Posted by GotToGo on 7/30/07 7:05am
Msg #202648

First Choice Signing Service/Jarrod Rodgers

I received a check from First Choice Signing Service/Jarrod Rodgers for one of four signings he owes me. The check was dated July 11, 2007 but he did not mail it until July 24th, 2007. Who does that??!! Is it a power trip to write the check, but really can't afford to send it? I'm just hoping it clears-- He did send one notary a check but he had no money in the bank to cover it. How professional is he?

Reply by ms/IL on 7/30/07 8:16am
Msg #202656

I had a problem with him back in the spring. I did two signings for him about a week apart from each other. It took me two months of numerous phone calls and emails to receive a check for the first signing . The second closing, I was with the borrowers for about 2 hours, and they finally decided to back out and not sign. Jarrod told me I would be paid a print and trip fee ( $75, which was clearly stated on his confirmation to me), but he never paid me. I was very persistent in calling him and leaving emails, but never recieived a check. It was the one and only time I never was paid for a closing. I was called this summer by someone else from his company to do a signing and laughed and hung up...I'm surprised he is still in business.

Reply by GotToGo on 7/30/07 9:57am
Msg #202667

Yep, I've got the same story. Except these all closed. I have had to call the brokers in regard to the signings and they all say he was paid by them and they didn't understand why he was not paying. They were not happy that he is not paying notaries. I suggested they read the notary boards-- They will find out for themselves. He is not a professional nor is his business or its practices. Really, its sad. So many of us are standing in line to work with the good companies and can't wait for them to call. He could have us in his pocket if he were a REAL signing company instead of a thief. Such a shame.

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 7/30/07 11:12am
Msg #202685

First of all, First Choice isn't professional (I've posted before my personal opinion of them). IF they were you wouldn't be writing about them. Second, unfortunately as being self-employed this is the risk you (meaning all of us) take. If you want guarantees then find another line of work (ie: get a job). I realize that it would be great to have every assignment that we complete pay us in full within 15 days. But that is not how the industry is. As with almost everything there is good and there is bad. Reporting a problem is one thing, but to keep whining about it is another.

Personally I hate to collect money. I am more than capable, I just don't think I should have to earn the money twice. Be realistic about it. Just because companies hire you does not mean that they are honest. That they pay on time. That they have the funds to pay you with. Etc. They too are in business to make money, even if it is off the back of the signing agents. Some earn it, some don't. Some are great, and some are thieves. If you are having a problem with a company, report it here, keep us informed. Keep after them until they do finally pay. Report them to the BBB (some areas this does not work), report them to the title company and/or lender, send invoices by certified mail, resend them by e-mail and fax, turn them over to collections - what ever it takes. IF they do send you a check, and it bounces then you have even more power to collect.

Just don't take it personally. All of this is part of beiing self-employed. This is just one of the reasons that most people who go in business for themselves never make it more than a year, two at the most. Hang in there with it. If you earned it, you have every right to be paid. Good luck!

Reply by GotToGo on 7/30/07 1:49pm
Msg #202736

Yes, you are right. When I called the broker, he couldn't beleive that I hadn't been paid. He said, "We paid HIM!" All of the brokers I have called have said he has been paid and I will continue to try to collect the funds. But my main reason to post is to warn other notaries about Jarrod Rodgers and First Choice Signing Service. I wish I knew!!

Reply by CaliNotary on 7/30/07 6:37pm
Msg #202810

"But my main reason to post is to warn other notaries about Jarrod Rodgers and First Choice Signing Service. I wish I knew!!"

Well hopefully you know better now. A search on this board shows posts dating back 2 years showing the same problems with this company.

It's definitely in your best interest to do a search on here of EVERY new company that calls you for a signing. Accept the signing when they call, search on here, and don't be shy about giving the signing back if you see a bunch of warnings about them. If there's no info on the board about them, you're probably safe in keeping the signing, but there are no guarantees.

Reply by CCountry on 8/2/07 7:20pm
Msg #203614

Rec'd call from Jarrod to edoc sign tonight for $90. Since I did not recall ever signing for FCSS, I looked them up here. Glad I did. I cancelled with him by phone and let him know that I had not contacted his borrower. He was rude.
Took a quick look at the HUD he sent to me as a first of 5 emails. The "Signing" fee was indicated as $250. So I am not sure why he has a difficulty in paying notaries?

Reply by akristy/CA on 9/25/07 12:48pm
Msg #212965

URGENT!!!
YOU NEED TO CONTACT Jerald Carter [[e-mail address]] ABOUT YOUR UNPAID FEES W/FIRST CHOICE!!