Posted by Loretta on 1/23/08 7:40pm
Msg #232080
American Freedom Assurance....
see Message 230489, 230490 and 232065. Alexander Goodman is the contact person for invoices. He sent me an email today and asked me to read his posts on Notrot.
| Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/23/08 9:44pm
Msg #232093
I'm glad to see the payment issue is being addressed by AFA. One thing I didn't care for in his e-mail, though, was the thing about sending your invoice at the instructed time. When I do a job, I invoice it that same day. I invoice every single job. If it's a TC, the invoice goes back with the package (on top of the stack of docs) and if it's an SS, then the invoice gets faxed back that same night with the completion report (only exception is when the SS uses that on-line completion report and invoice system like Negrete's does). The notary should not have to schedule a day on his calendar for sending an invoice to AFA so he can get paid. Maybe I misunderstood his post, but AFA should accept the invoice upon completion of the job.
In AFA's defense, I have found that some notaries rarely invoice - maybe that's where part of the payment problem was coming from. For me, I want my payment so I create and invoice and ask for it upon job completion.
| Reply by American Freedom Assurance - Alexander Goodman on 1/24/08 9:41am
Msg #232136
Re: American Freedom Assurance-for Copperhead....
"When I do a job, I invoice it that same day. I invoice every single job"
"The notary should not have to schedule a day on his calendar for sending an invoice to AFA so he can get paid"
There needs to be made clear one thing, and I can make one similar example: If I come to work, to work for an employer, or, any entity that pays me money for my services, it is not in the capitalistic realm of business, either Western, or even Eastern (such as markets in Asia), that suggests, or supports myself, male or female, to either demand, expect, or rely on getting paid when and how I want. The employer is paying me, and by signing on to that companies restrictions and methods, I deliberately conform to that companies method of payment, so that I can recieve payment.
I cannot walk into any person(s) office and state "well I submitted an invoice for todays 10hr work day, so I expect to be paid when I want to be paid".
I either adhere so that I can recieve payment at the companies method, or I find another means of employment.
It is treated similarly in contracted employment, such as Loan Closing/Notary services. As a Vendor Supervisor, I cannot support the barage of vendors whom tell me how things are going to be, becuase then I have to continue searching and interviewing to find the type of vendor that understands the payment flow and schedule of an employer, and that will fit in well with my company. If a vendor demands anything, and especially in negative, selfish, or pompous manner, then it comes off poorly, and I, like many supervisors like myself, cannot risk have my closing department deal with a vendors' problem because it reflects negatively on me.
So, to answer or reply to those comments above, I do not mind receiving invoices per package or work performed. But, I must have a vendor submit one monthly invoice on the monthly invoice due date to specify eacha nd every servioce performed to make sure that we are paying them correctly and exactly. Fax's are not reliable anymore. And email is key.
the question is "Are you willing to make sure by putting a few more minutes a month to make sure that YOU are getting paid correctly by working with the entity that pays YOU and not the other way around???"
If so, then I would be more than happy to work with you for future closings, etc.
If not I wish all of those the best luck in this business, because we are all people trying to survive and plan for the future, and luck, aside from our skills, is all that we have to hold on to in the current climate of the industry now.
Thank you and I am always available for discussion and problem solving.
Alex Goodman
Vendor Supervisor
American Freedom Assurance, Inc.
1205 Westlakes Drive
Suite 250
Berwyn, PA 19312
Phone (610) 640-2060
Fax (610) 640-2041
Email [e-mail address]
| Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/24/08 10:32am
Msg #232147
Re: American Freedom Assurance-for Copperhead....
When I submit my invoice, I don't demand that a check be cut the day the invoice is received. However, I do expect payment by the 30 day mark. I understand you are saying that you have a system in place and are not able to accommodate a deviation from that. Please know that most of the title companies I have worked for do not have this type of system - they accept your invoice when submitted and must have some sort of internal bookkeeping system that generates payment to the notary on a certain date. Most of my TC's pay upon funding of the loan, so I receive a check in approximately 7-10 days time after the signing appointment, allowing for the RTC period and mailing time.
Let's use Settlement Corp as an illustration. If you work for them in January for example, your check will be cut the 15th of February for all work you did for them in the month of January. No "submit an invoice for all jobs for the entire month" stuff. I don't mind too much that I might have to wait up to 45 days for my payment because (1) I know the check will come (2) The policy was disclosed up-front on the confirmation (3) They do not require extra hoops to jump through in order to be paid.
If you want quality notaries to work for your company, you may want to make the invoicing system a bit more user-friendly. Granted, most TC''s do not put the notary's name on the HUD. However, almost all of the TC's I work for pay upon funding of the loan, so I receive a check in approximately 7-10 days, after allowing for the RTC period and mailing time.
