Posted by Ernest__CT on 3/26/07 4:21pm
Msg #182048

Late edocs / Cancelled signings

Folks, we've just GOT to take control of our livelihoods again. Things have gotten way out of hand.

First, two mini-rants:
1) On Wednesday the signing was arranged for Thursday at 6 PM. On Thursday it was changed to Friday at 6 PM (later to 4 PM). On Friday it was changed to Monday. I requested compensation because I'd turned down other assignments for Thursday and Friday. After she'd check with a manager: Nope. Later in the same call, Monday's signing was cancelled (because I'd requested compensation, I'll bet!). Now I'm left with zero dollars for two prime time signing slots near End of Month.
B) On Friday another signing was scheduled for Sunday at noon. On Saturday the signing was changed to Monday (today) at 8 PM. A few minutes ago (call it 5:45 PM) the third call requesting edoc status brought the news that the signing isn't going to happen.

(Still reading?r Good. Thanks!)

I don't think my situations are unique. I'm positive they're not. The question is, what can we do about these kinds of situations? Notice, please, that I didn't say "What do we WISH we could do?" or "Wouldn't it be nice if ...?"

How can we be competitive, be FAIRLY compensated for our time, not overbook, and still make a living?

Competitive: We cannot fix prices. That's illegal. Period. (And probably wise.) If I don't demand payment for lost opportunities and you do, then I'm going to get appointments and you're not.

Fair compensation: I'm not suggesting that we should be paid our full fee if we do not print docs, travel, do the signing, et cetera. I'm talking only about a reasonable dollar amount (and it will be different for each of us) because we lost business due to not accepting another assignment.

Not overbooking: I don't take more assignments than I can complete in the time needed to give each signer good service. Nobody should overbook.

Making a living: Each of us charges (or SHOULD charge) a fair amount for each signing. Not cheap, not expensive. For me, that means absolutely no $40 signings. (No, I'm not disclosing what my real minimum is, thanks anyway.)

So the question is, what CAN we do, as individuals and as a group of professionals?

Reply by BetsyMI on 3/26/07 4:55pm
Msg #182049

I sure can relate to what you're saying, but we'd have to be fair and include other professions when saying the provider should be compensated for. For instance if you cancelled your doctor/dentist/beautician/accountant/repair guy appts, you'd sure hate to be billed for the time slot because they 'could have' had other appts to fill those slots.

Again, I feel for you and for us, but I don't think we have a leg to stand on when it happens.

Reply by PAW on 3/26/07 5:57pm
Msg #182056

I don't know about MI, but around here, a lot of doctor's office, dentist, etc. have signs in their waiting rooms that you will be billed for canceling the appointment within 24hrs of the scheduled time. And many of them actually do bill you, depending on how well you plead your case. (They are reasonable to a certain extent.) Even the "pool guy" has this type of payment 'guarantee'.

Reply by Debbie/OH on 3/26/07 6:06pm
Msg #182058

Im sitting here right now waiting for docs for a 7:00 pm app. Got a call at 7:15 docs should arrive in 40 mins. It is 8 pm and no docs..got a call from SS, is your schedule flexible tonight? Luckily I am available, but how long do I wait? BO is ok as long as its tonight!

Reply by nancykay_mo on 3/26/07 5:01pm
Msg #182050

I would sure like to figure out a way to get paid for cancellation too. You mentioned a cancelled dr./dentist appt. IF you read your appt. card, they will charge you a small fee if appt. is cancelled in less than 24 hours before scheduled appointment. So what is the difference. We are professionals too.

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 3/26/07 5:05pm
Msg #182052

Re: Late edocs / Cancelled signings...the difference is

most of us will return for appts. to our dentist, whereas, the Title, Signing or Loan Companies may never call us again, so what do they have to lose by not giving us a 24 hr. notice of cancellation.

Reply by TRG_wy on 3/26/07 5:37pm
Msg #182053

Re: Late edocs / Cancelled signings...the difference is

There is a cancelation fee for the services mentioned. They book time and we are expected to be there.

I have absolutely no problem posting SA names that treat us like dirt. I say post thier names and let the world know what type of business they run.

"Price fixing" is a joke. It is not illegal for us to set our fee at a base of say $100.00. The SA certaintly have set their fee, likewise for appraisers, lawyers e.t.c. As an aside, it is just impractile for us to set a "standard" fee given our geographical and market conditions. But if a network worked together and said their base fee were $100.00, that is not price fixing. That is simply value for the experience and training offered.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 3/26/07 5:57pm
Msg #182057

I think you should accomodate the client within reason, but maybe it's time to talk to them about cancellation fees after the first reschedule. You're reserving time for them and possibly losing other work in the process; maybe you should make that clear when they reschedule. I haven't had this happen to me yet so I can't speak from experience, but it seems to me that you can't demand a cancellation fee after the fact - that has to be part of the original fee negotiation.

Reply by Jason on 3/26/07 6:26pm
Msg #182059

On last few days to sign, I dont accept an eDoc signing unless 100% docs are ready 2 email at the time of the call.

If docs not ready, i tell em 2 call back when docs are ready + see if I am free.

Ive had it w/ losing appts due 2 late edocs + cancellations.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/26/07 9:12pm
Msg #182080

When I accept a signing, I am up front as to my policy that the signing does not hit my calender until I have the docs. I do call the borrower and let them know that I will call them back to finalize the appointment time when I do get the docs. Yes, I do spend a little more time on the phone, but that is more than recovered by having a smooth schedule.

Reply by David Kral on 3/27/07 12:04am
Msg #182107

Easy

Overbook. I do it all the time. 4, 5, 5:30 6. I can always talk my way around it. Must be an accident. Sorry, you documents were late from the title company. Gee last borrower's spouse got delayed on the way home.

Today, I had 4 signings. Two sets of documents were way late. Three of the borrowers wanted alter the times. I juggled all four all day and got them done.

One title company called, the one with very late docs and asked if I had gotten it signed. I said no, but I spoke to the borrower and we were going to meet late tonight. I would get it done. They said fine.

Last Friday I had three cancell but picked up two more last minute ones. Just look out for number one. You can say it is not fair to the borrowers but I have a spouse tell be they were both there when they are not. I have had a spouse leave in the middle of the signing to take her daughter to guitar lesson. I was on time and schedule and told I would have to wait or they would complete the signing. She was a lawyer and new if I did not get it signed I would not get paid(I almost packed up and left anyway, but I get a lot of volume from that client.)

Thus, over book and juggle.