Posted by CF on 12/16/07 6:52pm
Msg #226370

Portable copier/Cannon PC160

OK- I just cant take it anymore! TC says- yes- we told BO to have copy of Home Owners Policy, Drivers License, and so on and so forth. I tell BO to have the copies that I need too- and they do not do it. Most people today have access to do it at home....but still a lot dont! I know several other people say they have a copier that they travel with and use it all the time.

I just purchased the Cannon PC160 Portable Copier off Ebay for $40.00 brand new the the box...there are other retailers selling this too for real good prices. Retails at Office Max and the big boxes for $150+. It comes with a starter cartridge and Office Max brand is $62.00 for a new one that will do 2000 pages- which will last forever!!!!! Says that it has a built in handle for portability. Just wanted to share. Hope this may help some other!

Reply by Philip Johnson on 12/16/07 6:55pm
Msg #226371

Told twice and still no copies.

Why do you think it's your responsibility to fulfill their requirements? Tell them to copy and fax to you early the next day or contact the TC at the # on the docs to fax to them.

Reply by CF on 12/16/07 6:59pm
Msg #226373

Re: Told twice and still no copies.

I have been fighting the fight- Phillip....and I just dont want to worry about getting paid from these companies anymore. I do agree that it is not my responsibility....and I have had BO fax me and the fax did not come out right. I am bitting the bullet....and just going to have one- for the price I could not pass it up. Actually, an elderly BO is, really, what has sparked this whole buying a portable copier and I am doing more RM's.

Reply by Lee/AR on 12/17/07 1:17am
Msg #226437

Re: Told twice and still no copies.

You can't hardly get any more rural or small town than Arkansas. No Kinkos, Gas Stations with copiers, etc. Mostly Mom & Pop businesses & they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm or earlier. Yet, I can count on one hand the number of times the B's have not had ID copies, if required. And those B's all faxed it to me that day or the next morning. Yep, RMs, too. I think it's how you handle the confirmation call. At least, so far, that's been my experience.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 12/17/07 1:43pm
Msg #226520

Re: Told twice and still no copies.

When I need copies I tell the borrower the loan won't fund without required copies so have them available when I get there. More often then not this works.

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/16/07 7:40pm
Msg #226378

thank you thank you thank you

Please let me know how you like the copier. I was just thinking this morning that I need to find a portable copier/scanner for our closers. Does it scan, too?

We have the very same problem. No matter how many times you tell folks to have copies, they often forget. Also, I'm thinking of the purchase transactions where we have to fax signed docs from the table. It would be nice to be able to fax or e-mail them from the consumer's home.

How does everyone else handle this?

Reply by CF on 12/16/07 7:49pm
Msg #226382

Re: thank you thank you thank you

I will let you know how it works out! No- it does not scan. If you need to fax from the table: that may get a little complicated. IMO- you would need a lap top, with wireless air card for intenet, some sort of efax program, and portable scanner. Or scanner/fax- however you would need a land line for the phone connection to fax. Many people do not have land lines anymore- we have had cell phones only for 5 years. So you would probably need to be entireless wireless to really have full control.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 12/16/07 7:54pm
Msg #226385

Re: thank you thank you thank you

I purchased two Lexmark 4300 for $25 each. One for the home office and one for the car. I do have a laptop with wireless aircard 29.99 mo. I scan to pdf and efax. I do RM applications and I am required to have a copier/scanner (color) for ID's SS card, home owners ins. etc.

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/16/07 7:59pm
Msg #226388

cool n/m

Reply by CF on 12/16/07 8:03pm
Msg #226391

Re: thank you thank you thank you

You have to have yours hooked up to your lap top to work right? You can just use it to print a copy- right? I am just curious- hope that I made the purchase b/c mine does not scan??????

Reply by Barbara A Demonte on 12/16/07 7:53pm
Msg #226384

Re: thank you thank you thank you

I now carry my sony cybershot camera with me and take a picture of the items required. Come home download it to the computer and print any size I want. If borrower refuses to allow me to take the pictures, then I tell them that they have to get the items to the TC before the recission period ends or their loan won't fund and write the info down on an ID verification form. Already had the camera, so I just put it to good use.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 12/16/07 7:56pm
Msg #226386

Re: thank you thank you thank you

I am able to do this in my car and drop of the package on my way home. No need to make a special trip home and go back out. Saves much gas

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/16/07 8:00pm
Msg #226389

very cool n/m

Reply by Barbara A Demonte on 12/16/07 8:04pm
Msg #226392

Re: thank you thank you thank you

Half the time I have to come back anyway to do the invoice and I just call Fed Ex or UPS to come and pick the packages up since I've had a few problems with putting them in drop boxes. IE: One time they didn't come and pick up at the box I put the package in for 10 days, but the driver was marking down that he had picked up at the box daily. That was one really POed Title Company.

