Posted by Stephanie on 3/23/04 10:47am
Msg #1245

$50.00 Signings

Conventional wisdom may say....4 signings @ $50.00 each is better than 0 signings at $125.00.

$50.00 signings are my "bread 'n butter"

Have a good one....Stephanie

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 3/23/04 1:21pm
Msg #1247

You Are The Reason...

...$50.00 companies exist. They "feed" on you & you're "spit out" whether you realize it or not. A lot of us are in this industry as a business not a charitable endeavor. At $50 a pop you fit rather nicely in the latter category whether you choose to realize it or not.

BTW, I don't do zero signings @ $125. I do a lot more at that figure & higher. You set your sights low & that's where you end up.

JMHO & you're entitled to yours. Hey, Jill. Are you still lurking? Another fish to fry!

Reply by A notary on 3/23/04 2:22pm
Msg #1248

Feed Up also

I'm actually tired of these people only charging 50 dollars JUSt to get MONEY, But you know what It's me and others that they call back to go back and correct their mistakes.
I personally WILL NOT DO 50 dollar closings I am better than that.
You have all these people and I know a few that say hey I did 30 signings last month for 50 each cool they made 1500.00 I do 30 signings and double that. So there.

Reply by A notary on 3/23/04 5:06pm
Msg #1251

Re: Feed Up also

Feed Up also?

Reply by Stephanie on 3/23/04 5:09pm
Msg #1252

Yo Dennis...

You run your business as you please & I'll do the same.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 3/23/04 5:38pm
Msg #1253

Just Be Thankful...

...I'm not Ronda/NY or you'd be threatened with a lawsuit for your use of the word "Yo". (BTW, you need to be a faithful reader of the GMN board to understand the humor in my comment). To get back to your point, which is also mine; PLEASE run your business the way you see fit. You can keep the Fox Signing Services in business with your lowball fees...they LOVE you. I on the other hand won't be attending your charity ball.

Reply by Claire/CA on 3/30/04 12:08am
Msg #1326

LOL re: Ronda/NY comment...and another thing

Thank you, Dennis, for the link to this page. I've never been here before! I would dearly love to get away from the $50 companies, but my income is required in my household, and I just can't start to say no to them until I've developed better contacts. Got any ideas?

Reply by Anonymous on 3/30/04 6:48am
Msg #1327

Re: LOL re: Ronda/NY comment...and another thing

I just wanted to let everyone know that I can also testify that there are companies out there that will pay more for your professional services. I am currently working with a title company and they pay me $150 per loan signing! I was actually shocked when I discovered some of these companies only want to pay $50. My name isn't Loreal, but I know I'm worth it.

Reply by Notary on 3/31/04 3:00pm
Msg #1348

Re: LOL re: Ronda/NY comment...and another thing

First of all arre you the Ronda on gomobilenotary?
that cause problems?

Reply by anonymous on 4/9/04 7:09pm
Msg #1451

Re: You Are The Reason...

You are such a hoot! I enjoy your comments! :)

Reply by Anonymous#2 on 4/29/04 1:39pm
Msg #1733

Re: You Are The Reason...

Prop to all you notaries that take signing for $50. Those of you that are "up there" and think that you worth more then others need to open your eyes. It is not what you make in one signing that will benefit you, but it is how many signings you will receive that is more important. I had been working as a notary for a couple of years and I know that $50 signing is not the greatest, but living in LA compare to the boonies does help. Title companies may contact you and pay you $125 for a signing but how many signing can they give you compare to those $50 signing companies? I use to work for title companies for $125 but I don't get much business. I went with signing companies and they are great!

Anonymous#2
"Think for yourself, you are paying your own bills!"

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 4/29/04 1:55pm
Msg #1734

Hey, Anonymous #2...

...Fox Signing Services has been searching high & low for you! When the two of you finally get together it'll truly be "a marriage made in heaven". You'll also deserve each other to the bitter "end". Of course all of this is contingent upon the fact you're really a signing agent & not just a hack for a signing company. You never know nowadays!

Reply by Brenda Stone on 4/29/04 4:45pm
Msg #1741

Re: Hey, Anonymous #2...

Mr. Broadbooks, I am curious about your intent in this and other postings. Your postings are very perplexing in that I though this was a General Discussion for the purpose as stated in the Notary Rotary forum definition. I am quoting it:

"General Discussion
Please use this forum to discuss notarial procedures, share experiences, ask questions of your peers, etc. Please avoid the advertising of your services - that's what your profile is for."

[ ] There is no discussion of notarial procedure.
[ ] No Experience has been shared.
[ ] No Question has been asked.

