Posted by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 11:16am
Msg #321627

Texting confirmation to borrower/Not while driving :)


when I am setting / confirming a signing time with the borrower I often have to leave a VM message. About 30% of the time they never return the call but will tell me they got my msg when I show up. Starting this last week I follow up with a text message (not while I’m driving) about one hour after my initial call and they always respond. Is anyone else experiencing anything similar?

Reply by Lee/AR on 2/6/10 11:19am
Msg #321629

In your phone message, do you ask that they return your call because 'you must speak to them prior to the appt'?? I find that works.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/6/10 11:32am
Msg #321631

I don't go to the signing, nor do I print doc, unless and

until I hear from the borrowers first.....have had several occasions where I called, left message, got docs, did not print and glad I didn't - borrower calls and says "do you know I'm in <<name any state but FL>> -

And I will not conduct business via text message...borrowers around here most likely won't get the message and IMO it's not a foolproof message of confirmation.

MHO

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 11:46am
Msg #321632

Re: I don't go to the signing, nor do I print doc, unless and

I agree in most cases Linda but on a lot of my assignments I'm asked not to bother the borrower, just show because they are very busy. ( think cookware, about four steps above Martha Steward for example ). I always get a print fee and no-sign fee so I'm not that concerned if the appointment fails...easy money. I'm just wondering if I'm entering a new era with regard to this texting stuff. They did not have the size of my hands in mind when they designed these texting keyboards. LOL

Reply by Laura_V on 2/6/10 12:52pm
Msg #321648

You totally are entering a new era

You wrote -
"I'm just wondering if I'm entering a new era with regard to this texting stuff. "


You are totally on to something. I just got an email this morning about it from a smart notary in Calif.

I'm not going to let anyone text me for as long as I can get away with it. That would take far too much of my time + drive me nuts. Ppl text like they tweet: every four minutes. "I'm at the border. I'm thru the border. I'm on x street." Gimme a break. I have a movie producer I'd suffer thru that for because he is very thoughtful and very busy but it's far easier to simply put my luddite cell phone on the table so everyone knows I don't text. (I keep it on the table so I can check the date. Being avail 7 daytimes a week means I have no clue which day it is. I'm the only notary in town offering 7 day svc. Score!)

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/6/10 10:13pm
Msg #321729

Dittoes. Tete-a-tete, so to speak. Your borrowers

are my neighbors, and the confirmation of an appointment is a good business practice everywhere.

I have disabled messages on my phone, because I'm either driving (can't text) or at the table (can't text), grocery shopping and errand running (can't text), or home, with my trusty 'puter, with it's oh-so-comfortabe keyboard and fabulous big screen, so phone calls/emails it is.

Reply by PAW on 2/6/10 12:10pm
Msg #321636

How do you text the signers? Are you given their email and/or texting address? I can only think of one time that I ever was given the borrowers email address. (I think it _should_ be obtained and included on our work order.)

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 12:26pm
Msg #321637

The email addresses almost always appear in the Docs, Loan Appl, cust contact. As far a texting, I just text the telephone number given for the customer contact.

Reply by PAW on 2/6/10 12:33pm
Msg #321639

I very rarely get a contact _cell_ phone number. As for email addresses, just don't see them here. 70% or so of the residents in my area are not internet connected (at last polling by our local newspaper).

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 12:38pm
Msg #321642

Here just about everyone has a cell (even 5 year olds) and if you got a cell, it can be texted. Now I'm talking Verizon and ATT for sure. The feature can be disabled but then I would get invalid number.
Those other cell phones, the "Dewey, Chetum and Howell" variety are another soap story.LOL

Reply by John_NorCal on 2/6/10 12:43pm
Msg #321645

Sprint has texting to land lines here. You text your message

to any phone and if it is a land line, they will get a call with a computer voice reading the text to them. Works pretty well, although it isn't the best for a long text message.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/6/10 12:43pm
Msg #321644

Two different cultures at work here

Difference between CA and FL I guess - especially northern FL -

I have a cell phone but do not pay for texting - have no desire to do it - and I would be seriously peeved if I received a text message from someone for an appointment that I ended up paying for.

IMO I want to speak with them on the phone..introduce myself..I don't care HOW high they are (or think they are) in the financial food chain - I have a job to do..talk to me...confirm verbally....if I don't hear from you I'm not showing up..

