Posted by Sandra Kimble on 5/29/09 1:55pm
Msg #290333

New Notary/Signing Agent

Hello,

My name is Sandra Kimble. I am a Notary/Certified Signing Agent, licensed in Tracy, California. I am eager to start my Notary business. Any suggestions as to how to start this would be appreciated.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/29/09 1:58pm
Msg #290334

Start with message #33325

And use the search feature to answer any queries you might have.
If you can't find an answer, ask here in the forum.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/29/09 2:01pm
Msg #290338

A good start is to do a lot of homework & read through many of the posts & you can use the orange search button to search by topic.
I might suggest #290244 which was posted recently. It is really not the intention to be rude or offensive to you, but you deserve to know the facts about what is going on in the industry before you invest a lot of money in equipment & advertising. Good luck.

Reply by Becca_FL on 5/29/09 2:03pm
Msg #290339

Re: New Notary/Signing Agent....WHY? n/m

Reply by desktopfull on 5/29/09 6:48pm
Msg #290401

I have to agree with you Becca, WHY? n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/29/09 2:05pm
Msg #290341

One small thing you should note from the getgo..

You are "commissioned" in the State of California - not licensed in Tracy (although you may well have a business license in Tracy) you, as a notary, are commission in California...

It's important to have your job right if you're going to market yourself properly. MHO

Reply by janCA on 5/29/09 3:32pm
Msg #290355

Thank you, Linda, for clarifying this.

When I saw the "licensed", I cringed. But, believe it or not, our local UPS store advertises in a weekly newspaper that they have a "licensed" notary on duty. I cringe every time I see that ad.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 5/29/09 4:53pm
Msg #290373

Jan, I also cringe when I see Quik Claim deed advertised. n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/29/09 5:10pm
Msg #290376

Re: " Quik Claim deed "....Linda...believe it or not...

our local TV stations here are out of Jacksonville, FL - there was an attorney who ran an ad advertising the services he offered, including Quick Claim Deeds....can't imagine why that ad disappeared in a heartbeat!!...

Reply by Todd/OH on 5/29/09 2:35pm
Msg #290344

Hey Sandra,

The first thing I would do is read this forum everyday.

Also - have you read the paper lately and the business section in particular? Things are not good right now. I've not taken any business because of distance and low fees. Your business will be affected by the consumer's ability to get refinanced (not good right now) and the cost of travel (very high right now).

I got into this business four years ago when the business landscape started skidding. It hasn't stopped skidding. My track record shows several months of no business. Some months are back-to-back.

One final thought - not all companies pay the same. Some don't pay at all. Remember, most good companies will pay after 30 days of your signing but your travel and printing costs are immediate.

Good luck !!

Reply by davidK/CA on 5/29/09 3:19pm
Msg #290352

According to NOTROT you are now one of the 81 Notaries in your zip code that are members. There are probably many other Notaries in your zip code that are not listed on NOTROT. They too are your competition.

What makes you different from all of your competition, such that you can make a successful business as an NSA in these difficult times? You're going to need some special skills beyond what you "learned" in class that will cause your clients to want to use your services over many other Notaries in your area with lots of experience and the contacts they have developed over time.

If your are going to make a success out of this profession you must expect many long hours and little or no profit for an extended period of time. If that's not what you can do then close up shop as soon as possible and don't spend any more money, It's very tough out there, regardless of what you may have been told by those who make their money by selling you a dream.

Reply by Jess/CT on 5/29/09 3:12pm
Msg #290351

I find a lot of useful information here. Prior to learning about this site, I asked questions on linkedin.com, which lead me here, the people both sites are always willing to help and share info.

I advertise on craigslist, becuase it's free and brings me local business.
In addition, I contact signing companies and send them my information and let them know what state I'm in, etc. so they can contact me for signings.

One other thing. Be sure to get the contact info for the loan officer so they can help you if you have any questions at a signing.

Good Luck!