I guess it perplexes me why you, a seasoned signing agent with vast experience, would say these types of things.

My question is why?

Sincerely, Brenda Stone

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 4/29/04 7:34pm
Msg #1748

1st of All, Brenda,...

...I don't have "vast" experience. I've been doing signings for a little over 3 years now & still have lots to learn. I don't think I'm perplexing at all either, but then I guess I live with myself every day. I don't know how you could ever limit "General Discussion" to the three topics as that goes against the very essence of the word "general". I believe all Harry is trying to do by defining this forum the way he did is to use it as a "catch all" & not strictly limit it the way you're attempting to. I do have a tendency to utilize humor in the form of parody to drive home a point & if that's perplexing to you, I don't know how to remedy that situation. I simply take what I believe to be are principled stands & will debate them on their merits all day long.

BTW, you ARE to be commended for revealing your identity in this forum. There are far too many individuals willing to take potshots at others from behind their PC screens anonymously & I can't begin to show enough contempt for those who do.

JMHO & you're free to ask why. I just can't explain it any better than I've already expressed.

Reply by Brenda Stone on 4/29/04 8:25pm
Msg #1749

Thank you Dennis for explaining

Thank you for replying and explaining your philosophy about the board. When I said "vast" I meant it sincerely.

My board usage philosophy is different and you have every right to use this board as you see fit. My apologies. Usually boards are more stringent on the mission of their usage, but I can adjust to the board; the board does not need to adjust to me.

Like you, I do not like anonymous potshot takers, and I know they are usually little trouble making trolls. Pot shots in any forum or of non-anonymous identity are also unnecessary -- just my preference and my opinion.

Brenda

Reply by Brenda Stone on 4/29/04 9:16pm
Msg #1751

Re: Thank you Dennis for explaining

I did not address why I was perplexed. It was an attempt at trying to say nicely I why the negativity. But I refer to my earlier apology and say just because it is not my thing, does not mean I have the right to request it cease on my account.

I feel that notaryrotary.com is such a great site, but it is not likely to motivate many new paying members in the new signing agent sector when they realize that it can get hostile here. It was not like this before. It seems like perhaps another discussion board might be called for so that there can be the answers and serious inquiries and the banter.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 4/29/04 10:52pm
Msg #1755

One of the Difficulties...

...with posting on message boards is that so much of the "human element" is lost in the written word. Voice inflection has so much to do with having a "real" conversation & it just can't be matched on a message board. What someone may take as negativity in the written word, could be interpreted the exact opposite in person. I'm not a negative person & I think you'll realize that if you hang around my posts long enough. Thank you for the apology & I apologize if anything I've posted has come across in the wrong manner to you.

Reply by dmitchsr on 4/30/04 10:31pm
Msg #1771

Re: One of the Difficulties...

Too late, you're already painted ... Budddd!!! ;. )

Just Joking, Dennis.

I believe you to be a very intelligent person with a knowledge of things, and you express your views from a serious perspective...contrary to others' beliefs of narcissism. You're alright with me. Keep doin what you're doin. Anything else wouldn't be Dennis!

Reply by sue on 4/29/04 4:25pm
Msg #1739

Re: You Are The Reason...

...Title companies may contact you and pay you $125 for a signing but how many signing can they give you compare to those $50 signing companies?...

16 this week
25 last week
18 the previous week

and since most of mine are e-mail, it's $50 more on top of that $125. experience, professionalism and hard work pay off. if you're new, keep on working hard because there is a lot of money to be made in this business if you're smart.

Reply by A notary on 3/23/04 2:24pm
Msg #1249

One day you will relize what you are doing to the Notary business.
Guess you enjoy working for less than min wage. Companies probably call you like made so they can have a larger profit.

Reply by Stephanie on 3/23/04 5:02pm
Msg #1250

Because I am a professional with high standards of integrity I raise the bar for all in the Notary Signing Agent Industry.
I am not to proud to accept $50.00 for a signing.
To accept $50.00 and say that I am working for less than minimum wage is ridiculous.....I would have to spend over 8 hours on a signing, including follow up. I usually spend no more than 2 hours total per signing.
I do accept signings for up to $225.00, so I don't see what's the big deal....I run my business as I see fit.

What I realize is that many Notaries are just to "high 'n mighty" to accept $50.00 for a signing - like I said 4 signings @ $50.00 is better than 0 @ $150.00 or more.

**Each signing I do is conducted with the same detail & professionalism as any other.

How many Signing Agents notarize Deeds without an Exhibit A attached???? think about what that is doing to our industry.

