Posted by Shoshana/AZ on 8/26/10 9:31am
Msg #350507

Printing Docs at FedEx Office

I searched but couldn't find a thread. Is there an economical way to do this? I called a FedEx store and they quoted me 20 cents a minute for computer use and 50 cents a page to print. This is the first time I ever wished I had a mobile office setup in my car.
I could miss out on a really good job tonight if the docs don't come on time.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 8/26/10 9:35am
Msg #350508

I have done it where I load the dox on to a disc,

or "thumb drive" and give it to clerk
If not busy they can usually print it fairly quickly, and for about
$7 - $10.
You get your "media" back , so it is more secure.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 8/26/10 9:39am
Msg #350510

Re: I have done it where I load the dox on to a disc,

I knew there was a cheaper way. Thx.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/26/10 9:42am
Msg #350513

Re: I have done it where I load the dox on to a disc,

If they're charging her .50/page to print why would they discount it because it's on a thumb drive...

and that's providing you have a laptop with you on the road to download them - I'm assuming from your original post you expect to be away from your office computer and want to print on the fly.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 8/26/10 10:38am
Msg #350528

They printing for much less than "self service rate"

No idea why. Don't ask them why, They might change their system LOL
If you don't have a lap top that you can use , then you can do the download from
their computer, and you are on line for only a few minutes, even at .20 cents / minute.

Reply by shawna on 8/26/10 9:46am
Msg #350518

Re: I have done it where I load the dox on to a disc,

I have taken in my 4gb flash drive and they charge 10 cents per copy and it takes about 10 minutes.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/26/10 9:39am
Msg #350511

Wow...that's nuts.....at that rate

Computer use - 20 min @ .20/min $ 4.00
Print 125 (?) Pages .50/page $62.50

$66.50 in print fees alone!!!

I don't see where FedEx is even a practical solution at that rate.....how about a local library providing docs show up before 5:00? Take your laptop...throw your printer in your car and find a Starbucks?

Or present the issue to the company and get them to agree to a fee to cover this..

Wow..

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 8/26/10 9:42am
Msg #350514

Good idea if i had a portable printer. Hmm I wonder if that sale is still on?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/26/10 9:45am
Msg #350517

How about Office Max, Office Depot, Staples?

Or a pack and ship store? They have media centers that may help...I might even try WalMart

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 8/26/10 9:47am
Msg #350519

Re: How about Office Max, Office Depot, Staples?

I may just pass this on to my friend.

Reply by meganPA on 8/26/10 10:05am
Msg #350521

I tried the library thing once...they refused

to let me bring my equipment in and print, even in a private room!

Reply by Cari on 8/26/10 6:37pm
Msg #350611

agree with Linda, the math doesn't justify using a

kinkos at all...that's x 2!

Reply by MW/VA on 8/26/10 9:41am
Msg #350512

OMG. I don't know where they're getting that price. At 50 cents a page, a 200 page pkg. (100 x 2) would cost you $100.00. I have a local print/ship store that I've had to use a few times to print a pkg. for me. It usually costs me about $20 max., depending on the size of the pkg.
Some will say it's a violation of GLBA to print docs outside. I know the info is secure with the co. I use. You might want to try to establish a relationship with someone like that. If you have a Blackberry, the email with the file can be forwarded to them.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/26/10 9:43am
Msg #350515

oops...yeah..double the $62.50 - print twice

or copy which MAY be cheaper.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 8/26/10 9:44am
Msg #350516

That's true. I could forward them a file from my Droid. But then I don't know if the info is safe.

Reply by BakersfCA on 8/26/10 9:59am
Msg #350520

I used Fedex last month to print docs and will NEVER do that again. I had no other choice but to use them to print the docs and the fees were crazy. I spent almost $200 for printing 3 sets. And then the paperwork wouldn't print right and the clerk that was helping me was like why are the pages all different sizes. Like he had never seen anyone printing letter and legal sized paperwork before. It was a mess, it took forever and I learned the hard way. I could have just gone out and bought myself a new printer. I did take a thumb drive with the docs on them. I never thought they would charge so much for printing. It's a bad idea, don't do it.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 8/26/10 10:11am
Msg #350522

why 3 sets?? n/m

Reply by BakersfCA on 8/26/10 10:18am
Msg #350523

Re: why 3 sets??