Reply by WDMD on 12/16/07 8:03pm
Msg #226390

Re: thank you thank you thank you

"Also, I'm thinking of the purchase transactions where we have to fax signed docs from the table. It would be nice to be able to fax or e-mail them from the consumer's home."

I'm guessing that you are referring to your employees and not requiring this of your independent 1099 closers. You certainly are not expecting independent notaries to spend money and time on faxing or e-mailing from a borrowers home. Or if so, would you re-imburse for the expense? Or could you wait an hour or so for the notary to get back to their office and comply?

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/16/07 8:06pm
Msg #226395

expectations of a closer

Right now, I am thinking of my employee closers. If I were using an independent Signing Agent for a purchase, I would expect that they would fax from the table, too. I think my going rate of $150 per closing would cover it, wouldn't it?

Reply by Barbara A Demonte on 12/16/07 8:19pm
Msg #226397

Re: expectations of a closer

Not really, because of the risk you take of getting your vehicle broken into and the equipment stolen. Not to mention the modifications that you have to make to the vehicle to accomodate the drain on the battery and convert the power required for the equipment. Also, you are increasing your insurance costs because most mobile notaries don't carry business insurance on their vehicles. All of my purchase closings have been at the realtor's or broker's offices so I haven't incurred a problem of not being able to fax back. I'm not even allowed to distribute the checks until they receive the faxes and give me the okay.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 12/16/07 8:27pm
Msg #226400

Re: expectations of a closer - Technology is so easy, and

getting more affordable by the day. It separates the willing from the not willing to grow one's business by offering the services needed for smooth transactions in the field. Business investments in technology to keep up with this ever-changing business should be in every business plan, I know it's in mine. Handy at tax time too.

Diane, I agree that your rate covers a purchase fax-from-the-table expectation. Lengthy, surperfluous faxes, another story...

Reply by CF on 12/16/07 8:38pm
Msg #226402

Re: expectations of a closer - Technology is so easy, and

Susan- you are right! For the upgrades in technology that need to be purchased- the prices are very small. You can get a ready to use laptop with all the, necessary bell and whistles, for around $600-$800 dollars. I mean that is a few jobs....and you are ready to roll. Also, as I just purchased a portable copier for $40.00- I mean that is very cheap! As for the scanner/ fax I am quit certain that you can get for around $100.00 that will work just fine. The technology upgrade does not have to be top-of-the-line and cost a lot of money!

Reply by Philip Johnson on 12/16/07 8:44pm
Msg #226406

Other than this time, how many times have you needed this?

In your above example you've spent $1000 of your money to solve someone elses problemand that doesn't make sense to me. Worst comes to worst have them follow you out to the nearest copier and cut copies there for 10 cents a page, most quickie marts have one.

Reply by CF on 12/16/07 8:54pm
Msg #226410

Re: Other than this time, how many times have you needed this?

I have had this happen a lot! Like I said, I am working with more elderly people that do not have access to copiers. For me it is more convenient to make it myself- then waste more time following someone to make a copy. As for the tech- upgrades.....I just had to buy a new lap top...my other one fried out - 6 years old. I use both a desk top and a lap top have a router at my house; and use it while I am out and about in the middle of closings. I look and search very hard for good deals...and seem to find them. Just my opinion.

Reply by WDMD on 12/16/07 8:57pm
Msg #226411

Re: Other than this time, how many times have you needed this?

" Like I said, I am working with more elderly people that do not have access to copiers. For me it is more convenient to make it myself- then waste more time following someone to make a copy."

Maybe I'm not following along, but if the subject is now about getting copies of borrowers ID's I do not need a mobile copier. I already have a digital camera that works just fine.

Reply by CF on 12/16/07 9:03pm
Msg #226416

Re: Other than this time, how many times have you needed this?

For me the picture thing....just does not cut it. I have done it a couple of times in the past. So if that works for you it is great! Yes- the beauty of being an independent contractor. Each one of us can call the shots! And to be honest with you....I run a very tight budget. I do not think that spending money is fun. However, what I did buy is only $40.00 and it will save me from headaches and PITA situations. I really like to keep it simple and be in control of what I need to.

Reply by Barbara A Demonte on 12/16/07 8:48pm
Msg #226408

Re: expectations of a closer - Technology is so easy, and

There's more expenses than just the cost of the equipment. Here is only one, how about the $70.00 to $100.00 dollars a month for a wireless network service for the lap top computer? I would have to be doing a lot of closings requiring immediate fax backs to just justify the wireless network service alone. I've been doing closings since 1998 and have yet been requested to do immediate fax backs with the exception of the purchases and those have always taken place in a business office with the equipment.

