Posted by docs1954CA on 10/22/08 3:43pm
Msg #267955

MDA/ Transunion

I got an e-mail today from this co. wanting me to update my vendor information. In the new contract I noticed they are having you agree to a background check which will be deducted from your future invoices.

The paragraph states in part " The signing agent agrees that MDA will deduct the cost of this background check from their payment for services rendered, as detailed in exhibit 3". Guess what, there is no exhibit 3....Gee what's that going to cost me? How many goshdarned background checks do I need to have? At this rate, I'll need to have one done every other month to appease these lowball companies....And by the way, the fee agreement shows $46.00 as the fee you agree to.....My questions back to them remain unanswered...

Reply by Alice/MD on 10/22/08 4:25pm
Msg #267960

Re: TransUnion Pays $1 more than Equifax

That beats Equifax Settlement Services of PA fee . They called and asked me to do a closing today for them on Friday. Their letter stated that they pay $45. I will wait to see if they call me back. I was not asked for background check. I did not sign a contract agreeing to their amount, however, I did supply them with my information for their database. I will see what happen.

Reply by jojo_MN on 10/22/08 9:22pm
Msg #267986

I received the same email. I replied to them that I will not pay for a background check because I have had enough done this year and my fee is much higher than what they listed. I was told that I don't need the new background check and to cross out their fee listed and insert my minimum fees. I copied their email and put it in their file.

Remember, this is your business and you have a right to negotiate any fees at the time of acceptance of a job.

I've done one closing for them and they paid within three weeks of closing.

Reply by Ralph Wedertz on 10/23/08 2:08pm
Msg #268040

I was closing for TransUnion and then also for MDA when they suddenly appeared out of the mist. Things were doing fine until I got MDA'a email wanting me to fill out ten pages of this and that for their "update."

The kicker was the generous $46 fee and the background check, as in the message above. I emailed them back and said if I am going to have to wrestle around about the fees (which are ludicrous) and the background check which I already paid for with NNA, then I guess we will have to part ways. Antoinette Orga emailed me back with the following:

"We always negotiate fees. You can put your fees on the sheet or negotiate by order"

It's not so much that I can't negotiate, but I just hate working for some chiseling company (like Nations Direct) that wants to low-ball you on everything from signing to printing. Every signing becomes a problem and even though you have indicated your fee, the fee comes out different on the assignment sheet. I don't need the grief. I have plenty of repeat business from good firms who are paying proper fees for my work. Work at your own risk is the name of the game nowadays.