Because my printer was broken and I had 3 signings that day

Reply by Linda Juenger on 8/26/10 11:00am
Msg #350530

sorry, thought you meant 3 sets for 1 loan not 3 loans. n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 8/26/10 10:28am
Msg #350524

Bob's suggestion was probably the best option. That way you

can stop almost anywhere--Fedex Office, Office Max, Office Depot, etc.
I still think it's best to have a team effort--someone you can pass the signing to when it gets too hectic.

Reply by James Dawson on 8/26/10 10:32am
Msg #350526

for Shoshana Re: Printing Docs at FedEx Office

I've had the SS send the Docs to FedEX and have them printed out and waiting for me. They get a discount that we don't; of course you won't get your usual fee if it includes printing the Docs out but then you also don't have the expense.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/26/10 11:15am
Msg #350534

I have a confidentiality problem with this idea James

may be convenient but who knows who's reading the borrowers info - identity theft waiting to happen IMO

Reply by James Dawson on 8/26/10 11:24am
Msg #350537

Re: I have a confidentiality problem with this idea James

Then I would suppose you'd have to take that of with the SS....Remember they control the "product" until you get it. The last time I did it, I was in another city about 45 miles away from the proposed signing location. They offered to send them to a FedEx/Kinko's for me to pickup along my travel route. They wanted the Docs signed and that was that as far as they were concerned. Who's at fault in your opinion?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/26/10 11:40am
Msg #350544

If I had this situation, which I haven't...

and I won't because FedEx is 45 miles from me soo...but if I did, I'd have them send docs to my e-mail then use the flash drive method if possible and, as a last resort, FedEx computers for access and print myself - key word "myself" ..and yes I realize that's not the best solution...but to have FedEx print them out for me and have them ready? - I won't do that - they see too much and then, who checks for printing accuracy and required numbers of copies (such as in RTC)...there's no oversight in sending to FedEx and letting them do it and I do feel its a breach of confidentiality. It's very possible, in your situation, they expected YOU to be the one to oversee the printing...not the FedEx employees..just a thought.

Sorry..just MHO....I don't trust anyone..

Reply by James Dawson on 8/26/10 11:48am
Msg #350547

Agree but this SS? It's the last time I worked for them.....

....that last minute, please, please, rate lock expiring con goes with the post Yoli just made...not to mentioned a previous bad experience with a company doing the same type stuff that I chose not to mention.

Reply by JENNY/TX on 8/26/10 10:30am
Msg #350525

I put docs on a thumb drive and went to Office Depot. 2 sets of 160 pages each, 20 minutes, $29.

Reply by James Dawson on 8/26/10 10:33am
Msg #350527

That's about right n/m

Reply by Judy/TX on 8/26/10 10:44am
Msg #350529

Office Depot will print at 11 cents a page...

When my printer was down I took my flash drive to Office Depot and they did it for 11 cents a page. It was remarkably fast and saved the day.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 11:05am
Msg #350531

This is EXACTLY the situation where a portable printer comes

in handy!!! Seriously.... until the 28th, Office Depot is selling a small Brother portable printer for $49.99 --- not a workhorse, but it will help you print those files on the run. Of course, you also need a computer to connect it, too.... but the FedEx people should allow you to do that, so all you have to deal with are the time charges on the computer itself.

Link:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/674670/Brother-HL-2140-Monochrome-Laser-Printer/


Myself, personally??? I'd never print loan docs anywhere except my own printers.... but that's because I have the mobile capability to do so. Laptop, printer, even a mobile scanner. Primarily, I have this for my Virtual Assistant work, but it comes in VERY handy for notary work, too... and when I go to attorney's offices, they especially love that they can email me a document (or I can retrieve it from their doc server) that I can have signed electronically using my Bamboo pad... and I can then use an electronic notary seal, secure the file... and then they can electronically file it with the courts. No paper needed except for my journal, of course... as I still keep a paper journal. I'm the only notary in the area with the ability to do this, so I've been told. Of the notaries I've spoken to, all of them seemed surprised that we could use eseals... most of them thought it was some NNA related thing --- it isn't.