There are a couple of TC's that I will break my neck and bend over backward for. Why? They pay well, they pay fast, and they send me repeat business. Because they treat me well, I will do anything for them, anytime (provided it's not an illegal request, of course). Wouldn't you want the notaries you use to feel the same way about AFA?
| Reply by BrendaTx on 1/24/08 11:20am
Msg #232159
Re: American Freedom Assurance-for Copperhead....
**I deliberately conform to that companies method of payment, so that I can recieve payment.**
Alex, you are confused. The notary's business has extended you credit on services performed. The notary is a creditor, not an employee.
| Reply by Phillip/TX on 1/24/08 11:54am
Msg #232162
Re: American Freedom Assurance-for Copperhead....
And with that said, your creditor sets when the invoice is due. Just the same as your light bill, water bill, cable bill, car payment and mortgage payment.
| Reply by American Freedom Assurance - Alexander Goodman on 1/24/08 12:16pm
Msg #232167
Re: American Freedom Assurance-for Copperhead....
Its not the same as those other Bills.
Those services like Water, Gas, Mortgage Payments, Cable bills, etc., require that you and I, the consumer abide by their invoice date and system.
As a Notary, or any other vendor submitting invoices, albeit similar to those of the examples in the previous post, you do not instruct the Client (TC) when how to pay. And its because the TC's send out the business to the vendor, fund, and disperse payments according to that companies procedures.
Unfortunately (I hate to put it like this) vendors are expendable, and the crediting system is not alike with other payments and invoicing of other types of business. This business is different, shrewd and tough, but I do try hard to keep even with Vendors and my company.
The title business has justified itself to have vendors follow the title company's invoicing system, instead of each vendor since disagreements tend to end in discontinuation of business, with what I believe has the vendor at more of a loss than the TC because of how dependent and scarce TC's are to Vendors.
| Reply by American Freedom Assurance - Alexander Goodman on 1/24/08 12:05pm
Msg #232165
Terminology
In better terminology, you are correct. But with the negative vernacular associated with creditors, I didnt want make that comparison, albeit it is a more accurrate depiction of rendering payment. If a notary is not on the HUD, then sure its a collection process.
But, in light of this, and my comparison before, it is myself and my company, and other closing departments in other title companies, that are offering notaries closings (income) on a daily basis, and not the other way around.
I only meant to point out that there is a flow of business that should consitute the vendor to accept the policy of the title company, or not "work for them" so to speak.
Thank you for your clarification.
| Reply by LKT/CA on 1/24/08 12:36pm
Msg #232171
Re: Terminology
<<<But, in light of this, and my comparison before, it is myself and my company, and other closing departments in other title companies, that are offering notaries closings (income) on a daily basis, and not the other way around.>>>
Your company isn't "offering" anything, PER SE. Notaries are a "means to an end" for your company. It's not like TC's have a choice. Notaries are a *necessity*, not an *accessory*. Therefore, you're not doing us any favor. Your company HAS to call a Notary.
| Reply by American Freedom Assurance - Alexander Goodman on 1/24/08 12:57pm
Msg #232183
Re: Terminology
Your company isn't "offering" anything, PER SE. Notaries are a "means to an end" for your company. It's not like TC's have a choice. Notaries are a *necessity*, not an *accessory*. Therefore, you're not doing us any favor. Your company HAS to call a Notary.
I can tell that you are not understanding my point of all of these entries. I'd rather address and try to help notaries and vendors work with my company than argue here on your forum. I am trying to clean any tarnished marks made by angered vendors and move on, even mending relationships so that I can "OFFER" the same vendors business. And it is an offer when I call you instead of John Smith, or Joe Blow to close a loan or do a title abstraction for my company...Otherwise, how would anyone know that I need service? I wish that I had tons of emails everyday introducing new and qualified vendors anxious as I am to do business, and give my company a chance just as I am giving them a chance.
Please do not take any of my comments in a negative fashion. I am always available for discussion.
And thank you for your opinon and knowledge.
Alex Goodman
Vendor Supervisor
American Freedom Assurance, Inc.
1205 Westlakes Drive
Suite 250
Berwyn, PA 19312
Phone (610) 640-2060
Fax (610) 640-2041
Email [e-mail address]
| Reply by Phillip/TX on 1/24/08 3:50pm
Msg #232203
Re: Terminology
Alex,
In my agreement with Brenda/TX, I was merely stating that we (as NSA's) extended you credit, just as you have to the TC. And we understand that there are payment matters that start with the TC, but you are listed on the HUD, so that means you get payment within the "normal" payment time frame, where in you make your notary wait until your "set" date to invoice, when in fact if you had the correct software in your office you could keep track of what you owe your hired NSA's and there would be no need for once a month invoices to be faxed or as you prefer emailed to you.
There was at one time a SS that REQUIRED me to fax in a once a month invoice, that lasted about 1 month with me, when I wasn't paid when they told me I would be, I told them that if they wanted my services, and at the time I was the only one in my area they had, then they would pay me on my schedule if they wanted the work completed. We then agreed upon a compromise and went forward.
