Posted by nc notary on 6/24/04 10:17am
Msg #3452
signings without printers
I like so many on this forum, am a new notary, for about a month now I have been gathering as much information about notarizing as I could find. I am wondering if I can "market" myself to ss's without having a printer . I am well aware how important it is to have a printer(laser), but they are costly, & at the moment I do not have the funds. I guess my question can be summed up in whether not having a printer will hinder me from getting work as a notary?
Thank you for your responce.
Beky
| Reply by Roger/OH on 6/24/04 10:45am
Msg #3453
Basic office equipment to be a signing agent includes a cell phone, pc and printer, and fax. The printer and fax will be necessary to receive emailed docs as well as last-minute HUDs/affidavits that don't come in the overnighted package. Additionally, they are essential to receiving the fee confirmation sheet you should have before leaving for any assignment.
There are sites for refurbished machines and frequent sales at places like OfficeMax, Staples, etc , Good luck.
| Reply by Hope/San Diego on 6/24/04 10:55am
Msg #3454
I didn't have a laser printer or fax for my first year as a signing agent and I did just fine. I just didn't accept any edocs. So I feel it is not an immediate necessity if you do not have the funds. If companies wanted to fax me something, they would send it to my eFax. Still after 3 years of signings, 80% are overnighted or courriered to me and 20% are edocs.
| Reply by nc notary on 6/24/04 11:59am
Msg #3456
Thank you for your response, I'm going ot give it a try, the worst that can happen is I don't get business(or as much until i get my laser printer).
Beky
| Reply by PAW Notary Services on 6/24/04 2:22pm
Msg #3462
You really can't accept an assignment without a laser printer. Why? How would you handle the faxed HUD and title documents that were not included with the lenders documents? How do you print your confirmation that may need to be faxed back?
You need a laser printer, no two ways about it. You may be able to get by with a good inkjet printer, but just because you may need to receive last minute documents, you really do need to have a laser printer that is capable of printing legal size. You don't need to be PCL compliant if you are not accepting edocs, but, since you should get a laser printer anyway, you might as well get one that supports PCL5e and legal paper. The HP 1300 can be bought for a few hundred dollars. Check around.
Paul/FL
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/24/04 2:36pm
Msg #3463
Starting a business!
No matter what business you are going into there are going to be start up costs. This business is no different than any other in that respect.
As a notary public, you basically just need your commision and your seal.
As a signing agent you have to invest in a printer (laser), this is necessary for printing out the confirmations - unless you have a stand alone fax they can fax them to, and you need to be able to print out the title company junk docs.
Put off starting your signing agent business until you have have the funds to get the basics!
If a signing comany calls you, and you are not able to print out the title docs, they are not going to be able to use you, and they will probably put a note by your name, not to call you.
Companies expect professionals. Professionals have the right equipment.
It is an investment, and you will make the money back pretty quick if you are actively doing signings. I have never had a signing where I have not needed my printer. It is the best investment I ever made.
| Reply by Hope/San Diego on 6/24/04 3:19pm
Msg #3471
Re: Starting a business!
I totally disagree! I consider myself a professional and I didn't have a laser printer or fax for my first year as a signing agent. I did tons of signings, but not just edocs. Confirmations were sent to me via email or to my eFax account and I just printed those up on my inkjet. All courriered and overnighted packages I received had the all the escrow papers. So your comment regarding professionals have the right equipment isn't worth a grain of salt. All the Title and Escrow companies I work for during my first year and to date, consider me a professional!! Now that I do have a laser printer, I would have to say it is not my best investment because only 20% of my signups are eDocs. I can truthfully say that I can do without a laser printer today. Not doing eDocs is no big loss to me. JMHO
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/24/04 7:17pm
Msg #3484
Re: Starting a business!
You are free to disagree Hope. But, I work mostly with title companies, very few signing companies and the title companies are giving me the work because I have a laser printer. They don't all send edocs, although I do a lot of edocs for several of them. When they call, or send me e-mails asking to work with them, they want to know if I have DSL and a laser printer.
