Posted by Bernice/CA on 11/16/06 3:30pm
Msg #160595

Newbies excepting $50 for signings...

Many of you on this site bash newbies for accepting low fees for signing. Question for you? If one has little to no experience, how can they expect more than that? Yes, we’ve take classes, read message boards, mentored with other notaries but still may not have the experience to work with other larger TC/ Escrow companies or even hit the jackpot and land major individual clients.

As I see it.... accepting $50 for a signing as a new person is the OJT fee. Being that there are so many companies out there that won’t even look at a person unless that have 60-100 signings completed. As the experience is gained, one can expect more... $

Again, what is a new person to do?

Yes, a newbie accepting $50 for the signing may mean that SS’s are undercutting many of you, but if mistakes are made, you may be called to correct the mistake if they are not given that opportunity. Again, what is a new person to do?

How many of you just started was offered $100-125 for a signing? or even more?

So as a new SA gaining the experience, I will accept the $50 signing and enjoy the OJT in the process. With the goal of being like many of you when I grow up... “and experienced signing with 100+ signings.”

Reply by Poppy on 11/16/06 3:44pm
Msg #160601

Bernice.. I hear you. But

Honestly... You are no less forgiven for mistakes on a $50.00 signing vs. a $150.00 signing.
And may I add the loan is no less important to the borrower on a $50.00 signing either...
$50.00 is nuts IMO.

Reply by Charm_AL on 11/16/06 3:57pm
Msg #160604

Re: Bernice.. I hear you. But

if you make the mistake of taking $50. jobs, you are undercutting this profession in more ways than you know, or maybe you do and don't care because you're desperate for the work and you think it's easy money.
First of all, it's going to be real hard for you to raise your fees once you feel your experience commands better. You will be out of business when you compare costs to profit, there won't be any!
So don't buy into the hype that you should charge less because you are inexperienced, companies look for people like you that think your accurate and complete closing/signing is worth $75-100 less than a seasoned SA.
Or maybe they'll have to send out a seasoned notary to fix up your mistakes and pay that notary what they should have in the first place and potentially lose their client over it...
They laugh at people like you because you're 'easy' ever hear the phrase 'a soft touch'?
Yes, they'll call you first because you are the volunteer minimum wager.
Hell, why not be the employee of the month by saving the company hundreds of dollars hiring naive or desperate notaries? Have more respect for yourself and this industry.

Reply by MasterCloser on 11/16/06 4:03pm
Msg #160606

Re: Bernice.. I hear you. But I am fairly new too

but I wouldnt take $50 for a signing ever. That being said there are closings I take for 75-100 when I know I will get paid fast!

Reply by Lee/AR on 11/16/06 3:57pm
Msg #160603

I understand your reasoning. But another little problem with accepting $50 is that you will find that they are NOT very likely to ever increase your fee. They will just move on to the next $50 notary who is just starting out. Leaving you---where? It just isn't a really good business decision.

Reply by Bernice Williams on 11/16/06 4:07pm
Msg #160611

So, again, not to degrade the Notary Profession, because this is something I've desired for sometime now... but again...

What is a new SA to do?
What is a reasonable fee one should charge?
How does a newbie command that amount without the required experience?....decline the job?

?

Reply by Charm_AL on 11/16/06 4:15pm
Msg #160612

what's the concern with being a newbie? Are you lacking self confidence? Do you feel that you aren't going to do the job accurately? If you complete an accurate signing, you deserve to get paid what seasoned notaries do. My advice is to stay away from TC's fight now, they are unforgiving if you make a mistake.
I charge a base 75 in my zip code area with an additional 25 for e-docs. Then you must decide, what is it worth for you to travel, what is it worth to do a first and second, etc. Make a fee schedule and stick to it. It is ok to turn down an assignment that comes with a ridiculous fee offer and if more did that, we could raise the bar.
Also, I may sound like a b*tch, but I would love to see everyone succeed and not undercut the rest of us who do this for a living.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/16/06 4:20pm
Msg #160614

Bernice, when I began, I felt $50 was a reasonable amount. However, it was not what any other notary said that made me change my fees to move upward.

I too had the idea it was OTJ training.

My fee went up when I realized that at $50.00 a job I was not making money at the rate I was charging. It's nice not to want to undercut...at least to have concern about others, but the bottom line is you and $$$$ you are making, or losing. You cannot profit on $50.00 a job unless you a few together at one time and can bunch them in time and mileage.

