Posted by RMNotary on 2/18/05 11:22am
Msg #21176

OUCH!

Hey guys, go easy. Speaking from experience, I don't visit these boards very often (I know I certainly should as there is a LOT of really good information) so it could be easy not to know about a SS's reputation if you had not worked for them before. Maybe that was the case. Certainly, if you've done any work for SOS, you know the routine of collecting fees.

But for SOS to schedule an appointment and then not pay for four months is ridiculous. I'm sure if SOS had disclosed all the problems with the title company up front and also the minor detail of not getting paid - I'm sure that Mary never would have done it. Shame on SOS for booking such appointments! Just one more thing to confirm that SOS is definitely a NO-NO company.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/18/05 11:34am
Msg #21180

I agree that it is ridiculous to wait months for payment...That is why we must search for information before accepting an assignment, develope our own no list from due diligence.
I got upset with the threat of a lien against a borrower's home. They do not pick the SS, all they are doing is applying for a refi/cashout or purchase. It's just not right! I would see red if a notary tried to do that to me and my family.

Reply by Check out and Cancel on 2/18/05 11:42am
Msg #21183

Re: CHARM AL

I guess I Must be doing something wrong, when I get a call other that just knowing up front about companies, I'm not given time to say let me call you back and then go check them out.
Do notaries accept assignments and then when they check them out call back and cancel?

Reply by Melody on 2/18/05 11:46am
Msg #21184

Re: CHARM AL

"Do notaries accept assignments and then when they check them out call back and cancel?"

Yep.

I have no problem bailing on a rotten company.

Reply by RMNotary/NV on 2/18/05 11:49am
Msg #21188

Re: CHARM AL

That's a great idea! They certainly wouldn't hesitate to cancel us if another notary came along and said they would do it for cheaper. But to check it out first and then accept isn't possible since they just go down their list.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/18/05 11:52am
Msg #21189

Re: CHARM AL

I always try once. From my own experience, (one company in particular) had a really really bad rep on the internet. However, I had already accepted the job. I can tell you that I charged quite a bit. Well, they paid like clockwork. At the moment, I have no outstanding receivables to speak of. I have never had a company refuse to pay. So it is hard for me to understand. I think a few times when the payment was lingering I had to say hey I dont want to call the lender but I will.
When necessary, a little encouragement always has worked.

Reply by Thanks Charm AL n/m on 2/18/05 12:02pm
Msg #21196

Re: CHARM AL

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/18/05 1:20pm
Msg #21203

Re: CHARM AL

I've had calls from companies that I signed up with and companies will also e-mail me and I can check them out. If I accept a phone assignment, not knowing about the company, and find out they have a bad rating, I cross my fingers and follow thru because I made the commitment. Some people have had differing opinions on the same company. But I've studied this board in spare time to find the ones that WON'T pay and developed a list that I keep a few copies of. Thankfully none of those have called. I did ask a company to give me three minutes once, they did and I called back and accepted.

Reply by CarolynCO on 2/18/05 4:46pm
Msg #21257

Re: CHARM AL

The only time I cancel is when I haven't received the e-docs within my 2-3 hour before signing time limit.

If I commit over the phone, then I follow through with my word and do the signing. I've said over and over, someone's no-no list is another person's gold mine. If a company does not appear on umpteen no-no lists, I will take a one-time signing to test the waters of heir follow through and make my own judgments. For new companies, I will not take additional signings until I've been paid for the first. Even regular SS's, I have a limit of how much money I will let them run up before I tell them no more until I'm paid.

Reply by RMNotary/NV on 2/18/05 11:47am
Msg #21186

For sure! I think the lien is totally out of line - not to mention I don't think it is even possible to do. I was just commenting on the harsh tones shaming Mary for being stupid for taking the signing in the first place. Just feeling sorry, is all. (Certainly not saying what everyone said is completely wrong - it was just harsh) Nobody comes here wanting (or expecting) to be bashed - even if you are in the wrong. Makes you not want to participate again. That's all. That's me - trying to keep peace.

Reply by ColleenCA on 2/18/05 11:57am
Msg #21194

I am keeping a No No list in the front portion of my file cabinet that I have built on the advice of notaries on this board. That way, when I eventually get a call for a signing, I can simply pull that out while I am on the phone and say "no". I am also keeping current with advice about the different SS's and not registering with them in the first place. I quite agree with RMNotary/NV on the "hate speak". There shouldn't be any room for that here.