Posted by Anonymous on 2/24/06 7:55pm
Msg #99786

Soliciting Comments: Non-loan Notary Fee Structure? (NY)

I got a call for the first time since I am on this board to notarize documents unrelated to a mortgage signing.

The notary fee in NY is $2.00. I will structiure my invoice as $23.00 in-home service charge plus $2.00 notary fee for a total of $25.00.

Two different people need sigs notarized on two separate documents so the total revenue will be $50.00.

Any comments or advice on this approach?

Thank you.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 2/24/06 8:38pm
Msg #99796

I think you can charge whatever your market will bear for your mobile service; sounds like a fair price to me.

Reply by KH_MA on 2/24/06 8:48pm
Msg #99799

I'm in Massachusetts, therefore my ways may be different.

I charge as follows (basic notary work) :

1-10 mi. = $45
11-20 mi. = $65
20+ = $75+

I offer free services to anyone who comes to my office or who reside in my town.

Reply by Cyn_NY on 2/24/06 10:46pm
Msg #99816

If someone comes to you, and you don't travel, what is the point of the State setting the notary fee at $2.00? Under your scenario, anyone can charge anything by calling it an in-home fee, an in-office fee, etc., etc. IMHO

Reply by Anonymous on 2/25/06 7:24am
Msg #99830

I wrote:

> I will structure my invoice as $23.00 in-home service charge plus $2.00 notary fee for a
> total of $25.00.

Ummmm ... sorry if it is not clear: I'm going to THEIR home.

Does it make more sense to you now?

Thank you!

Reply by Cyn_NY on 2/25/06 8:50am
Msg #99839


Okay, in the light of day it does. Guess it was a little late after a very long day. Best of luck.

Reply by BetsyMI on 2/25/06 10:46am
Msg #99863

I think your fees sound reasonable. I just had a call to notarize a passport application and didn't have a clue how much to charge, so you've helped me out.

Reply by LauraV on 2/25/06 11:04am
Msg #99878

My base travel prices relate to how long it takes me to drive to their location, not on miles.

I start at $25 plus seal fees for less than 10 minutes one way. I add increments of $20 for longer drive times.

I do LOTS of non-loan work.

I still feel my way through each call when I quote a price. I ask about the docs to be notarized and where the appointment is to take place. Wills take longer than Quit Claim Deeds. Medical / retirement facility appointments take longer than appointments in a house.

Seniors are often shocked at my quotes but that is just because they remember lower prices from years before. I usually shave $5 off the total price to seniors and tell them they are getting the "senior discount." (I don't say how much I took off.) Seniors love the word "discount."

You can charge extra for non-notary services.
Examples:
I get lots of requests for docs that will later need Apostilles. I charge extra for instructions and forms for obtaining Apostilles.
I also charge extra if someone wants me to drop off a letter to FedEx.

If someone gives me grief about the price, I just say that it is cheaper than if they took a taxi to a notary.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/25/06 11:30am
Msg #99896

Thanks for the helpful comments, to one and all! n/m