Posted by LKT/CA on 12/2/08 11:55pm
Msg #270957

Solicitous Directory Emails - Beware

I seem to get a lot of email solicitations these days from new directories - all wanting me to part with anywhere from $20 - $100 to become a "member" - all promising to increase my business as a Signing Agent. I've noticed that many of these companies are lacking in fundamentals (the basics) - i.e. no track record. I have an advertising budget and allot a certain dollar figure each year to what I can afford to spend on advertising...to include my website, it's maintenance and domain renewal, business cards, car magnets, directory listings, t-shirts, etc. Some things I suggest you take note of before you consider signing up with a new directory. The following are all RED FLAG warnings and indicate that the company is probably a boiler room operation.

1. When was the company established? Was it just "born" recently?

2. Is there complete contact information - name, physical address, office phone and fax? Is the email domain in line with the company's name or is it a personal email, i.e. aol, yahoo, gmail, msn, etc.?

3. Is the site encrypted when putting in credit card info? Is the fee a one-time fee or a monthly charge? What is the refund policy?

4. Is the website riddled with typos and grammatical errors?

In tough economical times, the scam artists come out of the woodwork. Keep in mind that these crooks' only goal is the create these sites, get as much money as they can and then jump ship. Ask at least 10 other Notaries if they've heard of the directory and what they know about it before you part with you $$$.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/3/08 7:57am
Msg #270967

Excellent advice! n/m

Reply by Michelle/AL on 12/3/08 10:28am
Msg #270978

I Agree, LKT/CA

In fact, the best way for me to purchase something that you're selling is for ME to come to YOU, and not the other way around. When I come to you it is usually in response to a reccomendation by a friend or peer, or because of research done on my part. I've asked around. I've checked you out. I'm interested in buying. When you come to me (especially via email), I liken it to begging. I probably shouldn't view it that way but I do. I picture you in my mind with your hand out in front of you asking me to give you my money. I imagine that you're out to scam me.

Not one of the notary sites where my profile is listed contacted me first. I went to them. In fact, nearly everything about my business (website, CPA, business cards, and so forth) is a result of my own research, or by a friend or colleague telling me about a valuable service and how it has benefited them.

So...those of you who email me 2-3 times a week at all three of my email accounts. Please stop. Instead focus on building your business and services so that eventually I will hear about you from others. I will see your logo on other websites. You will gain credibility and eventually someone will say to me, "Michelle, I can't believe you don't advertise on XYZ.com!" That is when I'll come a running with credit card in hand.

Reply by ericashaw on 12/3/08 12:06pm
Msg #270996

when we started I picked a zip code far away from me and called the person that came up on the top of the listing and just asked them how their results were from their listing. That told me everything I needed to know. Most of the emails to sign up I get there is no one even listed on the site in my state. That also tells me I don't need to pay for that one.

Reply by MichiganAl on 12/3/08 3:30pm
Msg #271032

I also check their Google and Alexa ranking. It gives me a good idea of their traffic. And I do a general Google search to see if they come up anywhere in the first few pages. If they don't then it isn't worth it. There's only a hand full of tried and true directories that I'd spend my money on.