Document header
Unique ID, submitting department, project or PO reference, and an effective date to track the request in records and automated workflows.
Using a standardized Price Approval Document reduces pricing errors, enforces approval authority, documents rationale for nonstandard pricing, and preserves an auditable record for internal controls and external review. When executed electronically it can comply with the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA rules when consent and retention requirements are met.
Typical users and approvers are drawn from procurement, finance, sales, and legal depending on vendor and dollar thresholds.
A clear list of roles on the form helps route the request and prevent approval delays or misrouting.
Unique ID, submitting department, project or PO reference, and an effective date to track the request in records and automated workflows.
Line-by-line unit price, quantity, discounts, taxes, and total amount presented in a clear table to avoid arithmetic or currency confusion.
Concise rationale for the proposed price noting competition, one-time concessions, supplier constraints, or strategic reasons supporting the deviation.
Named approvers, role or authority thresholds, date fields, and space for electronic signatures or initials to demonstrate delegated authority.
Terms that limit the approval such as validity period, contingency clauses, budget code, required delivery dates, or performance milestones.
Version, change log, and timestamps so reviewers can reconcile prior proposals with the final approved price and who made each change.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Approval order | Sequential routing by role |
| Notifications | Email and in-app reminders |
| Authentication | Email link with optional SMS code |
| Storage destination | Contract repository or shared drive |
Confirm file formats, signer authentication, and integration endpoints before using an eSignature workflow.
2 business days for routine approvals
5 business days for committee-level approvals
Specified validity, often 30–90 days
60–90 days before contract renewal
Final PDF saved within 3 business days
Requestor prepares and uploads the proposal details.
Procurement and finance review the justification and math.
Pricing committee or director authorizes exceptions if required.
Approved price is applied to PO and archived with evidence.
Export a signed, static PDF/A copy for long-term archiving with embedded audit trail and visible signatures for record integrity.
Keep an editable DOCX version if ongoing contract editing is expected; maintain version control to prevent unauthorized changes.
Store a machine-readable audit log capturing timestamps, actor identities, IP addresses, and signature events for compliance.
Retain executed files in the approved contract repository or cloud storage with access controls and retention policies.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (premium) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |