They expect it because there are so many notaries willing to just accept whatever they can get. We know all the ways they rationalize accepting those fees, but if that's someone's business plan, their plan is a recipe for failure.
While it's true that a key part of our business is being flexible enough to respond to timing and other changes whenever possible, I believe it's also essential to accept that we ultimately ARE in control of our own businesses. We should know our boundaries and where and when we can bend and where and when to draw a firm line.
One non-negotiable example (at least here in CA), is when the signer speaks a language we don't know. (I had one of those last week, at a nice fee from a direct title co client.  ) That one was a hard no, as it's part of state law. The same concept should apply to our own business policies, including fees. Sometimes our control is limited to saying no, but I believe it's important to be aware that we're still in control of that. Another thing we control is how much effort we put into activities that generate more business.
If anyone depending on this work for their livelihood isn't willing to have firm guidelines for their business that ensure profitability, then they're in the wrong field. (That's the problem with having a 'side-gig' mentality...) Something isn't always better than nothing.
|
