Posted by CarolynCO on 8/22/05 9:19am
Msg #60718

Atlas

My Monday morning pet peeve -- why can't SSs and/or TCs and LCs afford to purchase an atlas to see where signings are located in comparison to where the SA is located? I just received a call from a SS that I've never signed with before asking my availability for tomorrow night. The signing is close to 200 miles (one way), in the middle of the mountains and at night. Between driving time and signing time, I'm looking at around 8 hours, more if we have a rock slide, as we did last week, closing the interstate.

After explaining the scenario, the comeback was "oh, so you don't want to do it?"

Reply by BLE on 8/22/05 9:21am
Msg #60720

the comeback was "oh, so you don't want to do it?"

Thanks for a Monday morning laugh! Great way to start the week.

Reply by Shannon/Va on 8/22/05 10:02am
Msg #60736

I would say, sure I'll do it. It is 175 miles out of my normal area, so that is 40.5 cents per mile (government allowable) times 2 (141.76) plus my signing fee of $150.00 plus my email fee of $35.00. That would then be $326.76. And maybe an after hour fee of $50.00. (driving back at night)

Just a pipe dream I suppose.

Reply by CarolynCO on 8/22/05 10:10am
Msg #60744

Re: Shannon - don't short change yourself!

If you are only quoting 40.5 cents a mile, you're short changing yourself. As for *government allowable* the 40.5 cents is all we are allowed to claim on taxes -- we are allowed to charge SSs, TCs and LCs any amount we set for excess mileage.

Reply by Nd_WA on 8/22/05 10:16am
Msg #60746

I had the same kind of request for a (200mi rt) from 2 different SS last week. I'd have done it if they were would guarantee $350 for signed or no signed.

Reply by CarolynCO on 8/22/05 10:28am
Msg #60749

I have one SS that I have a track record with and I do take these kind of signings for. Our relationship was formed with several in-town signings and they proved to me they paid timely. I can pretty much quote any mountain signing fee and they will accept it. If I don't have anything to do, I actually enjoy the all day mountain trip signings, especially when the Aspens begin changing. However, this particular SSs reputation could be considered shaky, and for never having signed with them before, I didn't want my first experience to be a question as to whether I'd ever be paid.

Reply by BetsyMI on 8/22/05 11:39am
Msg #60776

Geez I hate to sound dumb, but I've been recording 37.5 per mile in my log book for the longest time. When did the government mileage allowance go to 40.5 per mile?

Reply by taxpro on 8/22/05 2:14pm
Msg #60816

January 1, 2005

Reply by BetsyMI on 8/22/05 2:19pm
Msg #60819

Thanks, TaxPro!

Reply by taxpro on 8/22/05 2:45pm
Msg #60830

Anytime. With the price of gas, the standard mileage rate should be a lot higher. At the time that they refigured the rate for 2005, the price of gas was almost $1.00 per gallon less than it is now! Since the standard mileage rate includes gas, maintenance, insurance, repairs, and depreciation, it's way too low. I've been using the standard mileage rate for years, but am considering going actual expenses instead. Or, I'll at least look at both results and choose the higher deduction. Although using actual expenses requires more recordkeeping, it might be worthwhile.

Reply by Claudia_NJ on 8/22/05 10:29am
Msg #60753

Carolyn,

I had an SS call me last week requesting that I drive 3 hours RT (w/t traffic) for $50 for a spanish speaking closing - they always take longer. Yes, I did laugh on the phone..... I quoted them my fee and they came back with the usual we'll give lots of work, we're always looking for people in your area, bla, bla, bla, bla...... No thanks!

The best part is someone called the next day regarding the same closing trying to "schmoose me" (their words) into doing it and offering $95 - WOW! I would be making more $$$$ if I worked at McDonald's.....

Someone must have taken it because they did not call back a third time.......

Reply by Laura_NH on 8/22/05 12:04pm
Msg #60786

I am glad to hear this from other people, I have been turning down $50 signings for a 200 mile one way signing, and the ss's that call act like i am crazy. I am the only person in this direct area that does signings, and I also travel, ridiculous amts of distance for signings, but i also expect the ss's to pay for my time, wear and tear on the vehicle, gas prices going up, etc. so i try to charge a fair price for them and me. Its encouraging to hear how you come up with your figures, for the longer distance signings. I am not so far off base, and actually look like i have been shortchanging myself! Thank you! laura

Reply by CarolynCO on 8/22/05 2:22pm
Msg #60821

I have a different rate for mountain signings based more on time than on distance. I don't even advertise that I cover mountain areas, but still get several calls. Some I'll take and some I happily turn down. For one SS, I always try to accommodate because they are such a pleasure to work with and usually meet my fair without any hesitation. For the majority though, they are usually SSs who are going down the line calling numbers, and ones I've never signed with before. I don't want the first signing to be a "am I going to get paid signing?" that took 6, 8 or more hours for travel and signing.

Reply by Shannon_Va on 8/22/05 10:56pm
Msg #60951

You are right Carolyn, we can charge what we feel is appropriate. I guess I was just being more technical. I won't do a signing more than 30-40 miles one way. And of course, no mountains here. Flat as can be. Until you hit the western part of the state anyway.

Reply by CarolynCO on 8/23/05 8:45am
Msg #60997

Shannon,
I was afraid that you *thought* we could only charge the government-allowed mileage rate, and just wanted to clarify that you weren't doing so.