Posted by Joseph Iacono on 4/24/09 2:36pm
Msg #286217

Timing

So, I've had to turn down 2 signings today, due to thier schduled time...

Question, would you accept a signing, knowing the time doesn't work, and just call and tell the Client/borrower directly the time has changed directly to suite you, or would that be wrong?

Reply by Alice/MD on 4/24/09 2:44pm
Msg #286218

Are you timing the docs.... are they going to be on your time?

Reply by davidK/CA on 4/24/09 2:46pm
Msg #286219

IMHO it's unprofessional and wrong to accept an assignment knowing that you can't meet the terms of the offer/contract.

If you cannot perform according to the time schedule already agreed to by the parties then you should say so up front and not try to change it on your own by talking to the borrower. There may be reasons known to the borrower, lender or title company (but not to you) that require a certain time schedule.

Reply by Joseph Iacono on 4/24/09 2:56pm
Msg #286220

I would agree, but if they also require you to mail out the package the next day, without any fax back, then what could be the reason not to change a time? I haven't done it, that's why I said I had to turn them down today. I'm just trying to get my head around this.

Reply by davidK/CA on 4/24/09 4:02pm
Msg #286224

If the time was already established and you are asked if you can you make it at that time and you say yes knowing you can't that is in my opinion unprofessional conduct.

If there is no scheduled time, then it is OK to accept the assignment and set the appointment directly with the borrower.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/27/09 2:19am
Msg #286419

"...what could be the reason not to change a time?"

How about that the borrowers have other plans? Like a class to attend or company coming over. These are just a couple of examples I've run into just this past week. There could be many potential commitments the borrowers have that we might not know about. If we're honest with our client and ask, then they have the choice to say "no problem" or that they need to find someone else because that's the only time that works for them. Yes, it's true that sometimes the docs won't be ready (I had one of those this week, too -- had to turn it back) but we have no way of knowing that.

Then there's the gray areas, where they aren't asking for the same time slot, but there's the potential for overlap and it'll probably work out. All the way around, everyone will be better off if we're honest about what is realistic. As someone else said, the client will often say that the borrowers are flexible and leave it up to us to handle. But I don't think it's fair to the borrowers to assume that they can be flexible.

Reply by Cynthia/CA on 4/24/09 4:00pm
Msg #286223

When I receive calls for notary appointments that create a conflict, I ask the scheduler if is possible to arrange another time with the borrower. I usually take this liberty with companies that I work for regularly. Sometimes they are able to accomodate me and at others they are not.

Reply by davidK/CA on 4/24/09 4:43pm
Msg #286229

Exactly. That's an honest approach.

Reply by cdoty_IL on 4/25/09 2:34pm
Msg #286312

this is what I do as well, and most of the time I still get the job. But I am honest up front about it.

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/24/09 5:51pm
Msg #286233

<<<Question, would you accept a signing, knowing the time doesn't work, and just call and tell the Client/borrower directly the time has changed directly to suite you, or would that be wrong?>>>

Yes, my opinion is that it would be wrong.

For example, when I'm called for a 4pm signing, I don't immediately respond with the negative. I don't say, "I'm NOT available at 4pm". I say "I AM available at 2pm or 6pm, are the borrowers flexible on time?" The answer from the scheduler will either be, "Yes, the borrowers are flexible, just call and work out a time" or "No, the borrower needs to meet at 4pm - firm".

Reply by CF on 4/24/09 7:38pm
Msg #286236

You are the business owner/ independent contractor these are things that you determine for yourself. I, myself, double book and accept most orders. In my own personal experience most people are flexible; and you will learn that you will not get docs on time either. Of course, I have had people that were not flexible and then someone else can get moved around. Generally, people do not mind getting bumped latter....I never really have asked for people to move earlier. Also, if I know my schedule is pinched for time by 1/2 hour or so....I will show up to an appointment about 10 minutes early. These are things that work for me. You will find here that most people are dead set against it. Also, I know some clients care and some do not if I move appointments around. I do not wait until last minute to shift appointments; I do this a day in advance. Sometimes the day of if things get running behind. There is a lot of hurry up and wait in this business. This is just my opinion on how I do things. I have no idea what works for others and do not really concern myself with it.

Reply by HKB on 4/24/09 8:47pm
Msg #286243

You will learn as you go along that docs are late too... at times an hour late which throws off the whole schedule.

So you have to make your own decision. When ever I call for confirming an appointment, I always mention "depending on docs" this gives you a little wriggle room too.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 4/24/09 9:51pm
Msg #286248

I would never double book..My opinion this is bad business. This would make you want to rush and not give the bo you are with your undivided attention as you are watching to beat the clock. Rushing may cause you to make errors.

I will offer them an alternative time..I say something like " I would love to help you out, I am booked for 2:00 can the bo do this at 1:00 or 3:00"? Usually this works for me. But like CF stated everyone has to choose their method of doing business.