or even while sitting face-to-face with your client. This platform automatically sends notifications to the recipient for quick signing.

Accessibility

DocuSign adheres to ADA and section 508 standards. Hence, it has an accessibility feature that supports the sight and hearing impaired.

Signer authentication and identification

Another impressive feature DocuSign has is the signer authentication and identification feature, where you can verify your signers. This feature offers email, SMS, access code, phone authentication, and even ID verification.

Real-Time Report

DocuSign lets users get real-time business reports and tracking data on all transactions and signing processes. You can schedule reports and seamlessly share these reports into a single CSV file.

Storage System

It has a tamper-evident storage system where your documents and audit tracks are safely stored. You can archive transaction documents or decide to purge them after some time.

Mobile application

Whether you are using a Windows, iOS, or Android device, DocuSign has a mobile app that makes it easy to continue signing and sending documents on the go. You don’t necessarily have to download and install the DocuSign mobile app to use it.

You can access it on a mobile browser.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Ease of Use

Dotloop

Dotloop offers a challenging experience, especially if you’re using the platform for the first time. Its user interface is a lot more complex since it offers comprehensive functionality for professionals.

Since Dotloop is designed for signatures and transaction management, it’ll significantly take more time to set up and use.

You first have to create a listing, create a personalized account, and then fill out the necessary information that will be used in new documents that will be created eventually.

You may also need to adjust your settings before using the tool efficiently.

Although this takes slightly longer, it saves users time because they don’t need to record the same information repeatedly. However, beginners might find the tool challenging, especially as it is niche-specific.

DocuSign

DocuSign, on the other hand, is very easy to use. The platform is designed for only electronic signature capture, which is what it offers. You only need to get an account and immediately create and prepare your documents for signing.

You can save it for edits or email the document to the recipient for their electronic signature immediately. Although a new user may easily be overwhelmed due to its many features, it is much easier to use than Dotloop, and you can get your document prepared and signed in just minutes.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Integrations

Dotloop

Since Dotloop is niche-specific, it is expected to have fewer integrations than its counterpart, DocuSign.

The transaction management platform boosts over 75 integrations whether you need commonly used or specialized applications for only real estate agents.

Dotloop has an Apps and Integrations Directory where you can search through different categories, including CRM and Lead Generation, Franchise Integration, Accounting and Back Office, Marketing, Automation, and more.

You can even search each integration by specific name as well. Here are some of the software integrated with Dotloop under each category:

CRM and Lead Generation

• Chime
• Zillow Premier Agent
• MoxiEngage
• Real Geeks
• property base
• Realvolve
• Zurple, etc.

Franchise Integration

• EXIT Realty
• Keller Williams
• ERA Leverage
• Realty Executive

Accounting and Back Office

• MoxiBalance
• QuickBooks
• CORE BackOffice
• ShortTracks
• AccountTech
• iBroker, etc.

Marketing, Automation, and More

• Notarize
• BombBomb
• Google Calendar
• Google Sheets
• Google Drive
• iCloud
• Delta Media Group
• Zapier, etc.

DocuSign

DocuSign is focused on serving everyone regardless of their industry. Hence it features more integration compared to Dotloop.

You can integrate your workflow with your favorite apps, as this electronic signature platform has over 400 industry-leading integrations and award-winning APIs.

Here are some of the integrations DocuSign offers its users:

• Microsoft: This includes Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Dynamics, and Windows
• Google: This includes Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Chrome
• Salesforce
• Oracle
• Zoom
• Apple
• Smart Communications
• Deloitte
• Informa Software
• Simplus
• Workday, etc.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Security

Dotloop

Although much isn’t known about the security protocols Dotloop employs, the electronic signature platform is relatively safe to use. The site collects the user’s personal information during the registration process.

It also collects your personal information if your real estate brokerage or agent uploads them on your behalf.

This information can be obtained via IP address, browser type, internet service provider, etc. Dotloop only uses this information to provide better services for its users.

The site shares this information with vetted third parties who offer services the platform thinks you may be interested in. You can opt out of this ‘third party sharing’ by sending an email to its support email address.

However, Dotloop guarantees users that their personal information/customer data will not be sold to third parties.

