Posted by CopperheadVA on 7/10/09 10:42am
Msg #295301

Champion Title & Settlements - VA

I just accepted another job from Champion for next week. I expressed some reservation due to my own late pays the last two jobs with them, and that of others reported on this board. I spoke to John in accounting and he has told me that they did get behind in paying due to a staffing issue that has been corrected. He assures me that payments are being currently cut within 3 weeks:

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John Himelright

Please feel free to email me a copy of each invoice in the future as you close a loan. That way I can help prevent the ones that slip between the cracks. Also, my direct fax is 800-483-9091 and should you not get paid within 30 days of closing please feel free to call me directly at 571-209-9156.

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John asked that we send our invoice back in the package AND either fax or e-mail him a copy so he is sure to have it just in case there is some sort of disconnect between getting the package back at Champion and the invoice getting to his office.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 7/10/09 10:48am
Msg #295303

I have closed approx 20 loans thru Champion since the first of the year and have had 1 payment issue (a little late) earlier in the year. Other than that I have been paid on time every time and will take all I can get from this group. There is no hand holding, package is usually under 100 pages, wording filled in as needed. Everyone I have dealt with at Champion has been polite, professional and friendly.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 7/10/09 11:15am
Msg #295307

I started working for them about two months ago. About 10 days ago received a double loan package containing over 400 pages. When I asked for $75.00 addl to cover the 2nd was told no. I ended having to settle for closing both loans for $50.00 each after deductioning the expense of printing. I was then told if I didn't want to close their loans for $75.00 each in the future they couldn't use me. I told her to pay me the balance and they need not call me again.
Is this what everyone is experiencing with with company.
And I also had a problem getting paid 2 of 3 loans. John did take care of the issues and have been paid promptly for the others. (within 3 wks of closing)

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 7/10/09 11:25am
Msg #295310

I've done several this year for Champion/PenFed and they always have met my fee and paid within 30 days with one exception when I talked to John, faxed my invoice and had my check in 2 days. Hope they call me more often.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 7/10/09 11:46am
Msg #295311

Ilene - I'm not doubting what you have stated but I have never had a package over 100 pages - have never been asked to do a "double" and they have always met my fee for a given area. I have had to turn down a couple due to excessive travel involved and no additional fee for it. They have been gracious when I have done so and indicated they understood but could not/would not go over their set fee.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 7/10/09 12:05pm
Msg #295315

I agree with Sandra - I've found that they max out at $125 for e-docs ($100 for o/n docs) and I have turned some of their jobs down due to the fact they will not pay more for travel. I haven't had a 1st/2nd with them - however they should have disclosed the 2nd mortgage up front.

Reply by Prosperity on 7/10/09 6:44pm
Msg #295368

I sent them an e-mail on 07/03/09 due to a late payment. They requested the invoice & I received my check today. I will work for them again.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 7/10/09 7:48pm
Msg #295378

Champion Title just fired me for posting on this board!

I was told that my closing for next week is off and:

<< Also, John, our HR representative for notaries, informed us of some bad business practices that will hinder us from using your services in the future. Thank you and we wish you luck in your future pursuits. >>

Huh??? The only thing I can possibly think of is that they saw my earlier post today and decided they no longer would use my services.

Reply by Lee/AR on 7/10/09 8:26pm
Msg #295383

I seriously hope that if your post here was the reason

they will no longer use your services, that Champion Title will re-think such a hasty ill-advised decision.
It is good busines practice to be concerned with how a client pays. And, as small independents, we don't have access to any other way of determining the payment history or credit-worthiness of a company except thru our peers. That's one very important reason that these forums exist. Nor are notaries the only group in this field that does this. Both Abstractors and Appraisers also use peer group info. I've not worked for this company, but this is a red flag!

Reply by CopperheadVA on 7/10/09 9:49pm
Msg #295394

Re: I seriously hope that if your post here was the reason

It was either because of my post or because I questioned John about the late payments. The scheduler offered to have him speak with me about the late pay concerns and I took her up on it.

Reply by Lee/AR on 7/10/09 10:00pm
Msg #295398

Either reason is awfully shabby behavior on their part. n/m