Posted by Allan Webb on 3/13/06 6:16pm
Msg #104538

Fee Collection

When doing general notary work, not signings, when do most of you collect the fee? Before or after notorizing? Cash or money order only? or is a personal check normally accepted, provided you feel comfortable with the check writer's honesty. Have many of you been burned a lot with bad checks, causing you to be cash only?

Thanking you in advance.

Reply by John_NorCal on 3/13/06 6:25pm
Msg #104541

Probably like anything else Allen. Whatever you feel comfortable with. Personally I don't collect before doing the notarizing. As for checks, I have had a few with good results, but it's usually cash. If I'm asked, I do tell people that I prefer cash.

Reply by REE_NJ on 3/13/06 6:41pm
Msg #104549

The fee is collected after the notarization is complete. When I deal with individuals, I inform them at the time of scheduling the appointment that cash is only accepted. In regards to corporate clients, I will take their company check; normally I am going to their office in which their secretary/office manager will pay for the services via check and the check is already prepared to provide to me after I complete the services requested.

Reply by patricia on 3/13/06 6:48pm
Msg #104553

I have accepted hundred of personal checks and have never had one bounce, however I have
lost several of the checks and did not go back to signer and ask for another.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/13/06 6:52pm
Msg #104554

I collect the fee after I notarize all docs. I prefer cash, but if I feel comfortable with signer, I will accept their check. Actually, I have had more business/corporate checks bounce than personal ones. Another thing to consider is if you only accept cash, you must be sure you carry "change" if all they have is a large bill. Carring unnecessary money is something I don't feel comfortable doing.

Reply by REE_NJ on 3/13/06 6:56pm
Msg #104555

I good idea is to have Petty Cash set aside for providing change to customers.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/13/06 7:01pm
Msg #104561

Petty cash is a good idea. However, I was thinking of not wanting to carry my tin box on mobile notarizations.

Reply by REE_NJ on 3/13/06 6:56pm
Msg #104556

I good idea is to have Petty Cash set aside for providing change to customers.

Reply by REE_NJ on 3/13/06 6:57pm
Msg #104557

Re: Fee Collection - Sorry I must have hit the button Twice n/m

Reply by cmd_NH on 3/13/06 7:22pm
Msg #104569

I will accept cash or checks if I feel comfortable with it and also have an envelope with petty cash for change.

Reply by PAW on 3/13/06 8:11pm
Msg #104582

Since we should provide our fees to potential clients before notarizing anything, per our manual, the total bill will be known at the time the act is performed. So I don't have to provide change, I tell my GN clients that I accept **exact** amount in cash, check or money order. I've never been stiffed on a bad check. And often, with cash customers, when the bill is say $15, they'll give me a twenty and "keep the change". Typically, with out of state GN clients, I ask for a money order and have always received one or a check drawn on an attorney's operational account.

Reply by Nd_WA on 3/13/06 8:43pm
Msg #104592

Did one GN the other night where I was handed the money as soon as I enter the house.

Reply by JDB and Associates Wade on 3/13/06 9:06pm
Msg #104597

In most all cases, when dealing with single notarizations, i.e., POAs, etc., I have received cash. The customer normally pays after the job is completed. I have never had a problem with checks bouncing.

For clients that I have out-of-state that call for document retrieval and service of process, they always send check with documents that have to be served/delivered and notarized.

Reply by LauraV on 3/14/06 12:57am
Msg #104635

"when do most of you collect the fee?" At the end of the appointment, after notarizing.

"Cash or money order only?" Cash from anywhere, personal check only if in town. My area is reliable. In Calif, I would only accept cash.

"been burned"? Never.

At the end of the appt, they may not remember to pay. To inspire them, I ask if they would like a receipt for their payment. That gentle question recalls the need to pay me.

LauraV
www.ProfessionalNotary.com/7.html