Without the laser printer and DSL I would not be doing mostly Title company work. I would much rather work with title companies at $150 and up a signing than with a $50 signing company.
| Reply by Hope/San Diego on 6/24/04 8:20pm
Msg #3488
Re: Starting a business!
I started right off the bat working direct with local Title/Escrow Companies and still 90% of my work comes from them. All the docs are courriered to my house complete with escrow stuff. The signing companies are the ones offering me eDocs which I don't think is worth it for $75 + $50 for edocs. I try to steer away from edocs because I don't think it's worth my time. So I agree with you about working with title companies than with a signing service, but I didn't agree with you about "professionals have the right equipment." You can certainly be a professional without a laser printer. I certainly know quite a few "professional signing agents" here in San Diego who have been doing this longer than I have who still don't have a laser printer. Come to think of it, I haven't had to use my laser printer in the last month and a half for signings and I have been averaging 7-12 signings a week during this slow period.
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/24/04 10:42pm
Msg #3496
Re: Starting a business! - To Hope
Tha explains it better - you ae working with local Title/Escrow companies! You can probably do very well without a laser printer.
California does have a lot of title companies (a lot of the title companies I work with are out of California)
Here, the local companies have their own inhouse notaries they use. So, all my signings come from nationwide title companies and lenders.
You are only averaging 7-12 signings a week - because it is a slow period. Have you signed up with nationwide title companies and lenders? You should be able to get more work. I am turning down probably 15-20 signings a week.As you have been working with mostly title companies, you shouldn't have any problems working with nationwide ones, you have the experience.
| Reply by Hope/San Diego on 6/25/04 12:42am
Msg #3499
Re: Starting a business! - To Hope
I have signed up with very few nationwide title companies and lenders. I love working on a more personal level with local companies.
During refi mania, my max was 20 signings. During this slow period and because it is summer, I like to average 7-12 signings a week. I have four kids with activities going in all directions. I work around their schedule. I do turn down work, but it is no way near 15-20 signings a week.
| Reply by sue on 6/25/04 7:25am
Msg #3501
Re: Starting a business!
I agree with Sylvia that you need a laser printer in most cases.
Hope, you are in SanDiego and you CA gals & guys are in a different climate than most of the rest of us. where I live (PA) no one would ever courier paperwork to me. Most of us around the country don't work for local title companies because they don't do witness only closings - borrowers still must go to their offices. My work comes from Pittsburgh and I am on the eastern side of the state so they are e-mailing me everything. Your escrow system in CA is not like most of the rest of the country - I believe there are only about 7 or 8 states that use that system - so the rest of us can't hook up with an escrow agent because there is no such thing.
notaries, remember, these boards are dominated by CA notaries and I've determined over the past few years that their world is a whole lot different than my world when it comes to loan signings and notary work.
| Reply by Hope/San Diego on 6/25/04 8:51am
Msg #3508
Re: Starting a business!
Okay, I understand now. I didn't realize everyone couldn't hook up with a local escrow company. So yes, if all you can do are edocs then that would require you to have a laser printer. BUT to say to be a professional you have to have a laser printer doesn't apply to everyone. Have a good weekend!
| Reply by nc notary on 6/24/04 8:26pm
Msg #3489
Re: Starting a business! To: Sylvia
I just wanted to say that you are one of the reasons so many people post anonymously. Rather than sharing advice amongst peers you choose to chastise others who don't seem to fall in your ideal realm of what a "profesional"is. Comments such as "Companies expect professionals. Professionals have the right equipment." do no't help people it pisses them off. I normally stay out of the whole cat fights that are shared amongst people on the forum b/c I dont see the point or gain in fighting over who is right or wrong... at the end of the day each person will stick to their convictions. In this case however I am just overwhelmed at the ignorance of your comments. Who are you to pass judgement on my work ethic & basically my intelligence" No matter what busines you are going into there are start up costs" WOW thank you so much for that clarification! All the while I thought people just started their business for free .