That's just my opinion.

I predict you'll eventually conclude that as well...and then you'll decide to either quit the biz or raise your fees.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 11/16/06 4:05pm
Msg #160608

My 1st job was for $75.00, docs were ovenight and the signing took place within 5 blocks of my house. The 2,3,and 4th were 200.00 each, still in my county. Being "uneducated' about the exsistance of these boards, I did'nt know any better. I took a few $50 ones from a certain SS that only pays that, but I didn't take many since it didn't take me too long to figure out I wasn't making any money and was barely covering my expenses. Also if you quote $50 to a company and then after you get some experience under your belt and go quote them 75-100 next time, they're gonna laugh and say "no way! you've already been accepting $50!"
I guess you could look at it as OJT, but anytime I've had a job that offered OJT, they paid me for it, they didn't say, "Until the OJT is complete, you don't get paid".

This isn't said to discourage you. There are so many expenses related to doing this job that you HAVE to make some money over and above what it costs you to do the job! It also, I guess, has to do with how saturated your area is already. The 'big boys' have been churning out notaries in CA like crazy! In an area that is that saturated, you may never get to the point that you will get pd more than $50 because all the recently churned out notaries are thinking the same thing you are right now.
I hope things work out for you.

Reply by Bernice Williams on 11/16/06 4:20pm
Msg #160613

Bonnie,

I'm glad to say, my 1st and 2nd signing paid $75 and doc's were o/n within 10 mile radius of my home. I've been averaging $60-75 per signing, but have also accepted some $50 signings to gain experience. I do realize that at some point, will have to command more and will do so even if it means expanding resources.

My initial post was not to degrade the profession, but just to ask the question....

What is the reasonable rate a newbie should expect starting out.

If you’re accepting $50 signings and they do not include printing, is that wrong?

Just some thoughts of day...

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/16/06 4:21pm
Msg #160615

Thanks Bernice...now I understand what you are saying!

Reply by Charm_AL on 11/16/06 4:27pm
Msg #160618

wrong is not the factor here. $50 signings including e-docs....well, I'd just have to say "how far did you want me to bend over?"
A first and second for $75 was taking advantage of you. You need to start reading this board from the first post. There are people depending on this industry as a way to put food on the table in your area that are losing their asses because of situations like the one you offer and I'm sure there are 100 people right behind you wanting a piece of the ever shrinking disappearing pie. It would better suit you to work somewhere for 7. an hour, 40 hrs per week, at least then you may pay a few bills.

Reply by CaliNotary on 11/16/06 6:34pm
Msg #160660

" I'm glad to say, my 1st and 2nd signing paid $75 and doc's were o/n within 10 mile radius of my home"

So you've proven our point. You can still gain experience without doing signings at bargain basement prices. It just takes a little bit longer.

Reply by GF_CA on 11/16/06 9:41pm
Msg #160720

Re: $75?????? ...MY CAR DO NOT EVEN START FOR THAT PRICE

not now, not one year ago when I start.

Reply by LC/AZ on 11/16/06 4:26pm
Msg #160617

I was just called, minutes ago, to do a signing (40 miles-one way) for $75. The docs were sent to the borrower, so no e-docs involved. I still said, "No." I am just below that golden "100th signing", but really, don't sell yourself short. $50 signings (and $75) are an insult.

Reply by DD/OR on 11/16/06 4:32pm
Msg #160619

I'm insulted when a company calls me and offers me $45.00 or $50.00. I never did accept $50.00 signings. Newbies, you are helping to set the standard for low, low fees. Start asking for more money and start raising the standard. They make tons of money off you.

Reply by Ndwa on 11/16/06 4:56pm
Msg #160639

I'll say it again here; if you start low you will stay low. I have never accepted a $50 signing even if it's within walking distance. Look at this way, if you can do one you can do them all just that easy. Bottom line is how much respect you have for yourself/business and the profession itself.

Reply by notarybycony on 11/16/06 7:02pm
Msg #160673

being a newbie I was scare and did not know where to begin but people here on NotaryRotary was very helpful and supportive. this not only let me know that accepting a sign for $50 would only hurt the future appointment because the SS would call you and try to low ball the price every time. Due to the support and encouragement I got from fellow NA my first signing $300 for a refi. After that I would not sell myself short. But the term and condition of my rules and policies are never to allow a signing go back with an error.
This not only make my profile more attractive but this also improve my referral from SS to SS, and I had been getting more business ever since.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/16/06 7:09pm
Msg #160678

Re: Newbies excepting $50 for signings...Yes!!!!!!

