Posted by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 4/26/06 6:52am
Msg #116024

I want to apologize...

My intent last night was not to insult anyone and I probably should have worded my post differently regarding the $100 fees. For those of you who said anything about the mileage factored in, you are right. $45 is incorrect for an hourly wage. I was typing off the cuff and didnt scrutinize over the entire equation. I guess my biggest problem is that instead of just saying that I think $100 is fair, I decided to elaborate. Big mistake on NotRot..I guess..Opening yourself of for being eaten alive! I am not a big fan of people attacking because they dont like what you say so instead of posting this last night, I decided to post today with a clear head (hence the new thread).

Anyway I am sorry...The enemy has surrendered..I think I am going to take a break from NotRot for awhile. I'm about over the vulgarity on here. Although I really value most of your opinions (they sometimes make me re-think my posts), there are some that really take the credibility away from this board ands its ashame. For those that care or ever need anything, I am available by [e-mail address].

Reply by Anonymous on 4/26/06 7:09am
Msg #116026

Sherry, too often people are ready to attack at the drop of a penny (used to be a dime but anymore that dime means a lot). I read what some folks wrote last night and think it was "overkilled a few times over". We're all feeling the pinch with the cuts in our pocket because of the huge number of SA's that the NNA is generating every month.

It's unfortunate that there was such a huge reaction but whenever the $$ is involved you'll have that kind of response. There's been a lot of good and bad info and/or advice out here on NOTROT and your absence as a participant will certainly be noticed.

I don't participate too often unless someone asks for help because I'm too busy reading what the more seasoned & respected folks are saying. Sorry you took such a hit.

Reply by Kelly M Robertson on 4/26/06 8:07am
Msg #116032

Since I'm ONE of he Queens of "foot in mouth" syndrome, I personally think you're being too hard on yourself Sherry. It's sometimes very difficult to communicate effectively in the written form because there's just no body language or voice inflection. Since I understand how a signing company really works, including the headaches, and I think you're a super nice gal, I knew exactly what you were thinking and trying to say -- plus, I was "open" to your thoughts. Others around here aren't "open" to anything but their way of thinking, period. It's the blame game, nothing new.

BTW, Elliot was great last nite, but if I were younger, I'd be all over CHRIS - he rocks and is my pick for the Winner this show.

Reply by VERONICA DESCHANEAU on 4/26/06 8:37am
Msg #116041

apologize...huh?...why?

Sherry,

I have noticed a trend in your posts. It seems that, almost every time you post about fees, notary troubles or business in general, you end up apologizing for your own personal opinions. You shouldn’t feel the need to apologize for any opinions you state, for they are your own and, if not agreed with…SO WHAT? So what if you cause a stir on Notary Rotary. Its better reading material for me! I love to read your post on here. You let us in on the inside world of the Signing Service. I am not sure why you end up apologizing so much. It’s not that you’re going to lose business! Remember, you feed us.

Reply by hcampersFL on 4/26/06 9:05am
Msg #116046

VERONICA

You my friend crack me up! I love how you shoot from the hip and say what you feel. I'm not sure I have read someone else post the way I think quite as well as you do.
b.

Reply by VERONICA DESCHANEAU on 4/26/06 9:31am
Msg #116049

Re: VERONICA

Ya know, growing up all I ever heard from my father was “Veronica, put a lid on it…..Veronica, keep your opinions to yourself……Veronica, don’t embarrass me….Veronica, I’ll do all the talking”

Well, now that dear ol’ pops is elderly, (and it seems that people are out to screw the elder) who does he call to speak for him and settle his disputes? Yep, you guessed it, Veronica!

I say what I mean and mean what I say. I hear all the time “Oh, I wish more people were like you”.

Like the other day, I was at the bank and the teller had food stuck in her teeth. Now, most people would just let her wait on people all day with that green thing stuck in her tooth…but not me.

I’ve never been afraid to make a mockery of myself…..and I do a good job at it 

Reply by VERONICA DESCHANEAU on 4/26/06 9:33am
Msg #116050

Thats was a smiley at the end...

don't know how "" got there.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/26/06 9:52am
Msg #116059

No apology necessary, Sherry. IMHO, as I stated last night, your only error AGAIN IMHO is to hope to make the other side see your side. I wish you the very best and hope you'll realize you are not the enemy to me, the structure of things are.

