Posted by Pamela on 2/25/06 11:49pm
Msg #100028

Yes and No?

As a new signing agent, this month, I began to list with the various signing companies. I understand, that a new agent needs to sign up with hundreds of companies to gain steady business. That's fine, but, I have a problem!

Having researched the various boards, there are "Yes" companies and "No" companies.
I find that most of the "Yes" companies want experienced agents. And, the "No" companies are willing to work (for obvious reasons) with no-experienced agents.

What is a new signing agent to do?

Thanks!

Pam

Reply by Beth/MD on 2/26/06 7:00am
Msg #100042

Sign up. Sign up. Sign up. Network. Network. Network. Advertise. Advertise. Advertise.
Pamela, obviously there are those companies that are just on EVERY no-no list. But for the most part, you'll have to develop a relationship and then from that experience decide if the company is good or bad. We all have differing experiences/opinions on many companies.
Good Luck.

Reply by Pamela on 2/26/06 11:53pm
Msg #100157

Beth! Re: Yes and No?

Beth,

Thank You! I appreciate your reply, and will be doing just that!
I've recently created a website www.geocities.com/notaryhereandthere/pamrodriguez./html.
The website was free via Yahoo. However, as I progress in this field, I will upgrade to a better website!

I have also signed-up with different notary directories (both free and paid).

And yes, I will advertise in other areas as well as network!
I think that this notary board (as well as others) is a Great learning tool!

Again, I Thank You and Have a Blessed Week!

Pam

Reply by Ray Childress on 2/26/06 7:29am
Msg #100044

diversified company ... sign sign sign

My company is a pretty well deversified company. Mobile Notary is something we have done for a while. Just getting into the load signing part of it. I am in Texas an the market is not all that flooded with NSAs in this area. I was pointed to this NICHE market <eyeroll> while repairing a signing gone bad. While I dont have a lot of loan signing experience, word of mouth has probably done more than any of the advertising I have done.

Earlier last week, I had contacted a few Nation Wide S/S companies. One of the very things that is required in our company is Credit applications on companies. Not many of the SS companies are willing to put thier information on the line for some reason. Which I find very interesting. They request a w-9 yet they dont have the common professional curtousy to provide you with thier's. As a Notary Siging Agent your expected to basically provide them with a line of credit, untill they decide to pay thier bill. In fact when I asked several they pretty much acted offended. Leaves you to wonder WHAT ARE THEY HIDING FROM?

I fear Ms. Paula is probably pretty much right ... you have to sort out the deadbeats as best you can, sign up with those your deam, on a scale of 1-10, a 7 or higher. Once you have all those taken care of, lower it down a little and start signing up with the 5's and 6's. Addopt yourself a policy on ones your sceptical of, if you get 4 or 5 signings and thier into your pocket for $250.00 - $500.00 dont take anymore until they pay a few off. This will let you see how they pay. I would think in a market such as California, she would also be right advertise advertise advertise, main thing us newbies have to take pretty much what comes along.

Good luck; the way to success never starts with the phrase "i quit!"

Reply by Ray Childress on 2/26/06 10:08am
Msg #100056

Ms. Beth not Ms Paula my bad. n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/26/06 10:45am
Msg #100066

Ray FWIW / & / Pamela

Pamela and Ray,

For what it is worth, my only bill in two years which still remains late and/or unpaid is a $50 research fee I charged a private investigator for a trip to the courthouse. I think I 'll let it slide since he's taking chemo now and if he cannot pay that's okay.

I think it would be great to get a credit report on these folks if you want one, but my credit report is right here. I think the way a company pays its notaries is more significant to me than the way it pays it's MC/Visa.

You can demand the credit reports but I don't think you will get many takers...you'd be considered high maintenance right off the bat. Get a notebook and take down the names of companies who don't pay while reading the forums.

Reply by Ray Childress on 2/26/06 1:41pm
Msg #100105

Re: Ray FWIW / & / Pamela

TRUE TRUE Brenda
A freebie now and then should be to your discresion.
The acception not the rule!

Reply by Pamela on 2/27/06 12:56am
Msg #100164

Brenda: Re: Ray FWIW / & / Pamela

Brenda,

Thank you for replying.

No, I would not ask a signing company for a credit report (especially since I am just starting out). However, I was replying to Ray, that it is interesting that Signing Agents do offer their services on credit! I had never looked at it, in that way before!

And I do Appreciate the feedback given to me by you, Ray and all the other notaries who have responded to my post!

Blessings!

Pam

Reply by Pamela on 2/27/06 12:14am
Msg #100159

Ray Childress Re: diversified company ... sign sign sign

Mr. Childress,


Thank You for your insight!

It is very interesting regarding the credit application! You are quite correct! That as loan signing agents (independent contractors), we give our services as "credit" in the hopes that we will be paid!

I noticed that some of the companies are asking for personal and/or professional references, and a few even mandate a fee for signing-up (I haven't decided if I should go that route just yet), although we are the ones issuing the credit!

Yes, I will take a chance on some (or many) of the "No" companies, and will take your advise as to 'weeding them out'!

I just created a website: www.geocities.com/notaryhereandthere/pamrodriguez.html. This was created free through Yahoo. However, as the business grows, I will upgrade to a more professional site!

And, I have signed-up/ listed with different notary directories (both free and paid).

Again, I Thank You for All your help!

May God Bless!

Pam

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 2/26/06 8:36am
Msg #100045

More answers - #33325

You have been given some good advice on both boards. Also read the entire thread on 33325. Then start reading as much as you can on both boards, skipping the O/T threads. You will quickly learn who knows what they are talking about and who's only trying to blow their own horn. Try to post only specific questions and not the general ones that have been asked on EVERY PAGE OR TWO on both boards. Asking such general questions really ruffles some feathers! Also, just because you don't like the way the response is couched, not disregard the advice. Some of the best advice is given very tartly, but if your goal is to obtain the information and not have your ego stroked you can really gleam some get info. These two boards are where your real education will come from.

Reply by Pamela on 2/27/06 12:39am
Msg #100162

Dorothy: More answers - #33325

Dorothy,

Thank You Again for being so helpful!

I went to the 33325 post and printed the information!
This board and the other notary board are my two favorites! I've learned much just by reading
the various messages!

And yes, when I ask a question, I try and be specific, as I've read the replies given to other new agents, by experienced agents on this board! Some answers are polite, some are nasty, some are in-between! I have also learned to use the search button before asking!!!

Have a Great week!

Pam

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 2/26/06 12:46pm
Msg #100098

You have a 100% chance ............

of not getting paid for a job that you turn down because
you think that there is a chance that you will not get paid.
The identity of most non-payers is well known
Unscentifically, I would guess that 95% of the problems
are caused by 5% of the companies.
Unfortunatly, the only way to become experienced is to get experience.
A lot of criticism of some compaies is due to a lot of "baby sitting" which gets
them on a no-no list. A lot of the DITECH services have this "problem"
That might be what you need at this pont in your career
As you get more experience and confidence you will be able to work for
better paying companies who are not afraid to let you do your own thing without
a lot of hand holding.
This can be a great business, but if it were so easy, then anyone could do it well.
Good luck

Reply by Pamela on 2/27/06 12:41am
Msg #100163

Bob: Re: You have a 100% chance ............

Bob,

Thanks Again for the Excellent advice!

Take care!

Pam