The point is there are much better ways to voice you opinions/experiences without trying to ridicule people, just so you can marvel in what I'm sure you believe to be your own success.
BEKY
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/24/04 8:37pm
Msg #3491
Re: Starting a business! To: Sylvia
I often share advice as most signing agents can tell you.
I try not to post to anonymous posts! They are rarely intelligent, and usually inflammatory!
I have always posted my name - as most professionals do!
| Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 6/24/04 11:32pm
Msg #3498
Sylvia has helped more newbies
I can't understand your thoughts concerning Sylvia. She has been the most helpful notary in the United States with both newbies and journymen notaries.
I cannot tell you how much she has helped me personally and thousands of other notaries on the chat lines. When she states you need to be a professional and get a laser printer why is this offensive to you?
I am like Sylvia my phone rings off the kook but my days of getting FedEx delivered to my door step are a thing of the past. I actually am getting one tomorrow and its the first one in 10 days. This industry is going to email docs. whether we like it or not.
When someone is as nice as Sylvia and helps notaries on a daily basis as she does you should apoligize to her but I imagine you think you are correct. I would hate to think people like you would cause Sylvia not to help the newbies in the future.
| Reply by Hope/San Diego on 6/25/04 12:48am
Msg #3500
Re: Sylvia has helped more newbies
I usually agree with all of Sylvia's advice and opinions, but I don't see how getting a laser printer makes you a professional.
| Reply by PAW Notary Services on 6/25/04 8:12am
Msg #3503
Re: Sylvia has helped more newbies
If, for no other reason, because the lenders, title companies, and signing services specifically state that you need a laser printer.
Recordable documents must be durable and last for years. The "ink" must not fade, crack, peel, smudge or dissolve in humidity laden basements. Inkjet ink does not fit this requirement, though they are getting better, but ink is applied on top of the paper and will eventually separate from the paper. Many inks are also water soluble, so things printed with ink may dissolve over time. Why do you think that signatures need to be applied with a ballpoint pen? Similar reasoning. Fountain pens apply the ink to the surface of the paper and may exhibit the same properties as inkjet ink. Ballpoints break the surface layer of the paper allowing the ink to penetrate the fibers of the paper, which in turn, allows for better adhesion and bonding with the paper.
Laser printing breaks down the molecular structure of the paper allow the "toner" to molecularly attach to the paper creating a very intricate and strong bond. This bonding resists, to a very high degree, fading, "chalking", cracking or peeling. And it is almost impervious to liquid spills and high humidity.
So, from a professional standpoint, a professional NSA will have the proper equipment necessary for the completion of their job. This often includes printing of documents that "require" laser printing.
I will submit that in recent years, the recording of documents on paper has decreased quite a bit. Today, we kill more trees and trash more paper than ever before. So the ink vs toner argument may not hold water (pun intended) much longer, but until the lenders, title companies and signing services no longer "require" laser printers, a laser printer is a required item for the professional notary signing agent. Just like their stamp, pens and, in some cases, a journal.
| Reply by Hope/San Diego on 6/25/04 8:36am
Msg #3506
Re: Sylvia has helped more newbies
I am very well aware of the difference between the capabilities of laser vs. inkjet. My point is....you do not necessarily need to have a laser printer to be in this business. I didn't have one for my first year. I felt it wasn't a priority for me. I have never had a lender or title company tell me that I needed a laser printer to do business with them. When I did get one a couple of years ago, I started accepting edocs but I feel it isn't worth the money or my time. I have better things to do than wait and wonder when the edocs would come....not for me! I maybe use my laser 2-3 times a month, if that. So from this professional standpoint, a professional signing agent does not need to have a laser printer nor is "required" to have one.
