Posted by SOCAL/CA on 6/30/09 11:23am
Msg #294043

BCHH Inc.

Anyone enrolled in BCHH, Inc ValuNet system? You are asked for a credit card number to be charged $5.00 per order received. Your imput will be appreciated.

Reply by tonya/AL on 6/30/09 11:33am
Msg #294044

I have enrolled but haven't received an assignment from the new system yet. As I understand it, you are only charged the $5 if you accept an assignment, and even then I think you are reimbursed. I may be wrong - it's been known to happen.

Reply by titleme2nc on 6/30/09 12:44pm
Msg #294058

I have not signed up with them yet. I just can not, for the life of me, understand why they would use a program / service, that would have to charge for anything regardless of being reimbursed.
I just do not understand why we would have to give out our Credit Card information. For such a low price, they should charge BCHH and let them consider it part of our fee.
Then the only one giving out such private info is BCHH.
I would be more willing to cut my fee by $5.oo then to take a chance on my card info getting into the wrong hands.
We already have to use our cards in promoting our business in everything from websites to ordering supplies online.
Their may not be a thing wrong with this service, and I just might be over dramatizing this.
Paranoid or Cautious! either way I don't feel justified in giving out my info for such a small $ that could only benefit me once or twice a year.

Please don't slam me to hard. Be gentle ;-)

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 11:27am
Msg #294180

I cringe every time I tell one of the agents they will be charged when they accept a closing...hello!! I am just like you all...one of the common folks...can't change what I am told to do...and I am just hoping I have enough people that have worked with me that the trust is there enough for them to know I am not selling snake oil. You know...this business has a way of taking what little faith you have in the human nature and twisting it into ugly distrust. It happens on both ends, believe me. If I had a way of keeping up with my work without asking my agents to join the network, I would do it. Believe it or not, I do care. Listen, one of the folks on here came up with a grand idea...not sure if it will work...but they suggested getting a card from Wal-mart and using it. As for the credit card getting into the wrong hands, well, I can tell you all I am not shopping on your dime...no new shoes for Dorothy on this end. The card info goes directly to Value Net...not BCHH. Come on guys...cut me a break and how about being a bit nicer to the nice folks. titleme2nc, I don't know about you...but dang if it didn't feel like you slam dunked me friend...lol. I look out for my notaries...I would never ask them to do something that made them unconfortable...and I won't ask it of you...k? Chel

Reply by notaryinmo on 7/1/09 1:27pm
Msg #294213

Hi Chel

If you are doing any business in Missouri, I'd be interested in signing up. I'm already familiar with companies who charge a small fraction of the fee and it wouldn't be a problem for me. I consider it a "finders fee" so have no issue with it.

Thanks, Bev

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 2:53pm
Msg #294222

We would be glad to have you! You know...just to clear the record, the fee is charged by Value Net...not us. We pay to use their services as well. Signing up can be tricky because of the system but it is wonderful to use once you are in. Contact me at [e-mail address] and I will send you the link. Thanks, Chel

Reply by Cari on 7/1/09 5:08pm
Msg #294236

look bottom line is charging notaries for work...is a NO NO! n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/1/09 5:39pm
Msg #294237

As I undertand it it isn't BCHH charging for the work.

It's the ValuAmerica site at which you list yourself. ValuAmerica.com is a site you can list your willingness to work. If you don't want to list there and you don't want the clients to call you from there then you simply don't participate in that venue. For $5 a job which you are given you have the opportunity to list yourself through this site.

It's like listing your business at NR except rather than pay an annual fee you pay $5 per actual job you get through ValuAmerica.com. BCHH is one title company which simply utilizes ValuAmerica.com to find their notaries rather than using signing services. They, like notaries, choose to be a client of that site also.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong because I really want to understand this and Cari seems to feel that it is the title company charging the notary to work. I think it's an awesome interface which gives notaries the opportunity to receive work directly while giving title companies the ability to find notaries without going through a signing service. A more direct method of finding notaries.

If BCHH or another company which uses this exchange wants to find their notaries there and you don't like it then you simply don't participate in their work offerings.

Again, I don't have a horse in this race, I just think that the concept of "don't pay to work" doesn't really apply here. It's more like if you don't want to market yourself through this venue then you don't have to. You won't be bothered and they'll use someone else.

Cary, I agree. Don't pay a signing service or title company to *possibly* get work, but on the other hand, understand that BCHH is a company which uses ValuAmerica to find their notaries and work with them directly.

There's a definite difference.

Reply by rengel/CA on 6/30/09 12:12pm
Msg #294052

I don't pay to work. I am paid to work. Even if they claim to reimburse you, why go through those hoops to get work from them when you can get work from other companies without having to pay for it.