Have a great evening,
Stephanie

Reply by victoria meissner on 3/23/04 7:07pm
Msg #1254

What exactly is an Exhibit A, sorry new to business..

Reply by Anonymous on 3/23/04 7:22pm
Msg #1255

It is a legal description of the property

Reply by victoria meissner on 3/24/04 5:00am
Msg #1263

Thanks annoymous

Reply by Stephanie on 3/24/04 10:49am
Msg #1267

Yes & it is required; however many notaries disregard a missing Exhibit A & notarize the deed anyway.

Reply by Stephanie on 3/24/04 10:50am
Msg #1268

Exhibit "A"...

is a legal description of subject property which is required to be part of a deed.

Reply by Leslie Lucchesi on 3/23/04 7:25pm
Msg #1256

I am brand new to this business. I seems there is alot of discussion about this $50.00 signing fee. Should someone new turn down these jobs and not get your "feet wet"? I don't want to sell myself short, I want to gain experience. Not sure what to do, I sense hard feelings in these discussions.

Reply by victoria meissner on 3/24/04 5:03am
Msg #1264

Leslie No, don't turn them down

I too am new, and not only did I just receive my first one for 50, by the way, i can walk to it, so no traveling involved, But50 dollars I feel is ok, to get our feet wet. I want what others are getting, but with lack of experience we need to start somewhere. I say take it..I'm sure you will hear negatives, but its your business, not anyone else's..

Reply by Leslie Lucchesi on 3/24/04 6:45am
Msg #1265

Re: Leslie No, don't turn them down

Thank you for those words, I am feeling very imtimidated by these discussions. Anyway, your welcome, about the exhibit A.

Reply by victoria meissner on 3/24/04 7:40am
Msg #1266

Re: Leslie No, don't turn them down

LOL don't..Seems to me someone is always going to make it look, like its our fault for taking the 50 dollar jobs..However, nothing wrong with doing that, especially, if you're not going far down the road. We need experience built up, like so many who already have it. We need to start somewhere. I also think, its not the notaries that accept the 50 dollar fees, that is hindering the others in anyway. Its the companies, playing their games, which all companies do one time or another. Like any business, always trying to save a buck wherever they can. See, the way I see it is like this. So I take 50 dollar jobs, if I know they are way out of my area, I tell them no. When I have built myself up, more experienced andd all, then I can say with confidence, Listen,I have my experience now. These are my fees, take it or leave it. We all have the control to accept or turn down any offer, so, lets stop the blaming, and just make our own choice. I didnt come into this job to have apporval nor disapproval about anything I do..Thats my business, as is the business of others to do what they want. Advice is great, and I have seen so much positive advice given, but as always, going to be one or two gripers, on just about anything said here. So dont let them intimidate you Leslie..Do what you feel comfortable for yourself..You owe no one here anything..!! ;o)

Reply by Stephanie on 3/24/04 1:20pm
Msg #1270

Re: Leslie No, don't turn them down - Leslie and Victoria

Hi:

There are times I do signings for $50.00 - there is nothing wrong with doing this. Some people on this discussion board feel that what we do in terms of our fees affects then. We each run our own business the way we want. Half of the people that put us down for charging $50.00 live in other states. How they handle their own business will be the factors affecting their own business.
DO NOT be intimated by these people.
I am not to proud to accept a $50.00 signing like so many are.....I read a posting stating that a Signing Agent isn't being paid for her work - that the forthcoming fee is taking a long time...and she is 'trippin. She is an Agent that is fed up with the Signing Agents accepting $50.00. At least I am being paid in a reasonable time without hassles.
Leslie & Victoria - always conduct a signing in a professional manner with integrity. I admire both of you; You will be successful. Let others let off some steam; tis happens in any industry.
Here is what I think....they want us to charge high fees to drive the Signing Services maybe out of business -taking away the middle man, so we will receive direct calls earning a higher pay.
It seems like a movement for their own good and possibly our too; however, I chose not to do this.
The Signing Services can be helpful especially if you're new.

I know this is really long...I have a few good points in here.
Have a great day,
Stephanie

Reply by victoria meissner on 3/24/04 7:49pm
Msg #1277

thanks Steph..I totally agree..

Reply by Leslie Lucchesi on 3/24/04 8:44pm
Msg #1279

Re: Leslie No, don't turn them down - Leslie and Victoria

I just returned from my virgin signing!! It was so easy, I don't know why I was worried, being a residential real estate title agent in my day job!! But it was fine, through a ss via title agent via lender to me, not to mention 1 mile from my home. But thank you Stephanie for your very thoughtful words, you took time and thought into making me feel more welcome on this discussion board.