Like Margaret, I won't piddle around with it and keep doing something that makes me grouchy. I'll find alternatives. I am thrilled to say I found another avenue of income this morning. I am not making the big bucks like Margaret is, but I don't see the point in being in a bad mood.

I take your "surrender" as a way to choose to be happy too. Good luck, Sherry.

Reply by Winston_Tn on 4/26/06 10:29am
Msg #116067

Re: "avenue of income"

Would you be kind enough to post the GPS coordinates ? I cannot locate this avenue on Mapquest or Map Point. TIA....

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/26/06 12:27pm
Msg #116091

Re: "avenue of income"

Avenue of Income - Mine is between my ears. I hate it when it reaches a dead end. That's when I sob, throw my hands up and whine. A short whine is good for the soul. The phone rings, you smile before you answer it and keep moving.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 4/26/06 10:29am
Msg #116068

I wish you'd reconsider Sherry. I know that you and I

disagree on a few subjects but I have alsways considered your post honest and I think very highly of you posting in a forum that by definition pits your business interests against those eof the majority here. I've always respected your ability to maintain a civil discourse no matter how heated things get. It's always nice to see a considered view from the other side. Please don't let the fact that when some people run out of anythign intelligent to say they turn to filth for the shock value. These people have no value in this discourse and I really don't understand why they are even defended. I know that if some one said something like has been said on this site to a female companinion I was walking with down the street with, they'd be picking their teeth up off the sidewalk. Decency is not dead, it is allowed by people becaseu they have no personal principles to live by: they don't stand for anything so they fall for everything!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 4/26/06 10:40am
Msg #116070

I've always enjoyed your posts Sherry

They are insightful for me to see what you go through. Considering the fact that you've walked in my shoes I take what you say with some validity. With so many posters, all independent and all running their business differently you can't possibly please everyone. What an SA does in California is totally different than what I may do here in Tn. because we're still the "outback" as far as competition goes. The fees are a bit different, travel time is nothing compared to those of you that have to put up with gridlock all day, every day. A backroad for me may be 10 miles further BUT it takes me 20 minutes less travel time, tough to do in the more metro areas. I always try to take that into consideration when listening to the fee structure argument. I'm wandering, sorry. I just wanted to say that your posts are always welcome here and I admire your ability to make your point without being nasty.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 4/26/06 1:49pm
Msg #116109

My unwelcome two cents...

I see that many of you have a friendship with Sherry and... and I see that Cali was peeing in everybody's cheerios last night but man oh man... I think that Sherry's posts were insulting to the very core of the nature of this business. To have her say 'off the cuff' that $100 is more than fair and then break it down the way she did in the car crash of posts that followed was horrific.

Her apology isn't a real apology... it is an excuse for blabbing (her word). I was truly offended that an owner of a signing service would have so little knowledge of the business of the SA. Does she think that $7.25/hour is fair? Because that's what it breaks down to at the $100 level for those who run their business like a business after all is said and done. She never changed her opinion... she's just sorry she opened her mouth.

***For those of you jumping in after the fact... I stated that $100 for an E-doc job 35 miles away is not enough money and Sherry stated that it is more than fair.

I bet she is a very nice person... but business is business. Defending someone because they are your friend is great... but at some point you have to look at what is right and wrong. I've never been one to just follow the crowd... I have agreed and disagreed with many on this board and I've been known to be a little sassy... but at least I stand up for what I believe in!

I leave you with this one final question..... ask it of yourself and try to be honest.

If it had been the owner of FASS and not Sherry that had posted all those replies.... what would your response have been? The same gentle sweet comments?

I see that I posted this in response to Charles... but I should have posted it generally... sorry!

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 4/26/06 2:06pm
Msg #116113

grow up and stop all the whining Angelina!!!!

I was an SA and IF YOU READ...I said that I would still take $100 if it was offered. My opinion and if you do not like what I have to say THAN DONT READ!!!

