Posted by Laura Richardson on 10/27/06 7:16pm
Msg #155629

Signatures Plus

I am a notary in Montana who only does a few notary signings a year. Unfortunately and unknowingly, I took a signing from Signatures Plus back on October 2, 2005 -- yes, more than a year ago. It involved 1 hour of travel each way, and was for a measly $55.00. It was on a Sunday and of course I got the whole sob story about how I was the only notary they could get ahold of. (Now I know why -- I guess I am a naive "newbie".) But being such a nice Montana girl, and a complete SUCKER, I took the assignment and completed the signing. Payment should have been mailed within 30 days of the signing, apparently. After 30 days, I started e-mailing, faxing, and calling to get payment. All I got was the run around. For over a year. A couple of months ago, I finally talked with a lady who is apparently doing the accounting for the owner and she assured me that payment would be sent. It seemed awfully silly for me to pursue this for such a little fee, but it was also the point. I did my job and I expected to get paid for it. I just got home from work today, and the check was in my mailbox. A whole $55.00 check. Over a flipping year later. From the sounds of it, I should attempt to cash it right away, since I have heard that they like to bounce checks. And it was only for $55.00. I will not do work for them again, and I strongly advise that all Montana notaries stay away from Signatures Plus. I called so many times to their 1-800 number, though, that it probably cost them more than $55.00 on their phone bill. I will be very aware from here on out. Lesson learned.

Reply by cbug on 10/27/06 7:26pm
Msg #155632

If it is any relief to your ears, I also am a victim. I have completed four signings for them in about the past 2 months. I am going to go ahead and call the BBB on them and report their misbehavior on paying. I do not understand why signing companies expect us to wait so long for a payment after completing the work. I do not mind to wait 30 days, but 60-90 is a stretch. Or so I think. I think I have also learned my lesson with Signatures Plus and will stay away also. I do not need their business that bad.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 10/27/06 7:30pm
Msg #155633

Re:Nice Montana gal..........we have all been suckered one

time or another but never never accept work where you must drive one hour one way for 55 buckaroos....no can do......you are paying them and in the end it appears you did.

Reply by cbug on 10/27/06 7:35pm
Msg #155635

suggestions

I totally agree that 55 for a one hour trip is too cheap. But I have underpriced myself before. Any suggestions on going back and changing the price once you've accepted the job?

Reply by Charles_Ca on 10/27/06 7:59pm
Msg #155636

You can always reduce your price, increasing it not so easy! n/m

Reply by Liz/OR on 10/27/06 10:28pm
Msg #155666

Re: suggestions

If you think you should have charged more after you've accepted a job, you need to memorize your fees better and just do better negotiation next time. I once told someone $200 (off the top of my head) for a job 60 miles away, they basically hung up on me...oh well, didn't want to go there anyway!

It has been said before that even if they don't want to pay your fee, you are still doing yourself a favor by not selling yourself short. Hold out for those who will pay what you are worth, and most of the time...they call back

Reply by barb/NH on 10/27/06 10:31pm
Msg #155669

Re: Re:Nice Montana gal..........we have all been suckered o

I'm with you on that one! Good advice!!

Reply by Laura Richardson on 10/28/06 1:09am
Msg #155693

Re: Re:Nice Montana gal..........we have all been suckered o

$55.00 was definitely way too little for the distance I had to travel -- lesson learned for sure. Actually, up here in Montana, I have only had a couple that involved local travel; otherwise, they have been at least 45 minute trips one way. Now I know that if they want me to travel that far, they are going to have to pay for it. And usually they do. There aren't many notaries in my neck of the woods so if they want to get a signing done, they are going to have to pay. BUT I would imagine that Signatures Plus will NOT be calling me again -- because I have probably been the pestiest notary they have to deal with. My advice to those of you who are owed for past signings, stay on them. Call them every day if you have to - on their 1-800 number. E-mail them, fax them. Just bug the heck out of them until you are paid, and then don't take anymore signings from them. Call the lenders that are using them and let them know she is a bad business person and that Signaturse Plus is just a bad operation.

Reply by Joan_OH on 10/28/06 1:03pm
Msg #155793

Re: Re:Nice Montana gal..........we have all been suckered o

"BUT I would imagine that Signatures Plus will NOT be calling me again -- because I have probably been the pestiest notary they have to deal with"

That is so funny! They WILL call again because no one else will work for them. I can't tell you how many times SOX (or whatever they want to call themselves for the day) calls me (from whatever cloaked phone number they are using today), and I JUST SAY NO. They always call back. Same with Signatures Plus.

Joan-OH