Reply by CF on 12/16/07 9:00pm
Msg #226412

Re: expectations of a closer - Technology is so easy, and

Yes the wireless card is costly...however you need to say that if you get 10 more jobs per month requiring this new expense- wouldn't that pay for itself from 1 job and then you have 9 jobs that are pure profit? That is the way that I look at things in this line of business. I take my gas and my edoc cost off the top of my fee- then with what is left I break that down with the time it took me to do the job with travel. That is how I figure how much I am making...and how I justify expenses from above. It works for me that way. I know what I need to at the EOM to be profitable.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 12/17/07 7:08am
Msg #226444

Re: expectations of a closer - Technology is so easy, and

Where are you shopping for wireless service for your laptop? I pay $29.99. I do other work besides closings. I do foreclosure inspections at $75 each. I do the inspection and download the photos and do the report, all in my car. I can do 10 a day and that surely is worth the cost.

Reply by Gerry_VT on 12/17/07 12:03pm
Msg #226497

Technology infrastructure

Don't assume wireless Internet works everywhere. You might have a signing agent who has successfully emailed a scan from the table in a certain big city, but the next time you send the siging agent out, the signing takes place in area with no coverage. What's your backup plan?

Reply by MistarellaFL on 12/17/07 3:38pm
Msg #226542

WTH Margaret???? Wireless for $29.99?????

I'd be interested in learning who your provider is.....the cheapest I've found in SWFL runs about $70 per month.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 12/16/07 8:51pm
Msg #226409

Exactamundo. And, I don't buy the argument that the

risks are greater, or tweaking the car with an inverter is too hard, or that insurance will go up. If you budget your business (part of your Business Plan), the expenditures are, essentially, pre-paid, because you have put fractions of your income into those accounts - ergo - paying cash, not charging a thing.

The successful businesses 'plan their work, and work their plans.'

Reply by Barbara A Demonte on 12/16/07 9:02pm
Msg #226413

Re: Since I don't get these requests,

I can't justify the expense. Also, if you don't tell your car insurance company that you are carrying that type of equipment and get a rider to your policy to cover it, when it gets stolen out of your car they won't reimburse you for it, and yes business policies on vehicles are higher because you are on the road more frequently. Quite frankly my digital camera takes wonderful pics of the docs required at a fraction of the cost of this other stuff.

Reply by Philip Johnson on 12/16/07 9:05pm
Msg #226417

You said it Susan

"The successful businesses 'plan their work, and work their plans"

The key word to me is their and to me having to work two other parties plans for they failed to get it done is not my way. At that point we formulate a new plan that works out to everyone's benefit and most of the time that is putting the onus on the borrower to fulfill what they agreed to.

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/16/07 9:17pm
Msg #226419

I'm just trying to think ahead....

I know I keep harping on the UCI but I'm laying out the possibilities.

PA is a tablefunded state. That means that we normally have the lender's funds in our account before we go to the table. Many lenders require a few faxed documents from the table before they give us a funding authorization number that allows us to release the funds at the table.

So, that's one issue but I'd also like to have the ability to copy photo ID. We've not had good luck with cameras. The picture quality isn't always acceptable to the lender.

If I decide under UCI that it's possible in PA to expand my closing capability using Signing Agents, then I would certainly be looking for people who use at least the same technology we use. Sometimes I have a closer e-mail or fax something to me from the closing. Can't do that when in a location without a fax or scanner.

Add to that the possibilities of electronic signings and you've got the need for it. We've only got one electronic notary on staff in case a lender wants the capability. I have no idea if the practice will take off but it's good to be prepared.

Reply by Barbara A Demonte on 12/16/07 9:23pm
Msg #226420

Re: I'm just trying to think ahead....

"We've not had good luck with cameras. The picture quality isn't always acceptable to the lender."

You have to set the camera on "macros" and turn the dial for "taking pictures in low light settings" so that no flash is used. My camera is a 7.2 mega pixel and the photos come out better than off of the copy machine. The background of the licenses in FL is a dark brown and it doesn't photo copy well.

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/16/07 9:28pm
Msg #226422

thank you - I'll pass that on. n/m

Reply by Margaret_FL on 12/17/07 9:36am
Msg #226461

Re: thank you - I'll pass that on.

Diane, I have my electronic notary seal also. I always try to think ahead. My laptop is also a tablet PC, so there is no need for a pad to attach to my laptop to sign digital documents. I many title companies that think my technology is fantastic when I tell them.

