Posted by Steven Pearce on 12/31/08 11:49pm
Msg #273245

Notary Rotary and Google

I don't advertise for general notary work.

Frankly, I don't see how anybody can make a living at $5 a signature, ESPECIALLY if I have to drive somewhere to get it done. So, I was surprised when I got a call from a couple asking me to notarize a domestic partnership form. I asked them how they found me and they said they googled the town and notary public and my name came up in three places. curious. So I took a shot at it and the first thing that came up was the Notary Rotary 'Find a Notary' page. That was a pretty neat surprise. I clicked on my name and there it was for the general public to see, my home phone and cell. I'm glad my address is on request only.

Oh well, I'd better get the fireworks out, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Reply by Leon_CO on 1/1/09 2:25am
Msg #273249

>> I don't see how anybody can make a living at $5 a signature, ESPECIALLY if I have to drive somewhere to get it done. <<
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I charge a travel fee to compensate me for the time and gas.

I did notary service last night for a couple whose closing I did a couple of weeks ago. It was at their office, and they have a hard time getting away. And they work long hours. A lot of times the borrowers aren't aware that there is such a thing as a moble notary. So always have your business cards with you. Although most of my clients find me through my website.

There are a lot of advantages to doing mobile notary work. No docs to print or drop off. Etc. But best of all, you get paid on the spot.

Good luck.

Reply by Steven Pearce on 1/1/09 2:05pm
Msg #273280

"But best of all, you get paid on the spot."

Definitely an advantage.

Reply by Dawn/PA on 1/1/09 9:38pm
Msg #273298

IF you can get the general public to agree to a travel fee. My experience has been that most people do not want to pay you to come to them.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/2/09 6:20am
Msg #273304

I have chosen a couple of places that are very near my home that I will travel to for a reduced travel fee of $10. Starbucks, Panera, and my local library are the three places I will go for this travel fee because they are each less than 2 miles from my home and are convenient for me. In addition, I charge the max $5 allowed by VA per notarization.

I call this my super-saver travel deal and most people who call me take me up on it. They are happy to have a notary that will meet them after work, on weekends, etc. when many banks or shipping stores are closed. It's not a lot of money per job but it takes little time and it all adds up as pocket money. And I can usually combine the trip with another errand I need to do at the same shopping center.

I don't allow people to come to my home for notary services and I don't have my address on any of my listings.

Reply by Tess on 1/2/09 12:24pm
Msg #273328

Re: I find that when I do get the general notary calls,

that they are willing to pay the mobile fee, because they do not want to, or can’t leave their homes. Of course, I live on the outskirts of a few small towns, and there are not a lot of notary shops around here, so this may be the reason for the willingness to pay the mobile fee.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/2/09 8:31pm
Msg #273386

I live with the cows and horses, Tess..and I find

that with the general notary calls, they're surprised that they have to pay me....I'm thinking it's because this is such a small town some of them still go on the "barter" system - notarize this and I'll give you 3 pies...loaves of bread, a pig, etc., etc...money??...uhhh..no...never mind...

Reply by jba/fl on 1/2/09 9:51pm
Msg #273397

Re: I live with the cows and horses, Tess..and I find

I would work for bread - at $2.50 a loaf a few loaves would be great. Also pies and esp. a pig! Yum! Few dozen eggs, few #'s of shrimp - sure! Gonna buy it anyway, might as well get fresh. LOL

Reply by Tess on 1/3/09 12:19pm
Msg #273444

Re: Linda, I would take the pies over the eggs I was offered

once. Yummy! LOL

Reply by MW/VA on 1/2/09 7:07am
Msg #273306

I do some general notary work. My minimum fee is $25, including travel. I do explain that to people when they call, and tell them the other options that they have. I am a "Notary Public", so I don't have a problem referring them elsewhere.