Reply by Confused on 3/29/04 3:38pm
Msg #1318

Confused

OK, I've been reading all of your responses. I'm new to the game. I thought that $50 was the going rate. Are you telling me I should be getting paid more than $50? Please let me know. All companies I signed up with stated the fee of $50. I'm currently a college student and two signings per day at 5 - 6 days per week is good money for me and it allows me flexibility for my class schedule. If I can make more money, please let me know the name of the signing agencies so that I can contact them.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 3/29/04 4:10pm
Msg #1319

Don't Be Confused...

...since you're a self-professed "newbie", a $50.00 fee probably sounds like good money. However $50.00 is NOT good money if you plan on doing this as a profession. The $50.00 signing companies like Fox Signing Services delight in having your services at a discounted rate. That's how they remain in business. However there are multitudes of companies more than willing to provide you with a fee commensurate with the professional service you're providing. Finding them is the key & there are lots of places to start looking. Link to the GoMobileNotary.com web site (click on RESOURCES) & I believe they have a cursory listing of companies available to start contacting.

BTW, these comments are my opinion & mine only. Any subsequent "threats" I may receive from a certain signing company as a result will be dealt with in an appropriate manner as only I can ascertain.

Reply by Anonymous on 4/29/04 4:44pm
Msg #1740

Re: Don't Be Confused...

Why are you so negative and insulting and hostile?? You are just confusing and possibly misleading any new notaries. This is a terriffic business to get into. Please try to be encouraging and helpful to us fellow notaries and not so negative. We should be trying to work together, shouldn't we???

Reply by sue on 4/29/04 5:11pm
Msg #1743

Re: Don't Be Confused...

negative? I thought this was a positive post giving another side to forever working for $50 - $50 is a starting point, not where most of us end up and not where you have to end up if you work hard (and I differ than others because I think that if you have no experience in this job you should be happy to have someone pay you $50 rather than charge you $50 to learn as you go)

insulting? I don't know what part of my post was an insult

hostile? guess we use a different dictionary - I thought my post was encouragement for newbies as to what they can attain after several years of hard work

Reply by Anonymous on 4/29/04 5:26pm
Msg #1744

Re: Don't Be Confused...

No, no, many appologies. I was speaking of a certain gentleman.


Please accept my apology. Not intended for you.

take care and happy signing!!!

Reply by veteran in business on 3/29/04 7:24pm
Msg #1321

Re: Confused

Interest rates have been going up lately and lots of notaries have been discounting their fees...
plus if you're one of those notaries who has basically NO experience you're lucky to get $50 per signing and hope you dont mess it up for the poor souls who are relying on you to do a professional job with NO EXPERIENCE!!! Get some real training from an escrow person or loan funder not from one of those really LAME CLASSES the National Notary Assn is offering so they can generate easy income... talk about a waste of money!!!
You new people lower the industry standards and think you're worth more money than you are !!!! be appreciative and get a life!!!

Reply by vmamw1 on 3/31/04 3:42pm
Msg #1352

Good thing you're a veteran of the business then..

This is supposed to be a site for helping others, even the new ones,giving advice or general info, input and ideas. You sound so hostile and bitter. If you are doing your work well then you shouldn't be affected one way or the other by any so called"newbie". This as any other business is not easy getting started, and I'm sure you being a veteran know this. So give it a break, leave the insults out of it..If you don't want to help thats fine, there are so many kind people here who will. Thinking if anyone needs a life, might be you!

Reply by netstone on 4/1/04 10:51pm
Msg #1368

Re: Good thing you're a veteran of the business then..

Good evening, Vmamw1: You make quite a good point.

Personally, I have doubts about postings like this--I believe this is just your grade B garden variety troll (*see below) at work. I would not be surprised to find out that the Vitriolic Veteran is not a signer at all. This individual did not craft his/her posting with the finesse that you will observe to be characteristic of the "class act" signing agent.

Brenda

=====
*For those who do not know what a troll is: Trolls lurk and post inflammatory remarks. The more negativity they can generate, the more they post. My observation has been that sometimes they do this just for fun, and sometimes the troll is ignorant of how to act better, and is probably living by the rule that bad attention is better than no attention.
=====

Reply by class act agent on 4/2/04 11:30pm
Msg #1382

Re: Good thing you're a veteran of the business then..

Yehaw, from watching this board I know who the troll is.

Reply by vmamw1 on 4/4/04 7:13am
Msg #1397

I totally agree..

Momma always said, if you have nothing nice to say, then SHUTUP!! yah momma was hard ..LOL