BTW..the only reason I am even reponding is because one of my "friends" informed me of your post and I refuse to let you attempt to trash me without a response. You dont even know me and you have no business making accusations against me. I think you really need to re-evaluate the business that you are in because you truly seem to be one grumpy, irate person who cant let things go and likes to cause trouble. I have been in this business for 5 years so I would have to say that I know quite a bit about this industry. I have over 400 notaries that I contract with nationwide and none of them complain about my fees. You know why? Because I take the time to build relationships with them. They respect me and I respect them (something that you probably dont know much about Angelina).

And to add to it..My apology was not directed at those who chose to throw insults around (this includes you)..it was directed to those whos opinions I respect - you know who you are...those that choose to deal with situations on a professional level instead of slinging mud.

BTW...instead of continually whining about this, if you dont like the fee...dont take the job..Simple as that! And if you dont like me than you shouldnt have read the post!

Now I am truly done..Just had to defend myself..sorry!

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 4/26/06 2:27pm
Msg #116116

Re: grow up and stop all the whining Angelina!!!!

So Sherry you're saying that $7.50 to $9.00 per hour (I'll give a tiny bit of leeway with the calculation) is an acceptable wage. It most definately isn't for someone who is self supporting and single let alone someone with a family.

As much as you keep believing that ss's are neccesary I know that everyone in here that has done at least one signing for a lender or tc can tell you that adding an ss to the transaction would result in a middle man who gets a part of the sa's fee. The ss may be helpful to some but are not neccesary. What's worse is the middle men who are participating in lowballing each other and making the sa eat the fee. That hurts both the ss and the sa. However if the ss's drive themselves out of business sa's will still get the signings.

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 4/26/06 3:36pm
Msg #116137

Sarahbeth.......

maybe the $100 fee doesnt fly with you but it is quite acceptable to a lot of other people. And on another note, if is not acceptable and if they are a good closer, I have no problem going back to my clients and asking for additional monies.

Regarding the necessity of a SS...you are right..we are not a necessary part of the process but neither is the "mobile signing agent"...your services are provided as a benefit to the borrowers. Years ago, there was no such thing as a mobile SA..when you refinanced or purchased a home, you went to the title company to close. So to sum it all up in a nutshell..neither one of us is a "necessity" in this industry, we are a benefit!

Reply by Anonymous on 4/26/06 5:12pm
Msg #116161

Re: Sarahbeth.......

I will preface this by saying that I have worked for Sherry twice and got paid $125.00 for an edoc closing. I also was called once an offered $100.00 which I didn't take. My prices are my prices, my costs are the same, I don't care if your an SS, a title co, or a lender makes no difference to me. I'm not going to lower my cost just because your an SS and you want part of my fee. That being said, I beg to differ with you about who is and who isn't essential to this business. The reasons the "mobile closer" wasn't needed years back was because companies simply were not marketing to the distances that they are now. Yes we are a benefit but we are also essential. 95% of my business is from out of town title companies. The local ones, most have their own in house closers and when they call me at EOM I'm usually booked with my regulars. I make alot of marketing calls to title companies only and what I'm starting to hear more and more is that they (the title companies) are straying away from the SS's for a variety of reasons, everything from they don't like having a middle person they want to be able to deal directy with the notary, to their sick of getting calls from the notaries because they haven't been paid. And the list goes on. However alot of title companies think it's convienent to have an SS to call on to supply them with a notary when ever they need one. To them I'm sure they think the SS is essential, I however do not. I guess that is why I rarely work for an SS. I personnally think of them as a pain for all kinds of reasons and therefore choose to for the most part not be a part of them. I'm not going to deal with all their hand-holding, their threats of not getting paid or having my fee deducted if I do this or that, it really does get ridiculous, I could go and on. Luckily I have built a solid list of customers that like my work and recommend me to others. I don't post hear often at all I like to sit back and listen but I am a little sick and tired of hearing the SS's get on our boards justifying their existence. Especially when I see every single day another post from a notary that hasn't been paid and the SS has obviously ran off. It sickens me that this happens so much in this industry.

