Posted by PA_Notary_II on 7/14/06 1:58pm
Msg #133231

The $$$ value of what we do....

I just printed out a package that, with bwr copies totaled 220 pages. The package will have to be split, so that will mean another 110 pages. Can anyone tell me the actual profit we make when paper is up in price, toner and toner cartridges are 50 to $100 each, gas is now $3 per gallon and we are virtually uncompensated office workers waiting on e-mail and performing print services that WE are paying for? What is the true value of producing one successful deal? Should we be charging upwards of $175 to $200 per deal? I am really getting disenchanted with this business after making a good living at it for the last 10 years.
All these companies, from the TC/SS to the lender want more and more from us for less and less pay. At what point do we say this is a not for profit business?? Comments ??

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 7/14/06 2:01pm
Msg #133232

How much do you charge?

I hope you're not a $50-75 signing agent!!!

How much do you charge for the work you just described in your message? $175-$200 seems reasonable. Why not charge that?

Reply by Ernest__CT on 7/14/06 2:05pm
Msg #133235

When quoting a signing, ask who the lender is!

Some companies are known to have huge packages, require 40 pages of faxbacks, split packages, et cetera. You must price accordingly.

Reply by ananotary on 7/14/06 2:06pm
Msg #133237

Re: How much do you charge? Agree Korey!

With the cost of gas, paper etc. going up I do not charge any less than $175 for a first and $50 for e-docs. The title companies that I deal with never question my rates. The signing services are another story. I have started asking who the lender is and add $10-15 if it will be a huge print job. The signing services seem to be ok with that and from what I understand it's because they have more flexibility when it comes to the e-doc fees.

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 7/14/06 2:07pm
Msg #133239

Re: How much do you charge?

I don't do $50 deals...never have...never will. This TC never questioned my charges, which were always adequate, but since they went to central billing, all orders come across with a standard $125 fee. Great for o-nite docs, but really sucks when you add in an additional 3 hours to do e-docs, split package, driving time etc etc. It seems that they expect more and more for less and less. Maybe I'm just "Friday" tired and b**tchy.

Reply by WI_Notary on 7/14/06 2:14pm
Msg #133241

PA_Notary_II could you please E-mail me

I have a quick question about your post.
[e-mail address]
Thanks!

Reply by Ali/IL on 7/14/06 4:43pm
Msg #133280

Re: PA_Notary_II could you please E-mail me

Pa, I think I know the title company that just became centralized.

If it starts with a E they would give me more than I had asked for. Then all of a sudden they are only paying $125 and, warned me that some are only charging $75

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 7/14/06 5:02pm
Msg #133284

Re: PA_Notary_II could you please E-mail me

You are correct, oh wise grasshopper. I long for the days of $125 o-nite docs with no B.S.
We, in effect are a title agency without the license OR the income. We are the mule and they are cracking the whip.

Reply by PA_NOTARY on 7/14/06 9:57pm
Msg #133309

WHERE ARE YOU IN PA?????

I AM IN THE POCONO AREA - BETTER KNOWN AS NORTH EAST PA

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 7/15/06 6:55am
Msg #133319

Re: WHERE ARE YOU IN PA?????

Central PA...better known as "Lion Country".

Reply by SanDiegoCA on 7/16/06 1:53pm
Msg #133484

It's all negotiable.

You trouble sounds like you're not doing ANY negotiation.

I have only had a small, insignificant number of clients who refused to negotiate a fee when things started to get out of hand in the cost to my office column.

As gas increased in price, I more casefully monitored the distance to appointments, and instituted a standard round trip limit.

If there were more pages needed, I called back BEFORE the appointment.

It's up to you, your clients are NOT going to do this for you!