Posted by Tam/Kansas on 6/19/07 11:46am
Msg #195761

Fees

I have recently raised my fees due to the cost of fuel and printing costs. I cover alot of rural territory. I have started charging mileage outside my home county which is a 50 mile round trip, is this unreasonable. I am charging 43 cents a mile after the 50. There are very few notaries in my area, but companies seem to only want to pay between $50.00 and $75.00 for a 100 mile round trip, this includes printing, and the signing of the documents. I have been doing this for a year now, and really don't have anyone to compare to because of living in such a rural area, but with fuel over $3.00 a gallon, sometimes I spend more time driving than I actually do at the signing. Thanks

Reply by Mindy_WA on 6/19/07 12:08pm
Msg #195764

You may have to limit your coverage area to closer to home. We have, and have found that we are available more, and are making more, because we are not driving so far.

Something to think about.

Reply by Frenchie/TN on 6/19/07 12:12pm
Msg #195765

It seems very cheap to me. I only go 40 miles round trip for standard fee and if it's rural/mountain roads where you can only go 30 miles an hour I take that into account. IRS says it costs 48.5 cents to operate a car so at 42 cents you are not charging anything for your drive time.

Reply by John Laing on 6/19/07 12:43pm
Msg #195767

I too cover a rural area.......8 counties ...and I charge a higher fee than most because it is a rural area.......who else are they going to get to close in the boonies. Jack up your fees

Reply by Michael/FL on 6/19/07 12:53pm
Msg #195768

Exactly if there are a limited amount of gas stations around too thats another reason to put a mark up on your fees.. Don't want to run low and have a gas station that is 30 miles away!!! I know I charge my far share because well gas isn't cheap these days

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/19/07 12:58pm
Msg #195769

Re: Fees - John

Where in Fl are you located?

Reply by John Laing on 6/19/07 1:01pm
Msg #195770

Re: Fees - John

Dunnellon.........SW of Ocala

Reply by Michael/FL on 6/19/07 1:43pm
Msg #195777

Re: Fees - John

I too am In Dunnellon

Yea if you do the job right the first time and the TC pays, they will again in the future for you

Reply by NCLisa on 6/19/07 1:05pm
Msg #195772

I cover up to 20 counties, many rural. I do this because I have some clients that want me to do the signing no matter how far away it is. I've made a circle around my home, and add $25 per "tier" to the cost the farther out I go. Some areas are $225 to $300 for the signing. Instead of charging per mile, charge an extra fee per county, or even per city/town.

Reply by John Laing on 6/19/07 1:08pm
Msg #195773

Right on.........Our fees are similar.....If they want it done right the first time and it's in the sticks, they'll pay the freight

Reply by Vince/KS on 6/19/07 7:26pm
Msg #195863

Don't know what part of Kansas you are in, but your charges are less than half what is being paid in KC area (unless they think you will do it for less). You owe it to yourself to at least experiment. If the low ball companies are told no - then you may get a shot at doing the signing with a company that will pay double to quadruple what you are currently accepting. How can you make any money driving to those signings at the mileage rate you are charging?

You will be happy that you are taking a look at your expenses as well as your income because what is left over is what you and Uncle Sam have an interest in keeping.