DocuSign

There’s no denying that DocuSign security is top-notch. The electronic signature platform deploys AES 128, and SSL 256-bit encryption to ensure security.

If there are unauthorized changes in the underlying document, the system detects this and identifies it as evidence of tampering. DocuSign takes its security to another level as it is ISO27001 certified.

It even comes with a signer identification and authentication for additional security to protect your documents against fraudsters. DocuSign can be configured to support regulations including FedRAMP and HIPAA.

Each signed document has a certificate of completion to prevent replication or future arguments about the transaction’s validity.

If you want more information on how the site safeguards your data, the DocuSign Trust Center provides all the necessary information.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Pricing

Dotloop

Dotloop offers different subscription plans for its users and these plans are designed for specific roles. This transaction management platform offers three plans: Dotloop Premium, Dotloop For Teams, and Dotloop Business+.

Dotloop Premium costs $31.99 per month and provides benefits like unlimited transactions, Audit Trail, MLS and Associations Feeds, Online Faxing, Easy-Offer Links, Custom Invite Messages, Invite Service Providers, etc.

Dotloop For Teams’ price is only available on request. However, it offers valuable benefits like Real-time notifications, Clause Manager, Charts and Reporting, and Automated Compliance Workflow, among others.

Similarly, Dotloop Business+ has custom pricing that’s only available on requests, and it offers the same benefits as the former, although these users have access to a Success Manager.

Dotloop is quite expensive, but it offers a free version, although it is heavily restricted. This version only allows users to carry out ten transactions, after which they must subscribe to a paid plan.

DocuSign

Just like Dotloop, DocuSign offers multiple payment plans. However, DocuSign is more affordable as its Personal Plan costs $10 per month, which is useful for individuals and businesses who only want basic e-signature functions.

The Standard plan is designed for more collaborative users allowing more than two users. It costs $25/month and includes features like reusable templates, signing workflow, real-time audit trail, multiple languages, team reports, shared templates and documents, delegated signing, etc.

The Business Pro plan costs $40 a month and provides advanced features for automated processes. If you are not satisfied with the available plans, you can inquire about a custom plan.

DocuSign also provides pricing plans for real estate and non-profit organizations.

If you are skeptical about paying first before trying out the tool, DocuSign offers a 30-day free trial for all new users, and you don’t necessarily need to add your card at the free trial stage.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Pros and Cons

Dotloop

Pros

• All-in-one platform for electronic signature and automated workflow
• Specialized tool for real estate professionals
• Comprehensive features
• Easy to upload documents
• Organized transactions and documents
• Integrated with MLS and Associations
• Supports multiple devices
• It has a mobile app

Cons

• Not beginner-friendly
• No free trial
• Expensive

DocuSign

Pros

• Easy to use
• User-friendly interface
• Offers training guide
• Offers multiple integrations
• Topnotch security
• Custom Branding
• Industry and department-specific solutions and integrations
• Configurable workflow
• SMS delivery
• It has a mobile app

Cons

• Free trial is limited
• Overwhelming for new users
• Expensive
• Signer authentication costs extra money.

Dotloop vs DocuSign: Similarities and Differences

	Dotloop	DocuSign
User Base	Real Estate Professionals	Everyone
East Setup	No	Yes
Easy Upload	Yes	Yes
Advanced Features	Yes	Yes
Ease of Use	Yes	Yes
Training Guide	Yes	Yes
Premium Integration	Yes	Yes
Multiple User Signing	Yes	Yes
Customization	No	Yes
Top-notch Security	No	Yes
Affordable Pricing	No	No
Mobile App	Yes	Yes

Verdict: Dotloop vs DocuSign – Which Is Better?

Dotloop and DocuSign are top-notch tools that have earned their reputation. Before choosing which is better, it is essential to note that while they are used for electronic signing, both platforms offer different features and benefits.

However, DocuSign is a better electronic signature platform compared to Dotloop. Unlike Dotloop which is designed mainly for real estate agents, DocuSign caters to users’ needs in various industries, including real estate.

Additionally, it is easier to use and set up and comes with many top-notch features anyone would find useful. It’s more secure and has a robust integration system as well.