Posted by Nicole_NCali on 4/25/06 2:55pm
Msg #115820

Hi All: Brainstormed Idea

Hello All,

I haven't been posting for awhile but I had a brainstorm that kinda uses the previous post about a California Only notary service. I have read over the idea of notaries coming together to set an industry standard and this idea has of course been shot down. Being self-employed kind of takes us out of the running for organizing. Yet, I see attorneys who are able to demand huge fees based on organizing. (disclaimer: I don't compare my notary experience in anyway is comparable to being an attorney Hugh..:-)

I suggest regional co-ops. If a region has a network of notaries, who consolidate marketing and price standardizations, I believe that we could finally stabilize our pricing.

I suggest a counter culture in competition with the NNA and it's mass production of notaries.


I may be blowing in the wind, but does anyone have any ideas that can build upon my idea or provide me with a constructive analysis why this concept will not work?

Reply by Shane_OH on 4/25/06 3:56pm
Msg #115839

Dropping you an email Nicole

We aren't out of the running for organizing, details on the way.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 4/25/06 6:13pm
Msg #115870

I'm in.... even if it proves to be the dumbest idea on earth and it totally flops... I'm still in!

Reply by Jenny_CA on 4/25/06 6:25pm
Msg #115872

Angelina, you crack me up!! :-) n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/25/06 6:42pm
Msg #115876

Shane has extremely good insight. - STAY TUNED -

It has been my pleasure to be a sounding board for some of Shane's ideas about organizing notary signing agents into something substantial.

I have "done" very little because Shane is pretty self-sufficient and faster than a speeding bullet. I have had limited time all of a sudden for various reasons - I have my concerns about the direction of signings in Texas but I believe in the mobile notary's position so I am still "IN" and believing that organizing is necessary and is possible.

There is so much an organized effort can do that I never even thought about!

Shane's ideas are really very creative and uplifting. Stay tuned for him to get some great things accomplished on a small scale and then watch for him to provide patterns for us.

I apologize to Shane...I have not had the time I had hoped to have because our refi's have really gone away except for the few that are to replace the ARMs. There is only so much at this time that a mobile notary can do without benefit of a title company or a law office, or a lender branch, and I have taken up the cause of seeking my own fortune in other directions as much as need be through inspections and a couple of endeavors myself and another lady are looking into.

Once he knows that he's got the real enchilada going, you'll be hearing more and more. Again...Stay tuned!

Reply by lulu on 4/25/06 9:52pm
Msg #115960

Re: Shane has extremely good insight. - STAY TUNED -

Of course not knowing the jist of the so called organization I can only assume what one might be trying to accomplish. One cannot organize independents and pricing without creating a collection agency of sorts. One cannot organize independents who stay independent. The only way to organize is to have a so called collection agency (not in the manner you are thinking of a collection agency) who all the signing appointments go through and the fees are paid to that organization who pays the SAs for their services. As such, any SA who joins this organization will technically no longer be an independent. This is definitive knowledge straight from the DOJ. Unionize in any way regarding holding out as an organization for pricing and staying paid independently will certainly seal those involved's fate with a trip to the local prison. This is in no way meant to be an 'in anyones face' it is just the certain truth. Be very careful what you are aspiring to create. Be sure to do all research and then some more. Do you realize if you create this organization, this organization will have to have a cut of every signing as a means to finance it's existence which creates another middle man who has to have a cut? In my opinion, of course, and the conversation I have had with the attorney's of the DOJ in regard to the Sherman Act, price fixing and organization.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/25/06 11:48pm
Msg #115995

Re: Shane has extremely good insight. - STAY TUNED -

**Of course not knowing the jist of the so called organization I can only >>>assume<<< what one might be trying to accomplish. **

Good point...I am sure Shane can give a better explanation. Please forgive me for not being able to express myself better or for running my yapper when I should not.

I can see your point Lulu, but there's nothing to be concerned with in the way of price fixing or the DOJ.

I am sorry I said anything as I would never want to be a negative or a person who is acting smug or know it all. I guess it's just one of those things I don't have complete grasp of and therefore I am not able to do too much talking in specifics.

Your cautions are well-taken based on the information received from Drakester in the earlier email communications I have had with him.

You have learned a great deal from the DOJ and I found it very interesting. I hope you will go ahead and give the rest of the story you have alluded to. I found it very compelling.

What I learned is that by stating my prices on this board I might be in trouble for colluding with my competition with the DOJ. I am not saying that lightly...it's on the DOJ website. Thanks to Lulu and Co. for bringing it to my attn.

------------
My kiddo just woke me up with a call worth rejoicing over. The niecelet is making her way into the world...so the great-aunt-grouch is up again. Joy. My sister will have my hide if I don't perk up. Perky comes with coffee in the morning...

Reply by lulu on 4/26/06 2:42pm
Msg #116120

Re: Shane has extremely good insight. - STAY TUNED -

Brenda,
My apologies. I tend to latch onto the last post to make my reply. I know I shouldn't do that because one thinks I am replying to their post specifically. Sorry 'bout that. I was just replying to the subject in general.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/26/06 2:50pm
Msg #116123

Re: Shane has extremely good insight. - STAY TUNED -

Sure...I thought you were upset with me. Thanks for clearing that up.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 4/25/06 10:02pm
Msg #115966

I'll just trust you on that one n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 4/25/06 10:04pm
Msg #115967

I'll just trust you on that one Brenda

Because I know you can be trusted. Otherwise, I'm not feelin the love on this one.

Reply by Nicole_NCali on 4/25/06 10:34pm
Msg #115980

Organization..let's not quibble with the semantics..

As an organization or a cooperative, if something is standardized such as fee structure based on percentage or expectations of professionalism on handling of docs such as execution, delivery, etc. This is not the creation of a union, but the evolution on how our profession should be operating.

We are in business, not because we get the warm and fuzzies for traveling over 25 miles roundtrip, but to be profitable. I see real estate agents who expect and receive comps of 2.5 to 3.0. I asked an agent, who set this rate? She stated to me, this is the standard rate for sales or purchases of real estate. I then had an epiphany, is this rate a law or is this rate a cooperative that is understood, respected and indoctrinated by other real estate agents. I don't know why this philosophy has not been adopted by all independent contractors.

The way I see it, if your standard fee is $400 for a loan package, as I have seen some SS charge, and if this understood by all players within our industry, then this is equitable to all the key players. I know that I am dreaming, but I would love to call my attorney as say " can you do my will or adoption papers for $50". I expect that after he pulls himself off the floor, he will then quickly hang up the telephone and think that I am a crank. As NSA, we have to adopt this same amount of "appreciation" of the services we offer.

I just brainstormed..I don't have the solution, but I love the input.