Posted by TraceyFD/VA on 2/24/09 1:25pm
Msg #278573

Anyone Else Here Ready to Quit this Industry?

I'm at my wits end. I've missed event after event because appointments that were supposed to take place at 4 don't take place until 9, or worse yet, after missing an event I paid to attend because this was an "emergency" by a lender, it doesn't take place -- all because some processor didn't do her job. My regular law clients are pissed that I'm never back in my office when I say I will be because a closing that should have taken 20 or 30 minutes takes 2 or 3 hours -- all because some processor didn't QC her documents when she waited until the last minute to send and now I have to fix them or wait while the borrower reads everything because if the processor can't get the name right, what else is wrong. The time taken to do closings have tripled or quadrupled, every day is an exercise in futility in constantly rearranging schedules, no personal life is allowed because that measely $60 they offer they think entitles them to your entire day and night, and the pay has been slashed.

Doctors get paid if you don't make an appointment on time. Babysitters get paid by the minute if you're late picking up the child. Why do we get less respect than a babysitter? Am I the only one experiencing this? And if not, what are we as an industry going to do to be treated like adult human beings. Every other industry operates on a schedule and it's about time this one did too.

Reply by Jessc098 on 2/24/09 1:33pm
Msg #278574

I'm kind of new to this biz, but I always bill $25 an hour for times I have to wait on the borrower, and I've never had docs not show (I'm really a pest about ensuring I get them by the time I need them).

I also charge at a minimum $35 for same day cancellations which I'll apply to my invoice if the client reschedules.

I don't take any assignments for $60. I wouldn't take one down the block for that.

I'd just say get a little more picky with your clients. (others may disagree). I wouldn't work for an employer who treated me like that. I definetly wont' choose to work for a client who'll treat me like that.

Hang in there.
Jessica

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/24/09 7:19pm
Msg #278631

"...I always bill $25 an hour for times I have to wait on the borrower...I also charge at a minimum $35 for same day cancellations..."

How's that work'in for you? LOL!

Reply by Pat/IL on 2/24/09 10:35pm
Msg #278656

She said she bills it, not that it shows up in the mailbox.

Reply by trnsa_IL on 2/25/09 9:14am
Msg #278688

My thought exactly..... n/m

Reply by Tish/CA on 2/24/09 1:37pm
Msg #278575

I hear your frustration but I think a lot of it might stem from the very low fees you're taking. There's no way I'd rearrange my schedule for a $60 signing fee. Just a thought....good luck.

Reply by Kevin/Ct on 2/24/09 2:15pm
Msg #278577

Your post suggests that you are an attorney. If so, ...remember you are the professional. You set the parameters by which you work. You have to make it clear up front when you are contacted for an assignment what your requirements are.

NEVER let your clients in a law practice take a back seat to some processor's/scheduler's screw up. NEVER let them make their problem your problem.

Reply by Alice/MD on 2/24/09 2:30pm
Msg #278579

Tracey, you are not the only one experiencing disrespect in this industry. I am still in the business...but more selective. I am in the business to close mortgages.. not play games. I have my set rules that I make clear up front with anyone wanting my professional services.
You are right, "Every other industry operates on a schedule and it's time this one did too."
But as long as we have others accepting $60 fee we will not get the respect we deserve.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 2/24/09 2:46pm
Msg #278585

Yes, I've noticed this trend lately, I think it's because many companies are very busy right now but no longer have the staff in place to handle the recent increase in business. I have a TC client who I have worked for for two years and I never used to have any problems with their closings. Borrowers were always prepared and well-informed by L/O's. Now I'm finding that they late-cancel on me repeatedly for various reasons, one of which the borrower was never told of the appointment!

When I call for my confirm I often find out that the L/O has never even contacted borrower to find out if they are available at the already scheduled date and time! This happened to me yesterday on EOM - borrower wasn't available due to other commitments - and I had already turned away two other calls for the same time slot. I now will be more selective with the jobs I accept from this TC in the future.