And no Sherry I'm not grouping you in with the other SS's that do this. But I also do not think that an SS is essential and alot of times is a hindrence rather then a benefit. Would I do a closing for $100.00 35 miles away no I wouldn't, did I ever I guess i did at one time., with the market slowing down maybe I'll have to again some day but I don't think it's a fair fee from whomever would offer it to me. Nuff said.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 4/26/06 3:55pm
Msg #116144

Re: grow up and stop all the whining Angelina!!!!

Sherry... You can take everything I say as trashing... I am simply taking exception to the posts of yesterday and lame apology today. I started the other thread... you were the one to get on and stick your foot in it. I don't need a bunch of friends to back me up to know that my point is valid.

I see that you would work for $100 and that you think it is more than fair... but due to your comments about writeoffs and $10 for printer and toner... it makes me very aware that you have never done a cost analysis of what it takes to run this like a business. Just because you will work for that amount doesn't mean I will. And so I don't... that was never the point. But yet again... you turn it into a personal war...

I don't spazz out when someone doesn't like what I say. What it looks like to me is that you built a business without ever really understanding a detailed cost analysis of the services you are providing and soliciting for. You saying I'm a whiner does not detract from the facts. The fact is... that $100 for an E-Doc signing 35 miles away is not enough money. I never addressed that fact to you in my original post but you jumped on it immediately... why? Did it hit a little close to home?

Incidentally, I have a couple of signing services that I still work for that have been good to me and I still take a local fee of $110.00. If you have built good relationships and your SA's are still accepting $100 for an E-doc 35 miles away than great... that doesn't mean that the fee is fair... it means that they have loyalty.

You can call me whatever names you want... I don't care. I think that your fees are low and are typical of a small SS started by an SA that wanted a bigger piece of the pie. You have built relationships and because of that you have loyal SA's that are still taking your fees. It doesn't make those fees fair...

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 4/26/06 4:07pm
Msg #116150

Lets agree to disagree Angelina..

It is clear that we are on opposite ends of the spectrum on this. I think the reason I have such a problem with what you are saying is because of the way that you say it. You do have valid points and I personally (this is just me talking), would respect you alot more if you werent so harsh.

And just so you know (if you care to know) where I am coming from..my reason for starting my SS was NOT to get a bigger piece of the pie it was to be home more with my family. I was always gone and had a young daughter that I hardly saw so I decided to delve out the work and not overextend myself. I didnt do it for the money because in all reality, I made a whole lot more as an SA in the beginning than I did as a SS. It took me years 2 years to even make a comparable salary to what I was making as an SA. I never intended to run a nationwide SS but it just sort of evolved into one. I believe in what I do and I do not come on here to critisize others and I am sorry if you feel that I was rude. My whole intent for posting on this site was to try and bridge the gap between SS and SA's . We arent all bad Angelina...and I want people to know that. So take my post for what you will...

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 4/27/06 12:18am
Msg #116223

Well Sherry...

Maybe I don't sugarcoat but at least I am consistent. I don't post a very inflammatory statement, then flip flop around with whether or not I meant it, try to justify my position with my 'friends' instead of facts and then add another few insults in while attempting some sort of peace. Nope darlin'... that aint me!

I find you to be fake with your intentions, self-serving with your posts, and inconsistent in your replies. And yes, since whoever is reading this is thinking it... I am a b&%$#. As my grandpa always said, I was made with a little less sugar and a lot more spice.

This whole thing was about a heck of alot more than a difference in opinion... but if that is how you want to classify it now... oh well... if that helps you justify it... fine.

But since you asked... I will drop the subject.

Reply by Sign/SealCO on 4/26/06 4:06pm
Msg #116148

Re: Angelina is not the one whining Sherry

it appears that you have SAs that do accept your $100 fee. good for you and them. angelina's figures were right on target and it appears that it has to be your way or the highway because when a thread you are involved in has differences of opinions, you end up calling those opinions insults when they don't agree with your own opinion.

how is it ok for you to have your opinion that $100 for a 35 mile signing is good but you can't and won't accept people with opinions that say its not good? you're right that no one has to take the job if they don't like the fee, but you don't have to read the posts either!

