Posted by MichiganAl on 5/3/06 9:33am
Msg #117389

Experienced signers - Would you work for this company?

I received an e-mail yesterday from National Loan Closers wanting to add me to their database. They state on their website that their signing agents are the best in the business, guarenteed. Wanna guess how much they pay? Oh, yeah. 50 bucks. So, I sent them an e-mail stating that the best in the business don't work for $50. Here was their response:

Oh Boy! another closer that assumes that just because a company asks - "how far are you willing to drive for $50?" - he thinks that $50 is the maximum payout to our closers. Wrong Alex!

In fact, by running the numbers for last month, the "average" payout to our closers was $115.

Let me give you just a few facts Alex

1. We try to find "quailified" closers that are within a 5-9 mile raduis of the closing, so...... when you say that it "barely covers the gas", what are you driving a semi? or a monster truck? I am sure you can cover the $2.89 for 1 gallon of gas, because I am most certain that your car gets about 18 to 20 MPG.
if not, then look at getting a Hybrid (electric car)

2. Economics 101! - As you know, with competition comes lower prices, right?
so if you are not willing to do closings in your neighborhood or area for $50 to
$75 dollars, I am very sure someone will take them. (And probably at a cheaper price). The more closers that come on the scene every month, the more "cut-throat" the industry will be. And believe me when I say this....I have always thought if the closer has cheap prices, then you will get a less experienced closer, but that is not true. Some experienced closers just like the money (unlike you Alex). Have you ever heard of.. "a fast nickel is better than a slow dime"?

3. Economics 102 - Free enterprise! We are a corporation, in business to make money. Attorneys, Lenders and Title companies use us beacuse of our network and not just the fact that we have spent thousands of dollars for tracking software and our user friendly site.

Example: If we charge $125 for a closing, would it make good sense to pay $125?
(Should I really answer this for you?)..... If you normally charge $125 for a closing and you do it for $50, $65 or $75 are you still making a profit?

4. So get your facts straight before you send opinionated emails. If the closing takes you out of your target area, then we pay more! If you have to drive 1 street over on your block to do a closing, we are not going to pay you $150.

The bottom line is DONT ASSUME!


So, what do you experienced, best in the business signing agents think? Would you work for this company?

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/3/06 9:35am
Msg #117391

NO.

Reply by hcampersFL on 5/3/06 9:46am
Msg #117396

I don't like to be talked to in that manner. If they are willing to take the time to sit down and send that kind of response to a notary what would it be like working for them...at any fee?
I haven't done closings for this company before and I don't think I want to now.

So I guess my answer is Hell no!
Beverly

Reply by LauraV on 5/3/06 7:05pm
Msg #117552

Brenda is right, as usual.

No way would I work for them.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 5/3/06 9:44am
Msg #117395

Re: Experienced signers -This was actually from the Signing

Company? OMG, little tension and anger towards notaries...yikes....

Reply by Anonymous on 5/3/06 12:40pm
Msg #117457

Re: Experienced signers -This was actually from the Signing

Actually, I have worked for this company for a few months now and have never been treated poorly. They do not ONLY pay $50 per closing, they ask on the sign up page "how far are you willing to travel for $50?", to begin your radius of pay. You can put in 1 mile, and they will start there and add on fees for edocs, purchase, 1st and second, etc. Just like everyone else, actually. To be honest, I like their new website. They have added a system where you can track your closings and payments, so UNLIKE companies that do not care about notaries and never pay you, or ask you to resubmit an invoice OVER and OVER (we have all been there!), you just log on and check. I get paid on average $120 per closing by them, by the way. For a company that makes it easy to get paid, I'd rather have that than $150 and fight for my money.
You all should not rush to the conclusions of someone else that probably said something rude to elicit that response. Go check them out for yourself, it's not like you have to accept their closings and it may just be you like them like I do. If not, more money in my pocket.

Reply by MichiganAl on 5/3/06 1:20pm
Msg #117471

Here is my original e-mail to them

Funny, you say the same exact things they say. Employee posting as an anonymous signing agent??? Hmmm.

Even though I paraphrased my e-mail to them in my first post, they feel I didn't fairly disclose it. So here it is, word for word:

> Oh boy, another lowball $50 signing service. I especially love the
> part that says your signing agents are the best in the field,
> guaranteed. The best in the field don't work for a fee that barely covers gas.


There it is, in full. Nothing I didn't already say in my original post. From that is the response you see.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 5/3/06 9:50am
Msg #117399

Someone needs a forum to vent on! n/m

Reply by John_NorCal on 5/3/06 10:09am
Msg #117407

Thanks for the heads up. No, I wouldn't either. Aside from $50.00 closings being close to home, there is also the value of service to consider. For instance, last week I received a call from a couple at 9:00 p.m. They had just received loan docs for a house they were purchasing in New Mexico. Docs were date sensitive and had to be returned ASAP. Would I meet with them and notarize their dot, etc. I met with them at the Starbucks 1/2 mile from my home, notarized their paperwork, took all of 1/2 an hour and I walked away with $80.00. They were happy to do it so quickly, they didn't have to make special trips the next day and they received value for their time. This was straight notary work, no explaining docs, etc.