Now, all that won't help with loan signings, of course... but having the printer will! That printer is not meant to be used as a primary machine... but it is good for emergencies and small print jobs.

My entire mobile office fits in a rolling Office Depot cart... which, by the way, is also on sale this week for $14.99:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/987304/Office-Depot-Mobile-Folding-File-Cart/

(I love back to school sales!)

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 11:10am
Msg #350532

Let me add one thing to that....

My Notary case doesn't fit in the cart I mentioned above... I keep all of that separate in a legal size Vaultz case, which I usually stack on top of the lid of the rolling cart and secure it with a bungee cord.

I don't always need the full mobile office, of course, which is why I keep them separate... sometimes the "notary office" is all I need.

This is the one I use... and I beleive it's the same one Lisa T. uses, too.... if I remember correctly.

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/924392/Vaultz-Locking-File-Tote-Legal-12/

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 8/26/10 12:19pm
Msg #350555

I just ordered that printer.

Seems like a good thing to have in a pinch. I can connect it to my laptop or netbook and print out at a starbucks.

Reply by OR on 8/26/10 11:25am
Msg #350538

Re: EXACTLY the situation where a portable printer comes

That is my printer. I love it. It is flat to print on the road and the papers dont fall off. Light weight easy to carry.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 11:32am
Msg #350541

Great, isn't it? I love that printer....

that's why I keep telling people that if they're going to buy one, this is a GREAT week to order it.

Oh, and always use toner save mode, people!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/26/10 11:43am
Msg #350546

Yes...I see toner is the same price as the printer!!..LOL n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 11:51am
Msg #350549

The OEM is, yes... but refills help! And it's still cheaper

than going to FedEx Office or something like that.

Reply by OR on 8/26/10 11:56am
Msg #350550

Re: Yes...I see toner is the same price as the printer!!..LOL

I refill my own for about $12.00. Brother is much easyer to refill then HP.

Reply by anotaryinva on 8/26/10 2:20pm
Msg #350591

Office Depot coupon

If you go on retailmenot.com there is a coupon that works for this, $10 off a $50 purchase,
you will have to add a little something to bring the total to $50 to use. It works!

Reply by OR on 8/26/10 11:21am
Msg #350536

Re: Portable office or printing at the borrowers home.

Wow I am shocked how many people do not have a portable printer. When I got into this business I thought you need a full mobile office to be a mobile notary. I invested into one then.

Here is my thoughts. If you have a portable printer you last resort could be to print at the borrowers home. Has any one tried to use the borrowers computer. I almost did the last week.

I had a signing that was 70 miles form my office last week. The docs were running late late late. The borrowers knew that everyone was scrambling to get them to the table that day. Docs arrived about 1/2 the way into my trip to their. I can print on the road however this road was too windy to print and drive on. So I decided print at the borrowers home. But when I got there I realized I had forgotten my phone cable to teather to my lap laptop to. I had everything else. Lucky me the Borrowers had the cable I needed. However we talked about using their computer. They were fine with it. What I did was find am internet service I could hitch hike onto that worked well. Borrowers were very happy to help out. The lesson I learned was I need to keep an phone cable in my car form now on.

JoAnn Baracosa
Simple Solutions Notary Service

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 11:31am
Msg #350539

Re: Portable office or printing at the borrowers home.

I totally agree!! To me, part of being a mobile professional means being able to be just that, MOBILE!! Obviously, not even the most prepared person will be able to handle everything in every situation, but for me... the idea of not being able to print on the road was something I solved very quickly.

I learned the hard way about tethering cables, too... so I actually went and bought a second one that I keep in my mobile office cart all the time, now.

The idea of printing that much stuff at any third party location scares me.... because of privacy issues but also because of the price. Eeegads!

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/26/10 11:36am
Msg #350542

Re: Portable office or printing at the borrowers home.

I printed at a borrowers home once. She was furious about it and threw me under the bus to the loan officer and the TC (she did this while I was there printing docs, and I could hear every word she said). That was the last time I brought a printer with me in the car. I should have just turned down the job - lesson learned.

I decided that mobile printing is just not for me, and I'm fine with that decision. The companies I work with now, I usually have docs well in time for my appointments and hassling with a mobile set-up is not necessary for me. I no longer accept last minute appointments unless it's with a company that I have an established relationship with (although that rarely happens), because I've learned through experience that last minute jobs are usually nothing but a total PITA. Sometimes they are the hardest invoices to collect on, too.