My .02

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/30/09 1:12pm
Msg #294059

I like the system.

Hate me but I think it might be a good thing. I understand what others are saying but to me it seems like a good idea.

Reply by rengel/CA on 6/30/09 1:44pm
Msg #294062

Re: I like the system.

Can you expand on that? To me it just seems like excessive steps to a very simple transaction.

My .02

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/30/09 1:59pm
Msg #294066

Re: I like the system.

The system is set up to bring all phases of the process together...to network them.

Signing services seem to be moot with a system like this where escrow, title companies and lenders and notaries can coincide in a transaction. $5 seems like a decent amount.

I just don't know if the "mindset" of the entire industry can handle not having the "middle" man.

Anyhow, from what I can read/research this is a means to bring players together.

Reply by SOCAL/CA on 6/30/09 2:06pm
Msg #294068

Re: BCHH

Thanks to all that responded. Has anyone actually been call for a closing? What was your experience? TIA

Reply by Kay/IL on 6/30/09 3:55pm
Msg #294083

Re: BCHH

BCHH is an excellent company. Very friendly, professional staff and they usually have docs ready in plenty of time prior to closing. They pay well (and will usually compensate for last minute assignments, parking, etc.) and very quickly.

Reply by Erwin/CA on 6/30/09 3:56pm
Msg #294084

Re: BCHH

I got a call and did a closing for BCCH on 6/17. No problems and I received my check on 6/26. I would do a signing for them anytime. I have not signed up nor paid anything to them. Erwin

Reply by Cari on 6/30/09 5:14pm
Msg #294095

yeah...but did you Erwin & Kay get charged the $5 bucks? n/m

Reply by MistarellaFL on 6/30/09 5:17pm
Msg #294097

Erwin said no, Kay din't say n/m

Reply by Cari on 6/30/09 5:41pm
Msg #294104

oh...sorry..helps to read...I did work for them in the past.

And got paid fairly and timely...no probs

Reply by MistarellaFL on 6/30/09 5:50pm
Msg #294107

Cari, did you pay?

I personally have not worked with them.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 6/30/09 5:52pm
Msg #294109

A possible solution for those who don't want their CC info

given out....
I have a pre-paid Walmart Visa card that I use for questionable transactions.
I only keep enough funds in the account for what I am paying for.
You can also use them for one-time usage...they are cheap and expendable.

Reply by jba/fl on 6/30/09 6:22pm
Msg #294114

Great Solution Misty! Savvy!

Wow - Just Realized, I must be a Capitalization Troll - ROFL

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 11:14am
Msg #294179

Re: A possible solution for those who don't want their CC info

You are officially my hero for the day...I am going to suggest this to my notaries...wow! Seriously, you have impressed me.

Reply by Cari on 7/1/09 12:09pm
Msg #294187

no way....I worked for them a year ago or longer....before

the new thingy that they got going on....would NEVER pay a SS or otherwise for work...

Reply by MistarellaFL on 7/1/09 12:26pm
Msg #294190

NEVER pay a SS or otherwise for work

Technically you are if you work for an agency.
Fee is $150....SS keeps $25....you get $125. You paid the SS $25 for the assignment!
Or....Fee is $150, you pay the SS $5.....you make $145.
Just the way I see it.
That being said, I would do it if fee was reasonable....
As a matter of fact, I'd rather pay an agency $5 over the $25.
Unless I am not understanding this concept?

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/1/09 12:31pm
Msg #294192

LOL, Misty. Exactly.

That's the way I see it if it works as it *says* it will. Either "pay" $5 or forego $25.00 - $50.

Or, why not just let this be a place where only signing services are the ones who join it and then forego $5+ $25 to $50?

Mindsets. Some say termater, some say tomato.

[By the way, is forego a word? My spell checker says no! ]

I

Reply by MistarellaFL on 7/1/09 12:41pm
Msg #294194

Re: LOL, Misty. Exactly.

Well, I am glad I am not the only one seeing it that way.
Besides, if I am wrong, I am in good company, and not the only one who "missed" something.
FWIW, Merriam-Webster recongnizes forego......

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/1/09 12:58pm
Msg #294199

Misty - by all accounts

notaries are getting good work, good fees and good payment history from BCHH Inc. They (BCHH, Inc.) are using the system. What a novel idea that other great hiring entities might also find the notaries through this system? And, they only pay $5 per job for the "marketing" solution of using it. What other type of "marketing" is cost contained by only $5 per $100+ job?

I have looked at these vendor management/solutions systems for at least three years. There is another called RealEC but I think it charges a set up fee. It probably won't work. I think too many notaries will poo poo them settling instead for a signing service who pays a lot less.

