Posted by SarahBeth_CA on 11/23/05 7:34pm
Msg #78470

Meeting at Starbucks

How do all of you handle this. The borrower requested we meet at a Starbucks through the ss. I said sure. Then I thought about it later. If I were a borrower I would expect the agent to buy the coffee; after all most borrowers don't know that I'm an independant contractor and that I won't make near what it may state on the hud. I think I'll have to go ahead and spring for it and eat the cost. So for the next time this happens how should I handle it? For example if I were working for a tc or lender I would have no problem due to what I get paid from them. So if a borrower requests directly to me how do you handle it? And if a ss requests it how do you handle it?

Reply by NM_CO on 11/23/05 7:42pm
Msg #78473

Show up two minutes late.

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 11/23/05 7:49pm
Msg #78477

Show up two minutes late.... thanks.... that gave me a really good laugh...

Reply by NM_CO on 11/23/05 7:52pm
Msg #78479

Jersey - Exactly! After the hectic last three days I needed to just make myself laugh for once!

My brain is fried.

But seriously, if you're two minutes late they'll have gotten their own java!

Reply by Anonymous on 11/23/05 7:50pm
Msg #78478

I have done signings at Pizza hut, Butger King, Pizza places, truck stops, ect. Their request .NOT mine! and I have YET to offer to buy any drinks, ect. I go in and find the people waiting for me and I conduct the signings without even mentioning coffee, ect. We do the signing and I thank them and I leave. I once had them ask if I would like a drink and I politely said, No Thank you!

Reply by Anonymous on 11/23/05 7:54pm
Msg #78480

I almost wrote that too!!! :0) Show up late!! :0) One of the times I showed up and they were already there and already had their drinks! Worked for me!! :0)

Reply by NM_CO on 11/23/05 7:57pm
Msg #78482

Ya I don't really squabble over a coffee but if it was a prime rib dinner they can forget about it.

One tc I work for requires that I use my own Fedex a/c which pisses me off to a certain extent. It's only a few times a month and they keep me busy so I don't complain. So, my point...........weigh your options. If this is a tc you like and do good business with, pay for the 2 dollar cup.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/23/05 8:30pm
Msg #78490

The new Starbucks on the corner, right?

If they have coffee already, I suggest that they finish the coffee before we sign so we don't take the chance of spilling on the docs. Then everyone usually leavs without more coffee.

If they do not have coffee, I suggest that we wait to get some until after the signing, giving the reason above. Then usually afterword, we say our goodbys and no one remembers the coffee. Or if it is mentioned, gee I am late for my next appointment.

Once in a while, I do spring for small coffee afterwords. I don't buy the big stuff. ..

Thanks for covering for me when I am out of town ...

Glenn

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 11/23/05 8:42pm
Msg #78493

Re: The new Starbucks on the corner, right?

Glenn,
This time it's at the one in Apple Valley across from Wal-mart. But you should have seen my happy dance when I realized they were building the new one on the corner. I like your suggestion if they don't have it already, I will most definately use it. And if they already have it and they finish it first then they will be hopped up on caffeine and ready to sign away.

Oh if I ever go out of town or am booked you're the first I'll refer.

Reply by Anonymous on 11/23/05 10:49pm
Msg #78505

I never drink anything at closings. I always decline even at home. The people I work with have an informal rule as a spilled drink could ruin the documents. Thus, at Starbuck, I say my company won't allow me to drink because it could ruin the documents. We usually do not encourage other to drink either during the signing.

I do not drink at their houses because the soda could be flat, an off brand, the water taste metalic ick!

Reply by Blueink_CA on 11/23/05 11:46pm
Msg #78511

Starbucks is my favorite place to meet. Be ready to buy, however 90% of the time I meet my client, they insist on buying. Luv those Moche lites!!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/24/05 2:29pm
Msg #78545

I've done many a meeting at a Starbucks. If they're there first, typically they offer to buy me a cup which I decline. I use the same line I use in people's homes when they offer me something to drink: I just smile and say that I don't trust myself and liquids around someone else's documents! That usually gets a chuckle and gives them the hint to keep their own liquids out of the way. If I'm really wanting a cup myself when signing at a Starbucks, I'll wait until we're done or get there early and buy myself a cup before they arrive.

The biggest challenge I've found at Starbucks is snagging a big enough table - another reason to try to get there early. And if you're by a window, sometimes coffee cups can be settled on the window ledge, away from the documents.