Posted by Anne C Smith on 10/18/05 3:01pm
Msg #71065

Do you charge ...?

Do you charge your family/friends/co-workers for notary services?

I want to do a business out of my notary services but it seems like people I know think they can get it for free.....some people I don't mind, like my boss, but I was wondering what others are doing??

Thanks!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/18/05 3:52pm
Msg #71072

I don't notarize for family members (never a good idea).
As for friends I do let them know that I charge the state allowable fee for notarizations. I was told when I was in a notary class when I first became a notary, that I had to be consistent. That if I charged one person for notary services I should charge everyone.
But, if I have done a notarization for a friend, it has usually been at their home. And I usually gt a cup of tea or a soda while I am there. So, when they pay me for the notarization, I hand the money back and tell them it is a donation toward the refreshments <g>. Many a time they refuse to take the money back. They didn't expect me to do the notarizations for free.

*I do have a reciprocal agreement with another notary, if her or her family need something notarizing I will do the notarizations free - and when me or my family need something notarizing she does the notarizations for free.

Did your boss pay for your commission? Is it necessary for your employment?

Reply by Anonymous on 10/18/05 4:07pm
Msg #71076

No my commission is mine and not required for my job....I like the idea of consistency though...Good point!!

Reply by Anne C Smith on 10/18/05 4:08pm
Msg #71077

Sorry didn't mean to post anonymous....n/m

Reply by Cris_AR on 10/18/05 3:52pm
Msg #71073

I do not charge my friends. I will not notarize for my family, I have a friend I refer. Very seldom has anyone needed anything notarized so for me it is not a big deal.

Reply by NY_TaxLady on 10/18/05 4:35pm
Msg #71082

I agree with Sylvia. When I got my license they stressed Constancy. Your friends are your basis if you want to promote your Notary license. It is amazing how many documents need to be notarized today.

Reply by SoCal Signing Co. on 10/18/05 6:57pm
Msg #71096

I have often received new clients from not charging for friends. Seems lots of people know loan officers, escrow officers and the like.

instead of charging ask if they might know someone you can market to as payment.

Do a favor see what comes back to you.

Reply by Danny_FL on 10/18/05 9:11pm
Msg #71107

Not sure by what you mean by family, but,

FL statute 117.107(11)
A notary public may not notarize a signature on a document if the person whose signature is to be notarized is the spouse, son, daughter, mother, or father of th notary public.

Danny

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/18/05 11:20pm
Msg #71127

Danny
Anne is not in Florida, and some states do allow notaries to notarize for family members.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/18/05 10:00pm
Msg #71114

For me, it all depends on the document and whether or not notarizing is a conflict of interest....according to my Sec of State. I have to check with the SOS for any conflict of interest and if there is no conflict, I feel free to notarize the document.

As to fees, I can only charge what the State says I can charge. For me $10 is not much for most people - but for friends and family, I don't charge. It's my call.

Reply by caroleMI on 10/19/05 6:05am
Msg #71142

In Michigan we are not allowed to notarize family