(No dog in this hunt except an opinion. )

Reply by MistarellaFL on 7/1/09 1:03pm
Msg #294202

Re: Misty - by all accounts

I have noticed that, too.
I did send Chelley a PM, I asked her to let us know the ins and outs of the program.
I am signed up, but never received any work, so I am pretty much clueless, and would
like to hear how it all works. If it works like it sounds (to me), it is a great deal, and I wouldn't
mind a $5 marketing cut. Marketing is expensive if you're doing it right!

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 3:20pm
Msg #294229

Re: Misty - by all accounts

How it works on our end...When I enter a order number, I go to the vendor tab, and a list is generated with all agents in the local area (based on information you enter on your end, such as county and zip codes). I do not let the system generate a request, I still call the agent to see if they are available, once I get a verbal confirmation of acceptance, I then click on the name and check the fee in case there is an increase of decrease. I go to the scheduling area and click on transfer info...I enter the scheduling date and any extra notes, click send confirmation. At that point, a confirmation is sent to you and the lender. Once I send you the confirmation, the closing is then charged to a card...at least this is my understanding. One feature I don't like is if the closing cancels, the agent is still charged. I control this on my end by keeping the notary on the file for when it re-schedules, rather than cancel it out, I simply change the date ahead and once I have a date, I change it for the correct date and time. I do not want you all charged twice...so that is how I found a way around it. I don't know how the billing is done past this point, I have a few of my notaries watching their statements to let me know.

Reply by Kay/IL on 6/30/09 11:15pm
Msg #294144

Re: Erwin said no, Kay din't say

No, but I have no qualms about the fee.

Reply by Cari on 7/1/09 12:11pm
Msg #294188

Kay, so you're okay paying the money for work???

Doesn't make any sense!

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 2:58pm
Msg #294224

Re: Kay, so you're okay paying the money for work???

If it were up to me...my agents would get double the fee and never have to do anything but send an invoice. I don't like you all being charged but you have to understand, Value Net is a great program for those of us in the title industry...unfortunately, it is set up that a fee is charged for the notary to use their program. I don't like the agents paying but I would think since we are adding the fee to your base fee so it is slightly cushioned for you...it helps ease the blow on you.

Reply by Kay/IL on 7/1/09 9:45pm
Msg #294282

Re: Kay, so you're okay paying the money for work???

The way I look at this, it's not much different than advertising. And isn't advertising more or less paying for work if you pay to have a "premier listing" on NR or any other notary site?

The fee is a small fee for convenience and networking.

Reply by NewPhoenix on 6/30/09 10:49pm
Msg #294142

BCHH Inc.

They are very arrogant and rude. They have a bug in their sign-up/entry form. If you are not using IE as the browser their program will return an error when you try to enter a phone number (with dashes, without dashes, with spaces, no spaces, etc.). I have been using FireFox ever since my sister's guru recommended it over three years ago. With FireFox I have had NO worms, viruses, etc, which are written by the hackers specifically FOR IE. It is a great browser, you can open multiple tabs within the browser, all kinds of neat features.

When I tried to fill in the form for BCHH and had the problem with the phone number entry I called them. They were very arrogant and condescending and tried to blame their program bug on FireFox. Well guess what buddy? I have filled in nearly a 100 forms for Title Co's, SS's, Notary Web Sites, banks, credit unions, eBay, PayPal and other non-notary sites and have NEVER had any other site reject a telephone number entry through ForeFox EXCEPT BCHH so don't try to tell me the error is in FireFox - it is obviously in THEIR program. Oh, and he had absolutely NO interest in fixing the problem of course.

So do I want to give them $5 to use their buggy program? No thanks.

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 11:13am
Msg #294178

Hello NewPhoenix...bug??? The system can be unforgiving and wicked...and I am really sorry that it takes near genius to sign up with it without problems. However, once agents are in it, it is a true gift to me. I am kinda the old-fashioned person who prefers the one-to-one way of scheduling, however, since I am a staff of one in the scheduling department, the orders were too great for me to handle without the assistance of the program. I really don't know who you spoke to here for help but if they were arrogant and condescending, I am really sorry...there is no excuse for that. Please do not base your opinion of the company on one bad apple. (I wish I knew who you spoke to) I would love to be able to help more with the sign-up process...but I have never been trained on the system. In fact, I can't access what my notaries see on their end at all to even try and help. It is new to all of us and I am really sorry you had a bad experience.

Reply by Gary Boehm on 7/1/09 1:26pm
Msg #294211

BCHH Inc.