Reply by Calnotary on 5/3/06 10:12am
Msg #117411

Wow!! What a huge response from this company. Imagine when you will have a dispute with
them about a trip fee, a no sign or a no show?

Reply by NCLisa on 5/3/06 10:17am
Msg #117412

NO. I hate companies like this. They ASSUME that there are closings in my neighborhood. I've been doing this for several years, and the closet closing I've had to my home is 12 miles away. 95% of the closings I do are 30 miles one way. And guess what, my vehicle only gets 12 miles to the gallon, I have a Ford F150 that I have to have to haul my daughters horses. If they could find me a closing within 5 miles of my house, I'd gladly do it for $75 and overnight docs, but that isn't going to happen. I live in an area where people are land rich, and poor in every other sense. The land has been in the family for generations so they live in 80 year old homes, and their kids live in mobile homes on parcels of the family farm.

I think I'd email them back and tell them that then need not ASSUME so much.

Reply by Beth/MD on 5/3/06 11:55am
Msg #117442

I whole heartedly agree. I can't stand handholding and babysitting as it is. But even worse is the opinion of some morons that they're the boss and notaries are the sludge at the bottom of the barrel. I have one TC that pays me $200 to go across the street. These idiots couldn't afford me.

Reply by Winston_Tn on 5/3/06 10:25am
Msg #117414

Re: Obviously they will fall victim to their own doctrine.

Competition involves more than just presence in the market.
The tact and diplomacy offered in their response not only warrants a free copy of 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' but also cries out for an economics lesson prior to their self-effacement.
My business vehicle does not operate for $2.89/gal...It also involves the Initial purchase cost, Interest of loan, Registration, License, Taxes, Tires, Oil, Wear&Tear, Insurance, Parking & Tolls. Just as my printer includes the printer's initial purchase price and the costs of ink or toner over the printer's lifetime, paper, other service items (like $drum units for laser printers), and electricity (which some printers gobble up faster than others).
This brings me to my time, which prohibits addressing this 'corporation', their condensending attitude, or their defective framework of entrepreneurial philosophy any further.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/3/06 8:48pm
Msg #117576

Amen!! n/m

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 11:21am
Msg #117429

I can always depend on this forum to make me laugh whenever I'm having a stressful day! I'm just wondering how long it will be before they are forced to shut their doors. You have to admit, they are very good at cutting their own throats....obviously from a tremendous amount of practice.

Reply by Maryann Jackson on 5/4/06 4:05am
Msg #117648

Seems like you spend a lot of time in this notary chat room. I am new to the business, seems like you have a lot of experience. Any words of advise to the new kid on the block???

Reply by LawrenceOK on 5/3/06 11:23am
Msg #117430

I think Winston has said it best for ALL of us experienced professionals.

Reply by MichiganAl on 5/3/06 11:24am
Msg #117431

I guess you can claim anything on a website

Here at NLC, we believe in the old adage "time is money." (just not our time I guess)

With NLC, your personal success is important to us. (anyone actually believe this after reading their e-mail?)

NLC has been ranked #1 by lenders and title companies (anyone see this ranking anywhere?)

The foremost leader in the industry. (can't even find them in Google, not listed on NotRot or GMN, no one says they've even heard of them so far, but they're industry leaders?)

All of our agents have gone through our application process in which we: evaluate their background and work ethic, check references from previous customers, and test their knowledge of fundamentals. Over 9,000 agents in our database. (anyone believe they've done over 9000 background and reference checks?)

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 11:35am
Msg #117436

Re: I guess you can claim anything on a website

You're absolutely right, Al.

DocQtrac v 2.7? Wow...such a fancy name for an Excel spreadsheet. Interesting....my BSinDKter v 5.1 says "Nice try".
Sorry, just in a wisecrack mood today and couldn't help myself...lol.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 5/3/06 1:51pm
Msg #117476

Accurate Signing....

I want a BSinDKter v 5.1! Where can I get one! Everyone needs one of those in this business! LOL! Loved it! Thanks for the laugh!

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 2:14pm
Msg #117480

Re: Accurate Signing....

Sorry Bonnie, that is privileged information. It is super duper secret private software (similiar to the program Bush is using to listen to everyone's phone calls...yeah, I know, my hook ups are pretty cool, huh?!). If I told you, I'd have to kill you...lol.

On the brighter side, I'll sell you my 5.1 version once my new 5.2 version gets here from Ebay. DOH!

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 2:17pm
Msg #117482

Re: Accurate Signing....

Not Ebay....what I MEANT to say was...the Pentagon...yeeeeaaahhhh, that's it, the Pentagon

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 5/3/06 2:22pm
Msg #117483

Re: Accurate Signing....

The PENTAGON!? Oh man! My Sis-in-law works there, wonder if she would send one? LOL!
Gotta have some fun around here! LOL!