You have a cost of doing business the same as the NSA does, however, you are paid on funding and that money is placed more than likely in your interest baring trust account and then you pay off of that once a month. I have no problem with being paid gross 30, but I like most every other NSA do our invoicing at the time of closing and surfice that to be enough to be paid on your schedule.
Maybe it is wrong of me to have this opinion but it is mine, and I for one never worked with your Company, so have no personal beef with you, I am just expressing my opinion.
| Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/24/08 5:18pm
Msg #232222
Phillip/TX - Here's the burn: AFA IS a TC!
See their website: http://www.afatitle.com/
| Reply by Loretta on 1/24/08 3:51pm
Msg #232204
Re: Terminology
Mr. Goodman, I understand your point. Now that you are "in charge", maybe you can make things right but that does not negate the fact that some of us had problems with the prior accounts payable people. I invoiced per your companies specifications and still did not receive payment for 90 days.
Sometimes, by your tone of voice, you are saying that if we don't like the way your company does things, than we should move on. You may not mean it that way but that's how you are talking to us. I am not a mere peasant, I am a mother of 3 and I have title companies that respect me. I have run the race and I am still fighting the good fight of Licensed Title Producer and I wear that hat proud, pay my e&o insurance and bond. I have to maintain a high credit score to keep that bond and take continuing education classes. I have far more experience than a notary in another state that is just getting their notary commission and are not required to have their TPL.
I did give your company a chance and on a rare occasion do some title work for your company. You have to guarantee payment as stated on your policy, as long as I invoice correctly. I have done my part now let's see where it goes from here.
| Reply by Loretta on 1/24/08 4:26pm
Msg #232210
Re: Terminology
I know that this may sound way out of line and it will never happen but if I had known that it was going to take 45-90 days to get paid, and I would have known in advance, this would give me the option whether or not I want to take on the work with any company.
I pay for the gas, the paper, the toner, the ink pen, the license, the notary commission, the bond, the license, the continuing education. They expect my payment in advance for all of this. We are extending credit and once the signing is done and package is returned, we are at the mercy of the title company. It takes money to make money and I would rather be paid in a timely manner and sit it in an interest-bearing account than let a title company sit on my money.
| Reply by American Freedom Assurance - Alexander Goodman on 1/25/08 9:03am
Msg #232306
Re: Terminology- Settlement
In no way am I trying to demean any vendor in any of my comments.
I am well aware of the circumstances, risks, both financially and safety related (going into dangerous neighborhoods,etc.) that vendors endure in order to provdie for their families and make a living.
I want to make that clear. Mobile Notaries, in my opinion, based on the interviews, phone calls, emails, etc., are for the most part very intelligent, hard-working and proficient individuals.
Any comments that I have made previous in this forum, that of which I sincerely respect since I could be considered an 'Invader' as a representative of a TC, are made in protection of all of the cleaning-up, hard work, and communications that I have implemented in order to have this TC be a very good one. I will apologize sincerely to any and all Vendors whom have had negative experiences in the past. This company has been overtaken with caring, honest and professional staff that has since the fall put in the man hours to hoist our reputation, and further our business in other parts of the country- that will increase business with you notaries.
I make sure that any and all invoices that are submitted correctly and on time are paid in the same manner, and if any invoices have been lost or missed, I have strategies in place to issue funds ASAP to retain business and relations with my vendors, because it costs more precious time to replace current vendors, than to meet evenly and correct situations.
I hope that I have not offended anyone. I respect your business and opinions. Thank you for educating and displaying intelligence. I can be reached below to discuss and matters. I will forgoe any future posts here because it is not my intention to invade a forum not designed for me, unless I view any posts that demean any effort that I have spent to reintroduce my company as solid and beneficial for vendors.
I can be reached and prefer communication via email. Thank you again, and thank you for allowing me to protect my efforts as I am sure all of you would the same.
Alex Goodman
Vendor Supervisor
American Freedom Assurance, Inc.
1205 Westlakes Drive
Suite 250
Berwyn, PA 19312
Phone (610) 640-2060
Fax (610) 640-2041
Email [e-mail address]
| Reply by AllenOh on 1/25/08 9:19am
Msg #232310
Re: Terminology- Settlement
BEWARE!
This guy's nothing but trouble. Don't work for them or him.
| Reply by American Freedom Assurance - Alexander Goodman on 1/25/08 11:56am
Msg #232344
Re: Terminology- Settlement
I was trying leave with reconcilliation, but you are making an unfair comment that may or may not have anything to do with myself or my company. For the Record, I have had nothing but positive things to say about my vendors in OH, especially Closers. If there is a problem, or anything that needs to be addressed, please contact myself and I will work with you.
P.S.- how many concerned TC Vendor Supervisors do you see spending the time to communicate with current Notaries like yourself? Many would probably passed over and locate another vendor, if one is giving them a hard time. But I am willing to work with you and any other vendor.
Does that spell 'Trouble'. I believe that comment is void.
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