Hello Chelly. Your message starts out in nearly the same tone: "... sorry it takes a near genius to sign up...". However later in your message you see to be more open and helpful! I am not a near genius but I have been using and manufacturing and programming computers from the IBM 360 through PC's with CP/M (before the IBM PC and DOS) and all versions of DOS and Windows in between. Programs now have "Edits" that a programmer can select to restrict or else automatically reformat a users entry. Whoever wrote your program - OR the language used to develope it (more likely) - it may be fine under IE but it should work under all browsers, especially since most other programs work under all other browsers, it should be standard. Now <I> don't want to be sounding arrogant myself but the standards are what allow all of us to use this wonderful Internet no matter what kind of computer or operating system or browser we each my prefer to use. That's why it is WorldWide!
I appreciate that the program is very helpful to you on "your side". It might be insightful for you to look at it from the other side too! Go to any PC (preferably at home or a friend or a colleague, or someone who uses FireFox so you can see the problem too) and simply sign up as a Vendor/Notary. You could even do it on your office system.
I don't remember who I talked to, I wanted to forget that phone call as soon as I got off the phone it was such a bad experience.
If you can get someone to at least address the problem and make the effort correct it (it may be just as simple a matter of recompiling the original program) that would be great and I would be interested in signing up. Then your system would work for everybody (not just for me either), and not be browser-specific! I hope this will be helpful as I intended it. Take care.

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 3:09pm
Msg #294228

I hear you Gary...I wish we had someone who can offer assistance on the system. I have called value net myself and asked for someone to call me. I am not joking when I say you have to do everything perfectly for this system to accept your info. I was being as serious as humanly possible when I said you have to be a genius. I have sat on the phone many times trying to understand what is going on with "your" side. Unfortunately, because it is our program, when I try to go in to see it from the viewpoint of the vendor, it won't let me...it bounces me to our site again. Listen, I can not be more honest when I say I appreciate your opinion...the funny thing is, I share your opinion. I always put myself in the shoes of my agents and I bare every brunt with them...those who work with me on a regular basis know this. I am just a small tomato on a big vine...this is a program of choice for BCHH and if I want to remain efficient in my job, I have no choice but to use a program to help me with the scheduling. Thanks for being so nice about this and I am again, very sorry someone was rude to you. Chel

Reply by Gary Boehm on 7/1/09 4:38pm
Msg #294233

BCHH Inc.

Ahh now I understand what you said about doing everything perfectly and appreciate it! When I FIRST started writing programs I'd put an instruction on the screen like "Please select from items 1 through 9" and someone would type in "K" - CRASH! Ok, put in the program that it has to be a number. Now someone puts in "0" (zero) CRASH again! Ok restrict it to a number greater than zero and less than 10. Now someone puts in ".1" CRASH again! You get the idea... you have to allow for/restrict every stupid thing people can possibly do, intentional or not! But it can go overboard the other way and now a program is hard to satisfy or doesn't work the way PEOPLE (the users of the program) work or think. That may partly be what has happened here.
And I apologize if if I was too harsh with the use of the word "bug", and it probably was someone at valuenet that I talked to about the "problem", not BCHH. I learned long ago that writing a custom program is an interactive activity - you write what you think the customer said they want, then they see it and say oh, I REALLY wanted it to do this over here and can you make it do that over there too? And it is rewrite, rewrite and rewrite until they are happy with it and therefore user friendly. It sounds like valuenet doesn't realize that they are still in the midst of that process. that is the message you need to push back up the vine!
I also understand about not being able to sign in as a vendor on your office system. But again, try signing in on your home system or a friend or family system to see how it looks to "us". Especially if you find someone using FireFox, then you can REALLY tell them what the problem is!

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/1/09 4:46pm
Msg #294234

Thanks Gary...and I am not offended by your word "bug"...lol. It's like a big old ugly spider crawling on my back...lol. I always want things to be easy for my notaries and I really hate being part of something that makes their work harder than it already is. I am going to take your advice and try checking the site out from home. Chel

Reply by John Schenk on 7/1/09 8:51pm
Msg #294268

" In fact, I can't access what my notaries see on their end at all to even try and help. It is new to all of us and I am really sorry you had a bad experience."

Why not try signing up as a Notary and then assign yourself a phony signing and you could then see that the notary sees? Just a thought to help you improve the site.

JJ

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/1/09 9:06pm
Msg #294270

Re: BCHH Inc. - John, it's not their site it's ValuAmerica's

site. They are users just like notaries are.

If I'm wrong about that someone please correct me.

Reply by Jones - Chelley on 7/2/09 2:32pm
Msg #294410

Re: BCHH Inc. - John, it's not their site it's ValuAmerica's

You are right...thanks. John, I am actually going to try to look the site up from home over the long weekend. Wish me luck...lol.