Posted by MNVirgo on 7/13/07 3:24pm
Msg #199789

nEW GUY HERE

Hello! I had my first signing last week. Everything seems to have went well but the whole thing was a bit hurried and unorganized. They changed the time and location last minute as I was reviewing the docs, it took place in a bar and the client was quite a character. Anyways, I find myself questioning the whole thing.
I have written a service agreement that addresses many of the questions or situations like this that may arise. It is written with a lot of research in mind, therefore, the terms are not unreasonable. How firm can I stand? I have had an issue with one company refusing to provide me any sort of signed agreement. Obviously, I have a right to ask for a contract. Right? Although each signing is different, many of the same questions arise and can be addressed ahead of time?
Also, I had a signing confirmed through NLC's site yesterday for an appointment this morning but we were waiting for the paperwork. I had never worked with this company, the same as above I might add, and hadn't received any kind of status call last night so I assumed the deal had fallen through. Well, this morning at an hour an half before the appt they call and say it's ready to go. I told them I couldn't do it that quickly and that I had thought it fallen through because I hadn't heard from them.
Is this understandable? I, a - didn't want to be hurried into a situation like my first signing and b. I hadn't received any confirmation of an agreement except the brief transaction description on NLC's site. Also, when I asked for clarification on details regarding our relationship the individual told me I was being rude. I answered if that was the case then we can cease doing business together. She also later calls me high maintenance in reference to my questions.
Am I being unreasonable in all this? I feel I need to be prepared and flexible but I want something, anything at all, in writing to establish our relationship.
Thanks for your patience in reading, and if I'm really lucky, responding.

Reply by MelissaCT on 7/13/07 3:35pm
Msg #199795

This is a last-minute business

between competition and EOM pushes, most signings are not scheduled in advance (at least not with the notary). If you require any semblance of a schedule (like a 9-5 job) this isn't for you. To be sucessful, you relly need to be available at a moments notice & be able to "git r done".

You are an independent contractor and your confirmation is your "contract". If you think you'll get a contract from each company, bet your dollar that it will be slanted toward the hiring company's best interests, not yours.

As for your question about assuming the signing was canceled for this morning -- why didn't you call them for doc status? Be proactive with them, especially if you will leave them hanging at the last minute like that. To them, they had a notary scheduled, ready to go as soon as docs were ready. They didn't know upfront (unless you gave a deadline to them, which it doesn't sound like you did) that there was a deadline on your part for receiving docs in order to complete the transaction.

I recommend reading msg 13325 to get you up-to-speed on this business. It seems you didn't properly research this business before getting started, which will cost you.

Reply by MNVirgo on 7/13/07 3:45pm
Msg #199800

Re: This is a last-minute business

First, Thank you for your feedback.
I did call them last night and emailed but hadn't heard from them. I actually didn't turn down the assignment until the individual called me rude for asking questions. She also knew I was new to this and had only done one signing.
As for researching the company, I beg to differ. I have done nothing but research the last couple of months. I have read other places that I should have an agreement.
Either way, I take what you had to say to heart.

Reply by CaliNotary on 7/13/07 9:56pm
Msg #199854

Re: This is a last-minute business

While you're certainly within your rights to have a service contract that you want to try to get these companies to sign, the reality is that it IS going to make you look like a high maintenance PITA to a lot of companies. The same way the companies with a zillion rules and regulations they want us to follow come across as high maintenance PITA's to us. And the more experienced of us know that it's pretty much always better to just avoid those companies because they'll drive us crazy and it's just not worth it.

You definitely need to do some more research on the industry norms and adapt accordingly. It's already a terrible time to be trying to break into this business, trying to do it in a way that makes you stand out negatively is pretty much career suicide.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 7/13/07 10:17pm
Msg #199855

Re: This is a last-minute business

Cali, you are so right. Start putting stipulations on the hiring entities and you might as well sell your dual tray printer and start again on your resume. Most of the dialers will hang up and call the next NSA on their list

Watch this board for no-pay companies and prove yourself to the others. Keep your fee competitive, do a good job and hang in there. It takes awhile (years) to establish yourself. This business, like many others, has it's peaks and valleys. If you have the support and resources to keep on keeping on, you will succeed. If you're looking for the fast buck, you'd have a better chance in Reno.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/13/07 3:39pm
Msg #199796

At the very least you should get a written confirmation via email (or fax) stating the terms of the event (or deal if you wish), ie, bor. name, address, ph #, amount to be paid (agreed upon at time of phone call), where signing to take place, when, etc. Without that in writing, you have nothing.
If you are not comfortable with meeting at prescribed location (high crime area, heavy known drug area, etc.,), tell the bor. that you want to meet at library, restaurant, coffee shop of your choosing nearby. Not nec. to be a hero, but safety IS important (yours).
There are other considerations of course, but I am not going to presume that you haven't thought of what is important to you.
Good luck

Reply by thnotary_NY on 7/13/07 3:55pm
Msg #199805

The "establishment of relationship" is the CONFIRMATION, DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT AND THE HUD FORM. It might help to go *live* and discuss some of the "ins & outs" of the business.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 7/13/07 4:30pm
Msg #199813

I don't think you'll have much luck getting an SS or a TC to sign a service agreement that you drafted, especially if you're just starting out. As Melissa said, this tends to be a last minute business - hurried and unorganized comes with the territory, and more so at EOM.

When a scheduler calls you, they don't generally have the time or inclination to discuss the nature of your business relationship with them - their job is to find a notary to handle the assignment. The best you can do is negotiate your fee, verify what happens to your fee if the borrower cancels at the table or rescinds, ask about any faxback requirements (and adjust your fee accordingly if they expect you to fax a ton of stuff back to them), and be sure to get it all on the confirmation they email you. It's also a good idea to ask about payment cycles, so you're not looking for a check within 30 days when they pay at 45 days... THAT is what establishes your relationship with them. There are a couple of folks here who feel a confirmation isn't necessary, but personally I won't accept a job if they won't confirm what we've agreed to.

You should also let them know in advance if you have time limitations regarding e-docs. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect them at least 2 hours prior to the appointment, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who has gotten them 10 minutes AFTER the scheduled appointment. I start calling 2 hours beforehand if the docs haven't shown up, and if late docs are going to affect my schedule I let them know that we either have to reschedule or they can find someone else to do it. If it doesn't affect my schedule, I call the BO to let them know I'm going to be late (and why). It's just part of the job.

I'm curious about the type of questions you asked that would cause the scheduler to call you "rude" and "high maintenance".

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/14/07 8:27am
Msg #199892

Forget having them sign your contract (service agreement). That won't happen.

Be ready to work on the fly.

And, finally, in your defense, there are a ton of Jack@$$e$ in our business. Just ignore them and smile when you get their check...or filter them out and never work for them again. I think you hooked up with a stinker this time.