Reply by jba/fl on 2/6/10 12:49pm
Msg #321646

Amen, ditto. n/m

Reply by PAW on 2/6/10 12:50pm
Msg #321647

CA = Completely Agree n/m

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 12:53pm
Msg #321649

Re: Two different cultures at work here

I prefer to introduce myself also, find out if they're gate codes, theater/concert parking, remind them to get a copy of ID, Cashier's check, etc. I just want to do what's best is the reason I asked. BTW Most bundled cell phone plans include free texting, otherwise I wouldn't do it. I guess this must be unique to my situation.

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/6/10 1:02pm
Msg #321650

Re: Two different cultures at work here

"Most bundled cell phone plans include free texting"

That's definitely not true. I'm with T-Mobile and I don't think text messaging is included in any of their plans, if you don't add a texting package to your plan you're charged something like 20 cents per text.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 1:12pm
Msg #321654

Re: Two different cultures at work here

You are correct, I was not addressing T-Mobile. I believe I said, Verizon and ATT.

Bundled service as I am familiar with (Verizon, ATT) means (1) more than one cell phone, (2) unlimited minutes, (3), internet access (4), sharing roll-over minutes.

I do not know T-Mobile's network and service offerings.

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/6/10 1:46pm
Msg #321666

Re: Two different cultures at work here

And not everybody has Verizon or ATT, so there's no guarantee that they won't be charged for receiving a text message. Granted, in the big scheme of things 20 cents ain't much, but it still might piss some people off.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/6/10 2:22pm
Msg #321673

Re: Two different cultures at work here

Have ATT - text is option - not a given. PO's me to get texts that I have to pay for?!! I have it blocked so if it does get through, they will write off my bill.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 1:48pm
Msg #321667

T - Mobile plans with test messaging F Y I

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/Cell-Phone-Plans.aspx?catgroup=EvenMorePlus&WT.z_shop_plansLP=EvenMorePlus

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/6/10 4:05pm
Msg #321686

Re: T - Mobile plans with test messaging F Y I

OK, so you have to pay $10 extra a month if you want texting, which is what I was saying in the first place. I'm not seeing a huge distinction between picking a minutes plan and adding on a text plan, vs picking a plan that includes minutes and text, since you're paying extra for texting either way.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 2/6/10 5:25pm
Msg #321698

Re: T - Mobile plans with test messaging F Y I

I've had both AT&T and Verizon. I did not have a data plan on either. Text message service was an extra $10 per month for unlimited messages. Or you could do a family plan for $30 which covers all the phones on the plan.

Before I had texting, I did get very annoyed when I received a text message because it cost me $$. And every parent has experienced *the bill* when their kid exceeded the minutes or text messages allowed under the plan. (LOL been there, done that!)

I disabled texting on the phones but then my kids nagged me to the point where we did get the family texting plan. I now forward my work emails to my phone as texts. LOVE IT!!! No more sitting in front of the computer looking for docs!

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/email-to-sms/

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/6/10 11:02pm
Msg #321736

What Linda said goes for this Oregonian too. n/m

Reply by Laura_V on 2/7/10 8:59pm
Msg #321865

There ya go n/m

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/6/10 1:06pm
Msg #321652

"ow do you text the signers? Are you given their email and/or texting address?"

I thought you were supposed to be our technology guru? Even my mom knows you don't text to an email address!!!!!

Reply by PAW on 2/6/10 1:13pm
Msg #321655

Uh, email is text. Granted you don't text from a phone to email, but you do text (email) from a blackberry.

You can associate a phone number to an email address with some systems (may be in beta) such that texts to that number are sent to the associated email address.

Reply by PAW on 2/6/10 1:16pm
Msg #321657

Update ...

No longer in beta ... AT&T now offers ...

Texting mobile phones and email

Send and receive messages with wireless phones from AT&T and other mobile services both in the U.S. and internationally. You can even send texts to email addresses.

Sending a text message is simple. Just type a message of up to 160 characters using your keypad, enter the 10-digit wireless phone number or email address, then send.

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/6/10 1:39pm
Msg #321662

While that may be technically true

In common vernacular, text messaging and emailing are 2 completely different things, not interchangeable terms.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 1:17pm
Msg #321658

you can also send an email from your cell phone if you know the email address...