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 4/26/06 4:13pm
Msg #116153

HAve you even read this thread? It started off with an

apology...I have a right to say I would take $100 just as much as you have the right to say that you wont. Yes people have a right to their opinions and that includes me. I have never said that Angelina was incorrect with her reasoning..I am simply saying that I think $100 is fair even if she doesnt think so. No, an insult is when you post assumptions about people and their intentions without even knowing them!

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/26/06 2:48pm
Msg #116122

Re: My unwelcome two cents...

Angelina - from one sassy-ass to another, I stand by what I said to Sherry. Her only problem IMHO is wanting us to agree with her. She can and should believe what she says, but I do not go along with it. I won't do $100 and 35 miles. Your numbers are correct.

But, I hope you know that I was trying to stand up for what I believe.

In theory the notary and SS is the sharecropper and the land owner...that's right it reminds me of the sharecropper's plight. Same principle IMHO.

Obviously, they have a place in our world or they would not be here.

I personally don't like tattoos. Yet, tattoo parlors have a place in our world also...do well and get their own show on A&E.

I don't like the vans that load up students and have them pushing cleaner products door to door, but they make money. I just don't answer my door or go look for a tattoo parlor to spend my money in. It's a choice. But both are valid businesses.

I would not choose to run either of those businesses because I feel against it in my own personal principles. Same thing with the SS. They make money. I cannot fault them for that...just don't expect to make much money on me.

Your two cents are welcome in my world any time.

Reply by Ndwa on 4/26/06 3:32pm
Msg #116135

I have only a penny

I too hate SS, but I have since became one. Choice is definately the right word to use here anyday anytime. I must say this is not a one size fits all board so get your 2x4, 2x6, or bamboo stick and have it your way. There is no harm playing virtual (word) games except to the mind.

Take care & have a nice day!

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 4/26/06 3:38pm
Msg #116138

Hope things are gong well with you ND! n/m

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 4/26/06 3:40pm
Msg #116139

oops meant going not gong..LOL n/m

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 4/26/06 4:13pm
Msg #116151

Re: My unwelcome two cents...

I agree with you on several points.... heyyyyy what do you have against tatoos?????

There is a place for everyone. My opinion of Signing Services is the same as it has always been. If they are providing an additional service then they should stand on the merit of that service they are providing and charge and additional 'service fee'. That is what almost every other similar business in the real world does. Unfortunately... in this area... what many SS's do is get the work by undercutting... instead standing on their own merits and increasing the fee. It should tell you something about your work if the only way you can get accounts is by undercutting others.

And Texas, I know you stand up for what you believe in. You always have.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/26/06 6:13pm
Msg #116169

Sherry, I agree that you have no reason to apologize (even though I disagree with your conclusion). However, you made a statement about a subject that is guaranteed to be controversial (and I'm glad you did) and various people weighed in with their different opinions. I think this kind of discourse is fun, interesting and potentially informative - especially to those who are fairly new. I know that I, for one, was addressing my comments to the latter group as much as anyone. I think these are the kinds of issues that make this board worthwhile, although I do agree with you that there has been a lot of nonsense and rude behavior. (I just try to skip over those when I come here - which isn't very often any more.)

Everyone has a different style and, while I might attempt to be civil with my comments, there are a few people here with occassionally a bit more abrasive style (like Angelina AZ, CaliNotary and sometimes you) whom I respect, whose posts I enjoy reading and believe include valuable information. It's pretty tough to be the object of someone else's abuse, but I think that's inevitable when dealing with topics that are as emotional as one's pay. Gaining insight into how the other side thinks (for SAs as well as SSs) can be useful - even if people continue to disagree.

And speaking of what is fair in pricing and fees, each business person has to decide on their own niche and strategy. There is plenty of room in this world for those who choose to be the "Motel 6" of the signing world as well as those who want to be the "Hilton" or "Marriott". And clients need to decide what level of service/quality they are willing to live with. (JMO - I realize some will claim that there is no difference, but am not one of them.)

This is just MY 2 cents, for whatever it's worth...