| Reply by nc notary on 6/25/04 8:22am
Msg #3504
Re: Sylvia has helped more newbies
Joan, I was not upset at the fact that Sylvia responded, it was the manner in which she did. I read her posting & though I got her point, she just didn't need to be so harsh, other's posted in favor of her thoughts, just not as rudely. I had never posted with my name before for that very reason, b/c those who have been around for a while just plain make you feel dumb(that's not to say everyone). Granted some of the questions posted even I know the answers to, but still. I am not "people like you ", you don't know a thing about me, so please don't pass judgment. Maybe her posting was simply misunderstood/misinterpreted & if so them i do apologize. I am not here to fight with people but rather learn. If Sylvia chooses not help anyone else it the future you honestly can't blame that on single incident, if we dictated our lives based on a single bad experience where would we be?
I don't know, but , I hope you & Sylvia realize I'm really not a bad person, I was simply frustrated. If you choose to dislike me either way then that is up to you.
Beky
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/25/04 8:48am
Msg #3507
Re: Sylvia has helped more newbies
My response was not meant to be "harsh" or "rude" - that is not my style!
Problem with message board posts is you cannot put the inflections in your voice.
I am always happy to help "newbies" as I have done for the past several years - there are a lot of signing agents carrying my numbers around with them that call me for help, and I have never turned them down.
I have never made anyone feel dumb (at least not intentionally)
You obviously misunderstood my post and I do accept your apology.
As for liking you, I neither like nor dislike you - I do not know you well enough. I have only seen your posts on here. (same as you can neither like nor dislike me, you don't know me either)
Ask questions (there is no such thing as a dumb question - it is only dumb when you do not ask)
I try to answer questions, you may not always like the answer, but that is the way things go.
| Reply by Glena on 6/25/04 8:53am
Msg #3509
Re: Starting a business! To: Sylvia
Beky,
I am posting this message in Sylvia's defense. I do not know where you are coming from because Sylvia is a very professional person who is always ready to help whenever it is asked. You posted on the forum asking for advise...she gave it to you freely. I have no idea why you got insulted by her post. You asked for advise, she gave it to you freely...she did not shove it on your face! I do not believe that there is anything she said that is considered inflammatory. Whether you take her advise or not, it is up to you, but attacking her the way you did is just uncalled for.
She is saying that if you want to project yourself as a professional, you should have the right equipment. I support that. Having the right equipment does not define you as a professional entirely, but it is a big part of it. If you do not have laser printer and only have inkjet, you can probably accept eDocs, however if companies know about it, they will not send you eDocs anymore. Also, if you do not have printers, you are limited to overnight mail delivery and $50 signings. People who limit themselves to that oftentimes wonder why they do not make as much money as others. Please do not continue to be offended by Sylvia's remark. I know she means well...She is always there when she is needed. I know because I have called her on emergencies late at night when I could not get a hold of anyone else. She is a good mentor. I have learned a lot from Sylvia and a couple other notaries at GMN chat board.
I know that you are new, but probably not new to the forum as I could see how thorough you are with your research. You are in the right track. I would take Sylvia's advise, invest money and get the right equipment and gather as much knowledge as you can about signings.
People on the chat board posts anonymously because they have an image that they want to project...not because of Sylvia. I have found her to be prefessional, willing to help the ones who need them and easily renders her advice. She know a lot about the signing business than most people I have encountered. She only responds to posts in kind. The post that you made about people posting anonymously because of her is totally uncalled for. People who have been in the board for awhile know that Sylvia is more of a help to anyone there than what you picture her to be.
