Posted by Anonymous on 1/6/06 1:58pm
Msg #86707

Opinions on SS Contracts

Does anyone fill out the "required" contracts that some of the SS send to you? I've filled out a few but I recently had one that would only pay $25 for no signs. I trashed it. I'm wondering if you still get hired by companies if you haven't completed their required contracts. Do you find that these are lower paying companies anyway? I found a couple of older posts that talked about it but I'd like to get some current views.

Reply by Anonymous on 1/6/06 2:19pm
Msg #86709

When a SS gets desperate the only notary qualification is can the notary find their seal.

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 1/6/06 2:24pm
Msg #86712

I have filled out such contracts and use an indelible black marker to black out those items that I don't agree to. I tell the ss in advance what I won't agree to and tell them what to expect when they get their paperwork back. Like the prev poster said, when they really, really need you...all bets are off.

Reply by LawrenceOK on 1/6/06 2:30pm
Msg #86716

I do not sign one sided contracts and I never sign a non-compete contract.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/6/06 5:09pm
Msg #86733

I, like Lawrence don't sign one-sided contracts and I have yet to see an SS contract this other than one-sided. In fact I have no contracts with SS and I still get called. I have some excellent realtionships with a few SS and no contract.

Reply by cmd_NH on 1/6/06 7:32pm
Msg #86767

So Charles, are you saying....

when they send you the contract package that you send everything back except the contract?

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 1/6/06 7:56pm
Msg #86779

Re: So Charles, are you saying....

When I first began, I filled out a few contracts. Funny thing was, my first call did not require a contract , they just wanted an invoice and a W9 and that is how I have done busniess ever since. I have received very few calls from the companies that "required" a contract and I think that they just wanted your signature on something that said you would work for $50.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/6/06 7:58pm
Msg #86781

Glenn, I couldn't agree more! NM

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/6/06 7:57pm
Msg #86780

Re: So Charles, are you saying....

Can't say what everything is since each package seems to be different but most times I just e-mail them and tell them that if they want to use me here is my CV and I'll give them my TIN, a copy of my comission, a copy of my E&O, and my Liability Insurance (I have a pdf file of this information scanned including my W9 if they need it then). I have that as a standard package. I don't like lopsided contracts. I'll inform them that I won't sign the contract but I am a professional and will perform diligently, accurately and rapidly if they would still like to work with me. Most times thats enough. I do have one thing that many other notarys don't: as a licensee of the DRE I have a fiduciary responsibility to my clients, much like an attorney. If its not acceptable then they are certainly free to seek someone else and I encourage them to do so. They have their business philosophy and I have mine: its all good!

Reply by cmd_NH on 1/6/06 8:03pm
Msg #86782

Thanks Charles for the clarification...

I was thinking about doing something like that, but wasn't sure if it was acceptable.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/6/06 8:57pm
Msg #86786

Remember its your business and you have to decide

how best to run it. Its tough because if you tweak one thing you may get beneficial results and then you might get negative results. I've owned a number of businesses and I still make mistakes although they are becoming less frequent and much less costly. Keep track of changes and keep track of results and over a period of time you will have a picture of how you are doing. Most people make the mistake of using a business plan just to get started you should review your business plan regularly to see if you are still on track. If you change the way you do business you should change your business plan: its a living, breathing entity that needs to be cultivated to grow. Best of luck!

Reply by cmd_NH on 1/7/06 6:51am
Msg #86828

Re: Remember its your business and you have to decide

You're right Charles. Continuous improvement is a very important part of business. Planning and executing is a continuous thing if you want to make it in the business world.