To OP: I learned a long while ago, DON'T talk Fees! Just run your business to be profitable for You. Also, in your defense you did say you "were removed from the signing." We applaud you; and know you're not alone in confronting these hard choices. A business takes Time to build. Many well-paying direct clients chose to disregard previous relationships with experienced nsa's to save $10-$15! When we refused to play by their rules, guess whose mouths/pockets suffered! We'd set our Margins as low as they could go. Still, lots of us will not get aboard the Platform train, which newbies love, just as worker bees do honey!
Reality: The playing field is no longer level. With the introduction of SD, the rules changed drastically, as did the bottom lines of scores of notaries.
Tip (for All): Work smarter, not harder. Constantly challenge your assumptions and Find the work. If possible change the ratio of clients, and let your fees reflect that. Understand that you won't hear from majority of SS, notary farmers, 3rd party players, etc. when you hold to a professional fee - and that's OK.
Finally, it isn't palatable reading recurring posts from new notaries (in general) about low volume of work or "show me companies to work for." The solution may be as simple as casting a net in different waters Or changing the bait (whatever that means in practical business terms!). A Word About Perspectives There are all different perspectives here since we chose this work for various reasons (some merely supplement their income) and have varying needs/goals - not to mention re-entering the traditional workforce is not an option for many. But seriously, for those strong and struggling to support themselves & a family it's just a whole lot simpler to just get a J O B!
That's pretty much it for Michelle's muses. There's always tomorrow |