| Reply by Cheryl CA on 6/25/04 8:58am
Msg #3510
Re: Starting a business! To: Sylvia
Your posting is your personal opinion of course, and you are entitled to it. My personal opinion and take on Sylvia is that she is one of the most generous professionals, always willing to give solid, reliable advice and is such a highly valuable resource, that I can't understand any one feeling the way you do. I have never found Sylvia to be anything but supportive, validating and full of heart and soul. Sylvia is not ignorant in the least. While you may not feel like apologizing to her, I feel I have to support Sylvia here as a colleague, someone I have no compunction about bouncing ideas, theories and dilemmas with her and others I've met on this board. One more thing, I have always felt this board is a cut above other boards because it's membership doen't throw daggers, engage in verbal brawls, and blatantly belittle each other. I hope this doesn't become a trend here. And I always post using my name, because this community has been good to me and I in turn have been good to it! I totally respect my colleagues and their right to opinion, but I must say I feel you are way off the mark where Sylvia is concerned.
| Reply by nc notary on 6/25/04 9:56am
Msg #3511
Re: Starting a business! To: Cheryl & Glenda
Ladies, I just wanted to say that I have apologized to Sylvia, & I have gone to great lengths to do so. It was a really big misunderstanding, & misinterpretation of her posting. In retrospect I wish I'd never made such a posting, but the fact its that I did, & I've done what I could to rectify the situation rather than being stubborn, & unwilling to reason with. I really hope this goes to show that I'm not a big fat jerk(in lamest terms), I just made a big error, in judgment. Hopefully this will help clarify things.
In fact after this whole (embarrassing) ordeal I've come out with respect for Sylvia for: A accepting my apology, & B : continuing to offer help/advise even though I hadn't been the nicest of people to her. I am by no means trying to kiss butt, I'm simply stating the way I feel , & again I express how sorry I really am, in this matter. Hopefully we can now all get over it & move on.
Sincerely
Beky
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/25/04 10:28am
Msg #3512
Re: Starting a business! To: Cheryl & Glenda
Beky has sent me a nice e-mail with an apology which I accepted.
Time to move on:)
| Reply by DiscountNotary on 6/24/04 3:41pm
Msg #3473
Yes, you can function just fine without that equipment and use it to build cashflow.
1) As soon as you can afford it, you can get the low end HP laser jet at Office Max which prints in black and white on legal and letter for $150.00.
You can up grade after a few closings and keep this one as a backup printer.
2) To receive HUD today. Setup a free fax account at efax. Give lenders that number. Then they fax to you and it comes to an email account. Hotmail accounts are free. Then you can go to any copy place such as Kinkos, logon for a few minutes and print the documents. Or, if you have a printer at home, just use that. If it is inkjet, just take the copies to a copy place on your way to the closing and photocopy them to transform
the jet ink to laser ink.
3) Find a cheap place to fax back. Or if you have a fax at home, buy a calling a card at Sams or Costco for $.03 per minute. Thus, if the lender does not give you a free 800 number to fax back on, you can go this route.
While the steps above are bit cumbersome, it can put you in business today. If you can find a cheap place to print documents off with good office hours, you could even accept edocs today. You would only make a little money after costs unless the fee was good, say $50 to $65 for the closing and $25.00 for an edoc, may $15.00 for a second copy,which you will have to calculate carefully, but it will help you build into the business.
WHile you are running around, find out where the Fedex, Airbourne, UPS, and DHL offices are in your neighborhood. I use Fedex and pick up extra envelops and forms. Then, I just call Fedex to return, leave them on my front step and Fedex swings by in the morning and picks them up.
Organization is the key!
Good luck.
| Reply by nc notary on 6/24/04 8:03pm
Msg #3487
Thank you very much for all the useful info, & understanding that the point of working without a printer would be due to circumstances only. This is by no means a plan for business growth, but rather a means to getting started. I feel as if I'm doing my homework, and doing my best to prepare myself to have be anotary signing agent. I have my own account with UPS have plenty of shipping supplies, my filing cabinet is set up, along with a spread sheet for invoices, comapanies, i've worked with (though still blank), etc. Again thank you for all the useful information you have generously provided.
Beky
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/24/04 8:44pm
Msg #3492
nc notary
Although you believe I never give useful advice, I am going to offer you some. You can take it or leave it!