However, I have been having trouble with late docs from most companies lately. I personally am training for other work and hope to complete that within 12 - 18 months. Once I make the transition, I will still do loan closings but I will be able to enjoy being extremely selective about who I work for once the time comes.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 2/24/09 3:21pm
Msg #278599

I forgot to mention that, like others have said, I don't work for $60 - in fact my minimum fee is more than double that.

I agree with Glenn that the lower paying companies usually are more of a pain in the rear than the higher paying ones! You also usually have to wait much longer for your payment!

Reply by Ireneky on 2/25/09 8:19am
Msg #278684

I wouldn't even think of taking $60.00

You got to be joking. This is why all of us are suffering. Too many newbees out there taking assignments for peanuts and causing the rest of us that have years of experience to look like we are over charging. Even the NNA has high pay levels.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/24/09 2:58pm
Msg #278590

No.

I don't take $60 jobs either. Someplace you have to draw the line, and that is below my line. I don't sell myself that cheap. And, in my limited experience, those low-ballers seem to have more issues than the ones that meet my fee. The ones that offer higher pay offer a higher level professionalism also.


Don't forget general mobile notary work or just plain general notary work. I always have a sign on my vehicle (see PAW's website), always have my equipment with me whether I am going to dinner, church, hardware store or the dump. Leave your business cards at senior citizen centers, assisted living homes, banks, diners, real estate offices, lawyers offices. Do some footwork and dress in business attire when you introduce your services. I make more these days on general notary work than loan signings. We are limited to $10 per signature, but you still get a travel fee. And you would be amazed on how many documents I have notarized on the bed of my pickup while picking up lumber at Home Depot.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 2/24/09 3:21pm
Msg #278600

Re: No. Like Glen I pick and chose who I work for and NO

I don't even waste my time talking to those who offer $60. There are all levels of clients and you usually get what you pay for. The $60 companies have no respect for notaries because the notaries who take the $60 jobs have little respect for themselves, their training or their business assets. This business is not for everyone and you are the only one who can make the dicision on what to do. But if this business is driving you bonkers then looking elswhere may be the best option for your own peace of mind.

Reply by MW/VA on 2/24/09 3:46pm
Msg #278603

We all feel the frustration of this industry, especially at EOM when things get really crazy.
I had 3 scheduled yesterday, and of course the docs for the middle appt. didn't arrive in time.
Oh well, I made some schedule adjustments & moved that appt. to last. I have gotten very selective on who I will work with & how many I will take because of the issues.
You might want to re-examine your business model. If you've become a slave to it, it is time to get back in charge. Taking $60 signings doesn't put you in charge. You are in charge of your schedule, not them. If a signing is delayed & you've make other plans, tell them they need to find someone else. Too many notaries fall into the "employee" trap & think they need to accommodate everyone--not!!!! They will get away with as much as you let them get away with.

Reply by MW/VA on 2/24/09 4:57pm
Msg #278617

BTW, I don't sabotage my business by blowing off a call. If I don't want to take any more signings, for whatever reason, I tell them I'm booked & not taking any more for that day, etc.

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/24/09 7:22pm
Msg #278632

It's YOUR biz YOU set the rules! Don't be a pansy-a$$ n/m

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 2/24/09 9:51pm
Msg #278652

Re: It's YOUR biz YOU set the rules! Don't be a pansy-a$$

Tracy, First of all do yourself a favor and rexamine your schedule. If you are taking $60.00 signings and have no personal life..Maybe it is time for a change. If you were more selective and commanded higher fees and do less of them, you may have a personal life. We have to set priorities for our business and personal life.

I never schedule anything personal around the EOM! I wish you you luck!

Reply by Elizabeth Soliday on 2/24/09 11:49pm
Msg #278660

That's the name of the game, sweetheart. Nothing surprises me anymore, charge accordingly.