**I was scare and did not know where to begin but people here on NotaryRotary was very helpful and supportive. this not only let me know that accepting a sign for $50 would only hurt the future appointment because the SS would call you and try to low ball the price every time. Due to the support and encouragement I got from fellow NA my first signing $300 for a refi. After that I would not sell myself short. ***



Oh my goodness! Can we make this lady the NR Queen for a Day?

Reply by KBLedgard_CA on 11/16/06 11:51pm
Msg #160738

Re: Newbies excepting $50 for signings...Yes!!!!!!

Only for a day, Brenda. Then she has to give that title back over to you ;-) lol

Reply by Amalia Contreras on 11/16/06 9:17pm
Msg #160717

Newbie with Notary Rotary, I am a Califorinia Notary and have been a Signing Agent for 4yrs and a Notary for 14yrs in the L.A. COUNTY. Remember that your time is $. when you see how much this SS get paid and what they offer you EXP. OR NOT your the one doing the work!!!!!!
I took a signing for $65 and after one hour 1/2 never again. I set a fee and I dont go below that!!! I speak Spanish, if I have to translate that is more. And it is true, if you take such a low amount it will be very hard to raise your fee. As an apprentice your are entitled to a fair wage. We must set the standard for each other. The standard that our Secretary of State sets for us is very high dont lower it!!!!

Reply by Jahari Davis on 11/16/06 9:48pm
Msg #160722

I could've sworn I posted about lowballing once before...

Bernice,

When I started out doing signings I began by accepting the $50-75 signings because I didnt know any better. Then, I discovered my neighbor was a notary that worked for a title company and she showed me the ropes, explaining in greater detail the forms I would encounter on closings. Then, I found this site. Despite all the drama here, some people have some really good advice and can and will assist you with any problems or questions you may have regarding forms, printing docs, technical questions, a SS or TC, etc. There are other sites out there as well. My advice to you is that you seek out a notary mentor thats not afraid to share information with you. Courses only go so far and even then not far enough only resembling an Amway pitch seminar promising big bucks with little or no effort. This biz will take a lot of drive, a strong will, lots of heart, and constant self-promotion. Once you partner with a notary mentor they will help you to determine your rates and raise your comfortability with understanding the legal jargon on the forms. Register yourself on as many prominent notary boards, title companies, and signing services as you can. (Note: Signing Services will lowball you to no end. Do not accept a signing from them for less than $80.) Get a 1 year NNA membership and use it for what its worth, exposure. Title companies still use NNA listings to find notaries. The calls will trickle in slowly but will eventually increase.

Good luck!

Reply by Blueink_CA on 11/16/06 10:12pm
Msg #160727

Re: I could've sworn I posted about lowballing once before...

Jahari, I knew you had it in you Good NSA advice. Keep it up and keep the political views to yourself. Have a good weekend.

Reply by notarybycony on 11/17/06 12:48am
Msg #160749

Re: I have to give thanks to BredanTX

Brenda because of your webpage info I had learn so much and made it this far today.
therefore you are still the queen.

Reply by cassiewi on 11/17/06 6:55am
Msg #160769

Re: I have to give thanks to BredanTX

I give a very big thank you to Brenda, Dorothy, Sylvia and quite a few others who helped me see the light about the way I was selling myself short. By setting a new standard, I have tripled my earnings the last three months, with each month being better than the last. Not to mention the satisfaction of telling the low ballers nope, sorry I can't accept that fee. I had someone call me the other day from a SS I hadn't worked for before, he asked me if I was available, I was. Edocs for $75.00 45-50 minutes from me. Nope the least I can go for is $xxx. He asked me how many closings I had done, I said more than 150. Kind of funny actually. He was trying to make me feel like I wasn't qualified to command that kind of fee.

Reply by MelissaCT on 11/17/06 10:21am
Msg #160824

Re: Newbies ACcepting $50 for signings...minimum wage OJT

Regarding ACCEPTING less for so called OJT -- does a worker at Wal-Mart make less than minimum wage when they're "training"? By selling yourself short & barely or not covering your expenses, you are effectively working for less than minimum wage. Don't be fooled into thinking that you should charge less just because you don't have the experience.

You should be making NO LESS THAN minimum wage (that's gross less expenses & don't forget what your time is worth)!!!