Posted by db_IL on 6/7/05 11:43pm
Msg #43066

Last minute signing location change

Wondering what the more experienced and seasoned SA's do in this case.

Had a signing all set up for a town outside my local area. SS agreed to my fee and all was good, really good!! Upon confirming with borrower, their schedule conflicted so they ask to meet at another location. Just happens to be much closer to my home.

Question: If my fee included quite a bit for trip/travel/mileage (whatever you want to call it) . . do you (a) leave fee as is or (b) charge less when submitting invoice or (c) call SS to update them on latest and go from there.

I've leaned towards (c) viewing this as an opportunity to develop a rapport with SS and show that we SA's are class acts. I know all consciences are different, but I'm sure someone has experienced this long before I did. Let me hear what you think.

Reply by missy_socal on 6/7/05 11:48pm
Msg #43067

I personally haven't had that happen, but for what it's worth.... a SS rep. posted recently on the GMN board (I believe) about that very same situation. They were pretty upset with the notary, who chose not to let them know that the location changed to be much closer.

Reply by db_IL on 6/7/05 11:58pm
Msg #43071

Hard to say which is worse. Them losing a few bucks after a change of venue or me when I set a fee based on the town they quote, only to find that the zip/address is past city limits by 10 mi.

Maybe it all just evens out. I mean its hard to stay flexible and please the borrower, while trying to walk the imaginary line drawn by each SS. I would never want to jeopardize my reputation by not handling a small detail like this properly. Fortunately it doesn't happen often.

Reply by CAtitlegal on 6/7/05 11:51pm
Msg #43068

I think your first instict to develop a good relationship with a new client will go a lot further based on communication - I'd tell the SS, and let them know the fee will reflect your normal charges for your local area. For me, those business relationships where there's no misunderstandings, are always the best ones.

Reply by db_IL on 6/8/05 12:00am
Msg #43072

Thanks! As usual honesty still the best policy n/m

Reply by CA_Jeanet on 6/8/05 12:00am
Msg #43073

Last month a ss paid me twice! Being the honest person that I am, I called and returned the check. Needless to say, they were happy with me and hope they will call again.

Reply by CaliNotary on 6/8/05 3:18am
Msg #43096

I always reduce my fee in these situations. If the signing were further away than I originally expected I would definitely request a higher fee (or I wouldn't do the signing) , so the opposite should be true as well.

It's the small details like this that'll make you stick out postively in the SS mind, which in turn will get you more business in the future.

And if you're a believer in karma, it's an easy way to set yourself up for good karma in return.

Reply by janCA on 6/8/05 9:38am
Msg #43135

It's all the same

I will charge the same fee whether it be 5 miles away from me or 50 miles away. It all seems to work itself out in the end. Ninety percent of my work comes from title or lenders. The few SS's I do signings for I will only travel so far for.

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/8/05 9:40am
Msg #43137

Re: It's all the same

I like that idea...if I had the volume, I'd do it as well. I think it's one of the many business models that SAs should consider.