You say you have your own UPS account. If you should get a signing where you have to provide the package and label for returning the docs to the title company , do not put your name as the sender on the label! Put the company (or even the borrowers info), because if for some reason there is a problem with the account number, or you forget to put it on the label (which is possible), then your account would be charged for the shipping costs. I know signing agents this has happened to.
I have been doing loan signings for several years now and have seen this happen. And it is a pain in the rear to get it straightened out - and the shipping company will bill you $10 for changing the billing info to the correct one.
| Reply by nc notary on 6/25/04 8:26am
Msg #3505
Sylvia, rather airing out the laundry fo rall to see I would really like to talk/email you where just the two of us could talk . this is my email if you would like to do so.
beky
[e-mail address]
| Reply by Judy Teague on 6/25/04 10:31am
Msg #3513
Beky,
I am also a NC notary, and I always received the docs by FedEx until last week. I am now working with a signing company which isn't listed on NotaryRotary, but I would rate them above exceptional. I have done more jobs in one week with the new company than I've done in three months with the other companies. Also the contact person is willing to work with me and answer all my nitty questions with patience, whereas at least one previous company contact was difficult to get along with. Sorry, I've gotton off on a tangent. All I meant to say was that you can do alright without edoc capability.
| Reply by nc notary on 6/25/04 10:45am
Msg #3515
Thank you for your reply maybe you would be willing to share some info on the company you are working with. Perhaps if we are in a close proximity we can get together, & give eachother a hand. I will be working out of Onslow county, you can reply here or you can reach me at : [e-mail address]
Either way thank you so much for your reply.
Beky
| Reply by RoadRunner on 6/26/04 4:23am
Msg #3544
Re: No start up cost
Hi nc notary,
First, as newbie myself, I have to say this is the most resourceful and friendliest forum I've ever been to.
Don't know what your plan is and how far you wanna go with this signing business. You might not need a printer now, but you'd eventually needed later and opportunity on knock once. As you'd limit your business not to accept edocs now. I think what Sylvia said make total sense "you need to have the right equipment/training for whatever profession you're in".
Have you ever heard of "using other people's money"? That's what I've done. Just hope you have some plastics (credit card).
1. Use your credit card to buy the best (laser) printer & fax machine. Make sure you use the card at the very beginning date of the statement . There is no finance on the 20/25 days grace period.
2. Check with the retailer's returning policy on the stuff you bought, usually 14 days on elec. equip. DON'T BUY ONLINE, you'll pay shipping when returned.
3. Use the equipments for your business. If there is no business, pack and return the equipment within the return period policy.
4. Repeat step 1-3 until you have made money to afford/own the equipment.
I went out and got a $300 fax machine to use just for today's signing bcuz my $29 ribbon fax machine couldn't handle 70 pages fax.
Good luck
| Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/26/04 7:47am
Msg #3548
Re: No start up cost
Ok - want to address something in your post Roadrunner.
Buying the best laser printer - you don't always have to buy the best! An HP1300 is about $350 and it is a good one for this profession, It has the correct PCL drivers to accept edocs.
As for a fax machine, I have a stand alone one, that was inexpensive. I only use it for outgoing faxes, so I don't have to buy cartridges for it.
For incoming faxes I use Maxemail (www.maxemail.com) I pay just under $60 a year for it. But you can use their $14.95 a year option.
This way the faxes come to my inbox (and I have it set for faxes to come to me in pdf format), so I can print them out on my laser printer.
Instead of buying the expensive cartridges for the laser printer when it runs out of toner, I buy toner refills from www.tonerkits.com, for the HP 1300 I pay $6.99 for the refill, for my HP2100 I pay $7.99 for the refill. Shipping is added on to the price, - and you can use Paypal to pay.
(I just bought a case of 10 for the HP 2100 for $84 (includes shipping, which is cheap!) You can refill those cartridges 4 or 5 times before you need to replace the cartridge and there are places on line where you can buy the empty cartridges inexpensively.
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