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/6/10 3:34pm
Msg #321679

More often than not, the contact number I receive is a cell

phone number or one is listed. So I think might just start trying the text approach after I make a call and leave a message. Can't hurt, IMO.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/6/10 1:11pm
Msg #321653

I Like the General Idea...

...of texting them ahead of time, but it also makes sense to clear that with the borrower ahead of time to make sure they're not going to be charged for it or if they're at their message limit & you're the one to put them over. You wouldn't be making any friends by "just doing it" in either of those scenarios.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 1:14pm
Msg #321656

Is anyone else experiencing anything similar?

was my question.

Reply by John_NorCal on 2/6/10 1:18pm
Msg #321659

No, but I think it's an idea that has merit. n/m

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 1:24pm
Msg #321660

Re: No, but I think it's an idea that has merit.

John....thanks for your answer!

Reply by RickG/CA on 2/6/10 1:37pm
Msg #321661

Re: No, but I think it's an idea that has merit. DITTO

I like the idea, however it would take 3 years for me to hunt and peck a "simple" message with those tiny little keys. It would be faster to get a hammmer, chisel and slab of granite and deliver to the receipiant

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 1:43pm
Msg #321664

Re: No, but I think it's an idea that has merit. DITTO

me too, thanks.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/6/10 2:01pm
Msg #321668

LOL Rick...agree...:) n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/7/10 12:16am
Msg #321745

Laughing. Exacty, RickG! I need my ergonomic 'board...

Big fingers, big keys.

Yayski.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 2/6/10 2:04pm
Msg #321669

James - you are so TOTALLY tuned in and turned on to techno-happenings! What a great idea. Maybe it is a CA thing - cos I don't understand the responses about this costing a few cents, and worrying about the borrowers' cell-phone bills and internet connections, etc. That's so '80s. Everybody I know has an Apple I Phone or a Blackberry or some sort of Smart phone. I finally had to break down and get one last month because I was starting to feel like a dinosaur with my little ole flipfone (which I loved). One TC I do business with said they just want to e-mail me - skip all the phone calls. So I have to be able to react pronto when a signiong has been set. So my reaction to your texting borrowers is that it is absolutely the way to go if they don't respond to your phone calls and you need to get ahold of them. Or if you have internet on your phone, you can e-mail them, too (if you're not at home) I occasionally see e-mail adresses on job orders...

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/6/10 2:09pm
Msg #321671

Like I said...cultural differences... n/m

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 2/6/10 2:14pm
Msg #321672

I guess so, Linda ...

... and, yes, texting can be a gigantic PIA on some PDAs/phones like one poster said - but you could work up a template - we basically say the same stuff all the time, anyway - save that as a draft and then just tweak it if you need to - and send it.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/6/10 2:30pm
Msg #321675

I get the point - and I'm not saying that in some

areas it wouldn't work like a charm - but my neck of the woods? Nope...if I can't reach them on a phone you can bet your bottom dollar they're not gonna be able to receive a text message!! Not to mention, for me, much better to do verbally - easier for issues to come up in a conversation than in reading a text message - and maybe not responding.

::shrug::..that's just me...

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/6/10 2:47pm
Msg #321677

Texting is too impersonal.

Plus you don't know if somone's kid is going to pick up the cell phone and reply without telling daddy. I know of one instance where a notary texted to his next client that he was running late, the kid picked it up and texted 'ok' without telling dad. Dad called the TC and complained that the notary was a no-show and the TC hired another notary to do the work and the original notary not only lost that signing but lost all the business from that TC, and believe me, that notary is not LOLing.

It is interesting at this stage of the techno explosion that many large companies are telling their employees to get back on the phone with their customers and get personal. They have found that it is actually a time saver and increases sales. The customer service companies that are showing sales gains right are the ones that have gotten back to basics.

So while I have turned on texting and can get email on my phone, I would never think of texting a client or customer. It leaves too much to go wrong.

Sometimes things don't need to be "teched" up. Just ask those 105 Prius drivers that have had accidents because of a software glitch turning off the brakes.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 3:03pm
Msg #321678

Re: Texting is too impersonal.

It's nice to get a text message from your granddaughter serving in the Armed Forces saying Hi grandpa from Iraq ...very personal IMO

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/6/10 4:06pm
Msg #321687

Re: Texting is too impersonal.