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/17/07 10:49am
Msg #226479

Re: thank you - I'll pass that on.

Yea, that's where I'm going, too. We have two laptops. I figure the notary seal on a USB clip and a portable scanner with wireless and we're set. My husband has a neat little portable printer for his business and I'm looking at that, too, for our closers.

Do you have any special carrying cases?

This year feels like a technology paradigm shift to me.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 12/17/07 12:11pm
Msg #226501

Re: thank you - I'll pass that on.

I have a rolling suitcase that holds everything. I even bought a plug adapter after I went to one older home that did not have the 3 prongs. I had to got back out to my car and do everything from there.

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/17/07 12:17pm
Msg #226503

wonderful - thanks! n/m

Reply by Terri Garner on 12/17/07 6:47pm
Msg #226564

Re: I'm just trying to think ahead....

I use my digital camera and I use the "macro" setting so that you can get closer to the item you're taking a picture of and focus on it. Works like a charm.

Terri
Lancaster, CA

Reply by Susan Fischer on 12/16/07 9:28pm
Msg #226423

Re: You said it Susan -- I think you misunderstood me.

the "their" I meant refers to, true, everyone in general, but signing professionals in particular.

I've said it before, accomodations and conveniences are spendy, and someone who can provide those accomodations conveniently, gets comensated accordingly.

It is not my position that my business services dictate to my clients, rather, the other way around. It ~is~ my position that the fuller my services repetoir (sp?), the more valuable I become in the marketplace.

Borrowers are what they are. And when I say 'Your borrowers are my neighbors," I really mean it. Anything I can do to lessen the stress of transactions for all parties, the better the cash flow. It's all about customer service, professionalism, and business savvy.

I like being the 'go to' signin professional; handy as a shirt on a pocket.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 12/16/07 10:13pm
Msg #226428

Re: expectations of a closer

<< If I were using an independent Signing Agent for a purchase, I would expect that they would fax from the table, too. I think my going rate of $150 per closing would cover it, wouldn't it?>>

For the most part, no, it wouldn't. There are some road warriors out there that might be able to accommodate you from their car, but most of us aren't going to make that investment for the fees being offered. Unless you're willing to commit to a certain volume of transactions that would cover the expense, it's simply not cost effective for us.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 12/16/07 10:04pm
Msg #226427

I have the same copier - it does come in handy at times, and I generally toss it in the trunk (gently) just in case I need it. My only complaint is that it can't handle legal size copies.

Reply by Miranda/VA on 12/17/07 9:11am
Msg #226456

Dont drop it. I have one and I droped it and the top broke is not really portable. I actually have the 170

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/17/07 11:14am
Msg #226486

Re: Does it copy legal size?

I have an HP F380 - color scanner/copier - works like a charm, makes great copies, but only does letter size. Would be nice to have a portable copier that does legal too.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/17/07 11:20am
Msg #226489

Re: N/M - just went to the Canon site - don't think so n/m

Reply by janCA on 12/17/07 11:43am
Msg #226491

Cannon 430 copier

The Cannon 430 will copy legal-sized; the cost is quite a bit more, 2-$300 more. I also have the PC170, I bought a new one from ebay for $45. As CF stated, most senior citizens over the age of 70 do not have access and I was forever running out with their DL's and pertinent info to make copies. They always trusted me with their important documents. Most do not even drive. And it is a requirement of Financial Heritage to have all these documents sent back with the application. You receive a $50 bonus.

Reply by parkerc/ME on 7/6/08 6:09pm
Msg #254294

I know this is a very late posting to this topic, but just came across it in looking for something else. As a new Signing Agent (just got certified and have not had a signing yet) and just listed on this site, I'm eating up all those things that could possibly throw a glich in the signing process. If you don't have a portable scanner/fax if the BO does not have a required extra copy of ID or insurance policy cover sheet to take with you, would a good digital picture of the ID or page maybe work??? Have no idea, but just throwing that out as a question???

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/6/08 6:23pm
Msg #254297

Yes, it works.

Even cell phones are starting to take pictures that are decent. Just make sure you can down load them from the phone if you get it into your phone.

Truthfully, though...if they don't provide the DL copies (which they more often don't than do) you can have them fax it in if you don't have an alternative means of capturing a copy.

My digital camera does a beautiful job of photographing full pages. Not sure how a cell phone would work for that.

Reply by parkerc/ME on 7/6/08 7:00pm
Msg #254299

Re: Yes, it works.

Thanks! Just trying to cover my bases before 1st signing . . . forewarned, forearmed, etc. Glad to know camera will do the trick.