That's great that some of you can make a mobile set-up work with ease. If it works for you, go for it!

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 11:50am
Msg #350548

Re: Portable office or printing at the borrowers home.

I would NEVER actually haul out the printer at a borrower's home.... I'd make sure everything was printed and ready to go before I got there, even if it meant being a bit late. Fortunately, that's not happened to me... but to me, it's seems a bit unprofessional to do that because it's using their electricity. I just don't like walking up to a door unprepared to start. My printer is to just help me print when I can't be at my desk.

I also have a portable copier that I *have* used in cases when the borrower neglected to get a copy of documents they needed, but I always gave them the option of going to get the copies themselves, or letting me pull out a copier and doing it right there. But, I don't mention that I have it until it's needed... at at that point, they're the ones that screwed up, because I would have told them already to have the copies ready... but you all know how a lot of them "forget" to do it.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/26/10 11:58am
Msg #350551

Re: Portable office or printing at the borrowers home.

At the time this happened, business was still hopping, mobile offices were a big thing on this board, and I had read here on NotRot about other notaries printing at the borrowers home with their mobile printer. I was already late to the appointment and didn't want to be even later. Yes it was a bad decision on my part and the lesson was learned. I was responding to OR's suggestion of printing at the borrower's home as a last resort.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 12:39pm
Msg #350559

Re: Portable office or printing at the borrowers home.

I hear ya... I know there are some that do it... it's just been my personal choice not to because I don't understand how it looks professional. But then, I don't understand a LOT of suggestions made here, like taking photos of IDS with cameras, using the borrower's computer for e-signings, etc.

In my mind, I need to show up to the door ready to go with my own equipment and only in essential emergencies should I ever rely on a borrower's resources, including their electricity. Goodness knows, I've done several signings where there *was* no power! I love batteries.

Reply by OR on 8/26/10 12:00pm
Msg #350553

Re: Portable office or printing at the borrowers home.

I have the same set up as Marian. I can do it all in my car usually before I ever get to the borrowers home. I love never ever having to worry about it. I have had my electricity go out and had my backup mobile office in my car and never missed a beat. I cant live without it.

Reply by Simple Solutions Notary Service - JoAnn Baracosa on 8/26/10 12:02pm
Msg #350554

Re: Question does or can anyone print from

Can or has anyone printed docs from their phone. I was thinking I wanted a smaller laptop for my mobile office but if you can print from a phone that would be a great app.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/26/10 12:36pm
Msg #350558

Re: Question does or can anyone print from

Some phones have the capability to send files to a wireless printer, but when you're dealing with files as large we do with loan docs, some phones simply don't have the memory to handle to handle it.

There are programs that are meant to work with bluetooth enabled printers... but again, large files don't work so well. Plus, most of the apps that allow printing require you to send the files to the print server on a computer that is attached to the printer... thus essentially being useless.

Reply by 101livescan on 8/26/10 1:00pm
Msg #350563

Take a flash drive and hand to someone on the other side of the counter who can download and print for 10 cents a copy.

Reply by Lee/AR on 8/26/10 2:46pm
Msg #350594

This thread tells me that we should be charging more

like the price that we routinely got for these pre-2000.... $50. Yeah~~

Reply by Linda_in_MI on 8/29/10 12:28am
Msg #350831

The problem with printing at Kinko

Folks, remember that Kinkos is a division of FedX, almost a completely separate company. The Kinkos of long ago that was a copy/office service with quality staffing is no more. I have found that the problem with printing at Kinkos is that even with self-serve or walk-in clients, if you ask them to print out they may balk and tell you that there are other print jobs ahead of you that are more priority, or the clerk has NO CLUE how to do anything. There is only one Kinkos remotely close in my area that I would consider using, and even that one had had such a change of personnel (all the service oriented staff left) I no longer go there. And as far as emailing the file, my experience has been that unless you follow-up with a phone call your file will get stuck in the que for jobs—even when you list the job as a priority so that when you arrive it is a hassle to get the job done. I would also have concerns that the job would get printed correctly.