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 2:33pm
Msg #117490

Re: Accurate Signing....

You sis-in-law works there, huh? Wait, did I say Pentagon? What am I thinking??? I actually meant....uummmm...WalMa...no wait, it'll come to me, just hold on a sec...uhhh

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/3/06 2:34pm
Msg #117492

Re: Accurate Signing....

Don't you mean NASA?

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 2:37pm
Msg #117494

Re: Accurate Signing....

RIGHT!!!!! NASA! Whew...thanks

I wonder if Happy Hour has started yet?

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/3/06 2:41pm
Msg #117500

Hiccup...it has here, about 2 hours, hiccup, ago :) n/m

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 2:50pm
Msg #117506

Re: Hiccup...it has here, about 2 hours, hiccup, ago :)

Today is DEFINITELY a "3 hillbillies and a turkey shoot" kinda day. And if you're not familiar 3 hillbillies and a turkey shoot = Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Johnny Walker (red or black, I'm not picky at this point) and Wild Turkey. A Terribly nasty concoction, but you only need one at least. Kinda crams a whole night of consumption into 5 minutes...lol.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 5/3/06 2:47pm
Msg #117504

Happy Hour has officially started, after all...

It's 5:00 SOMEWHERE! LOL! I'll take a comfort and coke please!

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 2:56pm
Msg #117513

Re: Happy Hour has officially started, after all...

Then it's truly time to celebrate, Bonnie! Technically speaking, Happy Hour must have started when I got up this morning since am and pm was never specified!

Reply by LawrenceOK on 5/3/06 11:39am
Msg #117439

Re: I guess you can claim anything on a website

Hey Alex, wanna by a bridge cheap? They won't get any references from me. Those previous customers are still customers.

Reply by SusanOH on 5/3/06 12:12pm
Msg #117449

Re: I guess you can claim anything on a website

Another SS trying to justify paying s--- for fees. The attitude alone would make me run. Like someone said earlier what if you had a dispute over a fee or something else, then how would they react. Geez! Run run as fast as you can.

Reply by Genkichan on 5/3/06 1:49pm
Msg #117475

1. As someone else pointed out, it's more than just the gas....

2. Economics 101 in this business does not necessarily mean lower prices with added competition...it also really means better services by the providers (us) to snag what business exists out there. And we are worth the money for the expert services that we provide.

3. Economics 102: ditto for us, too. DUH.
Example? If they are only charging $125 for a signing, they need to renegotiate their contracts so that they can actually earn a buck and succeed in this business as a signing service. I charge that much, and I"m not a signing service! At their rates, they are destined to fail.

4. Their understanding of the facts of the industry dynamics appears to be seriously misplaced.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/3/06 2:32pm
Msg #117489

Sure I would! And......

When they are finished taking advantage of me and talking or writing to me in a condescending manner, then you guys can take turns wizzing all over me to put the icing on the cake of my day, LOL
Professionals do not respond to emails that way.

Reply by Anonymous on 5/3/06 2:35pm
Msg #117493

they just emailed me to join

I told them that I read what they had said to a very seasoned professional SA and there was no way that I would sign up with them.

Reply by Accurate Signing Agency, Inc. on 5/3/06 2:40pm
Msg #117499

Re: they just emailed me to join

Oh man, this is too funny! I just got an email from them...lol. An SS trying to sign up another SS, what a concept. It's apparent that their heads are deeply lodged in a very uncomfortable area.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/3/06 2:43pm
Msg #117502

What was their response to that anon?

I'm curious as to how they handled you when you mentioned that email response
to Michigan Al.

Reply by Dee_Fla on 5/4/06 9:09am
Msg #117682

Re: What was their response to that anon?

Personally, after an email like that I would had asked for the owner of the company (if that wasnt her that wrote the email) and advise them of the email and how they are just adding nails to their coffin with such unprofessional responses.

I dont know...maybe someone was PMS'g...or as that song say's..."so your having a bad"...lol

Reply by Michele Cogburn on 5/4/06 12:34pm
Msg #117742

Re: What was their response to that anon?

Professionalism is key in any business. So even if the response was thought to be warranted, there are more professional ways of handling this situation.

I have been in medicine, real estate and other areas of customer service and I believe that what we must first remember is that we are each other's customers too.

God Bless you all.

The company would seem to stand a better chance of survival without that particular agent that sent that email out

Reply by JanelWI on 5/4/06 12:06pm
Msg #117727

Wow, this person didn't figure in time. Doesn't our time mean anything? Everyone talks about gas and travel. What about he extra hour I have to leave to get to an appointment on time? Or the time between appointments that I need for travel?, not to mention figuring in time at the appointment. Why do they never consider time? Add that up. Like I said before on this subject, it is insulting! and good luck in the rural areas where I live to find someone one street over. Or 5 to 9 miles away! LOL! I have had in one year.....5 where travel was not an issue. So this person needs to get out of the bubble. It is a big country. Not everyone lives on top of each other.