Posted by Deirdre Clark on 8/23/06 3:17pm
Msg #140305

Notary Exchange On the Blacklist

I did a signing for Notary Exchange/Mario on July 26, 2006 and I haven't been paid either. He will not return my phone calls or emails. I worked very hard to get those docs signed and I don't know about anyone else but I can't afford to work for free. This company is located in La Mirada, Ca. I just spoke with the Title company Quantum@562-903-3939 that uses him for their signings and apparrently they have been getting a lot of calls from notaries regarding this same matter. They will not be using him any longer.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/23/06 3:44pm
Msg #140316

Deirdre
I have never worked for Notary Exchange as far as I can tell. But if you did the signing July 26th that is less than 30 days, and a lot of signing companies do not pay until 30-45 days. Maybe someone here knows what their payment schedule is

Reply by Deirdre Clark on 8/23/06 3:56pm
Msg #140318

Apparently a good number of notarys have been having problems getting paid from him. What bothers me the most is the lack of communication. He does not respond to voice mail or e-mail. There was a problem with the signing which I worked extremely hard to get completed and he never once communicated with me and he got paid for this job over 2 weeks ago. If you don't believe me do a search and you'll see.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/23/06 4:25pm
Msg #140325

I believe you Deirdre Was just trying to say that some companies do take 30-45 days to pay. I don't think it is right, I believe the notary should get paid when the signing is completed. There is no excuse (that I can think of) for their lack to communicate with you.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 8/23/06 4:42pm
Msg #140326

I looked back and did a signing for them in Aug 05 and had to write the first of my request for payment letters that I have them sign for as 60 days had passed since signing. . Received payment about a week later.

That being said, normal is 30-45 days after the signing from a signing service. It's a little quicker when you work directly for a TC or lender. I give everyone 30- days. At 45 days I send friendly email reminders and a friendly fax reminder. at 60 days I begin the paper trail that requests signatures at the time of delivery by snail mail. .

Reply by Poppy on 8/23/06 5:11pm
Msg #140335

Calling title companies... What do you think? GBU

I'd like to put this out there for opinions. I know that many NSA's will call the title company if they have not received payment. Perhaps a few of the NSA's who also work in title offices can chime in.
I would think that this would be a great annoyance to title companies. (I suppose it's one way to get your name remembered by them, but I don't think it's quite the way we would like to be remembered.)
I don't think that title companies should be called unless it is an absolute last resort and you've exhausted all other options even then I would only call or maybe even just send a letter informing them that the company they are using has a habit of not paying their notaries. (assuming I've since found out by asking around that they are not paying others as well)
Collecting monies owed is not fun at all, but it is a part of business and our responsibility as business owners. I don't think we should try to make it the title companies responsibility to do it for us. Especially before 30 days are up and we've exhausted all other options.

Anyway I'm looking forward to hearing what others have to say on this. Perhaps my opinion will change once I understand the why a little more... (smiles)

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/23/06 5:19pm
Msg #140339

For the most part I agree with you Poppy

Our business is with the SS, they hired us and it's their responsibility to pay us. I have been extremely fortunate in that I've always been paid, albeit sometimes we move into the 60 day mark. IF there were several SA's being stiffed I would consider letting Title know they're working with a deadbeat operation BUT that's as far as I MIGHT go. It's like buyer beware, why blame someone else when you're the one that bought the goods? We have to take responsibility for sometimes selecting the wrong business to work for.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/23/06 8:37pm
Msg #140384

Re: Calling title companies... What do you think? GBU

I call the title company as a last resort. When the company that hired me does not respond to phone calls, e-mails, or make good on repeated promises to pay, calling the title company can make the difference in whether or not I ever receive a check.

I always explain to the title company the situation, and make it clear that I am not asking title to pay me, but merely requesting that they assist me in getting paid from the signing company. I did this just last week and it was amazing how fast I received a call from the SS and my check arrived in the mail yesterday.

I made a point to call back the girl at title to let her know that I received my payment and to thank her very much for her assistance. She was very appreciative and glad to hear that it was resolved.

I agree with Poppy, it's not appropriate to contact title within the first 30 days.

Reply by Poppy on 8/23/06 9:44pm
Msg #140409

Re: Calling title companies... What do you think? GBU

Thank you, for your input... I learn by listening... I appreciate the response... Have a great evening all....

Reply by Genkichan on 8/24/06 9:54pm
Msg #140751

Re: Calling title companies... What do you think? GBU

I really disagree with not contacting the Title Companies when payment reaches past 45-60 days. Sure, calling them will annoy them, but it will also alert them to the fact that THEY have a problem with one of THEIR vendors that needs straightening out. If they don't want these kinds of calls, then they should only contract with upstanding, respectable signing services that take care of their notaries and pay as agreed and in a timely fashion. In this business, there are just times when you have to really get tough just to get paid your fee. I would be out a lot of money by now, had I not had the support of title companies pressuring signing companies to fess up and pay up. In fact, I have not written off one bad debt yet (knock on wood), but then again, I'm persistent while also being as polite as possible.

Reply by Kirod9jx on 8/23/06 7:08pm
Msg #140351

I agree Deirdre. I did 2 jobs for them in April and was only paid for one.
Consistent calls, faxes, e-mails go unanswered. I am now dealing with a
collection agency.
Good luck getting your payment.

Reply by Poppy on 8/23/06 9:45pm
Msg #140411

Deirdra,

If you'd like I'll email you my collection process and letters...

Reply by Deirdre Clark on 8/31/06 11:16am
Msg #142530

Soory for the slow response but I would like to get a copy of your collection letter. My emial is [e-mail address].

Thanks