I'm not sure what you are refering to concerning the w-9 and hard copy.  I download the w-9, I hand it to the vendor and when I get it back I scan it as a pdf.

If you are trying to do it all electroncially, then you really need to also use a web based signature service like right signature or sign now.  Then at least you have some defense if you need it, as to whether or not the correct party actually signed the w-9.

That workers menu change showed up  a week or so ago in my account - I find it funny.  With all the things they could be doing to make QBO effective, with all the issues and problems it has, they spend the time on useless changes to the interface - again.

Since only QBO+ can designate a contractor as an independent contract eligable for the 1099 (not all contractors are 1099)  That change should not even be in essentails or simple start - is it?