An exception to the rule doesn't disprove the rule.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/6/10 4:18pm
Msg #321689

James..a test message from your granddaughter

IS personal....we're talking about business...

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/6/10 4:26pm
Msg #321690

Okay..that didn't come out the way I wanted...

so forget I said that - I'll figure it out later...

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/7/10 12:09am
Msg #321742

For Linda ,,,,,,, come out the way I wanted...

Linda it is ok, honestly I respect everyone's opinion and will never try to bash anyone . As in everything, it's the way you utilize technology. When it was said texting was impersonal, I gave and example of how it was personal. If you call it the cost of doing business, then it's alright for example. I never said I like texting, I'm trying to reach an audience that does, my customers.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/7/10 8:08am
Msg #321756

"...trying to reach an audience that does, my customers"

That's precisely why I like the general idea of using text messaging, but only for specific purposes (i.e. I'd never consider using it to introduce myself). However, if you're working with a client/borrower who's technological savvy it's a very good possibility they'd love to receive a text message when you're walking out the door to travel to their home. If you determine during your introductory phone conversation they have the ability to receive text messages AND it's not going to be a monetary detriment to send them one, I think it's a very worthwhile consideration.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/7/10 8:27am
Msg #321759

Dennis...this I can understand..

A quick text of "omw " with prior consent of the borrower - I probably could have used this last week - borrower was a pediatric surgeon - his words "call my cell any time" - I did - he was in the middle of surgery! A text would probably have served the purpose better under those circumstances that "hv docs..omw...6". But I don't agree with using it as a matter of practice for all communication with the borrower.

Maybe I read too much into the OP and took it too literally...

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/7/10 2:31pm
Msg #321818

One of the Lessons Taught to Me...

...on this board over & over again is you can't be too descriptive or at least very careful how you phrase your reasoning on a topic. All it takes is the leaving out of a single phrase or even a word & you end up with a totally different meaning than intended. I don't think the gist of the original post was to portray text messages as the sole means of communication to/from the borrower.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/8/10 2:47pm
Msg #321948

You just hit a pet peeve of mine...

"A text would probably have served the purpose better under those circumstances that "hv docs..omw...6"

That would work, assuming he could translate it into English... I use texting occasionally, usually with a client or customer or other Realtor who specifically says "text me". The problem is that it's difficult to explain something that may be complicated - or important - in 160 characters or less, which leads to a sometimes bizarre mangling of the English language.

Worse - and here's the peeve - with some people it spills over and they start using "text-speak" in their regular email. Does it really take THAT much effort to spell out "your" or "you" or "to" in an email?? IMO, it's laziness at best and a lack of attention to detail at worst. I have a friend who manages a team of technical people (mostly young), and whenever she gets an email with "text speak" in it she walks over to the offender, gives him or her a verbal slap in the head, and says "It's an email, not a text message - use proper English next time!"

Reply by Laura_V on 2/8/10 8:13am
Msg #321887

and that is the essence of marketing, Dennis: putting...

... your mind inside the mind of your clients and asking yourself what the CLIENT wants.

Kudos to you!!!

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/6/10 7:03pm
Msg #321707

"cos I don't understand the responses about this costing a few cents, and worrying about the borrowers' cell-phone bills"

It's about showing respect for other people's choice not to pay for text messaging on their phone. There have already been a few responses in this thread from people who said they got annoyed when they had to pay for unsolicited text messages, don't you think there are PLENTY more out there who feel the same way?

And FYI, everybody *I* know doesn't have a smart phone, including myself. Some of us still manage to lead very fulfilling lives without having an internet connection on us at all times, and are quite content not to have to pay an extra $25 a month on our phone bill for the privilege.

Assuming that everyone is the same, based on your extremely limited anecdotal evidence can be very dangerous.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/6/10 8:13pm
Msg #321718

Just a flip phone here - the kind that allows one to escape.

I have voice mail, email, snail mail - all stacked neatly for when I am ready to deal with it, and in my way.

I also no longer have a tv, or a home landline. I am a casualty of reason. I read a novel lately, printed, not Kindle, though I would like one if the libraries get on this without the charges.

I think I'm pretty modern and contemporary....

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/6/10 2:23pm
Msg #321674

Thank you everyone for your comments, maybe a group text :) n/m

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 2/6/10 6:06pm
Msg #321701

my 2cents..

I have to say that not everyone in little ole rural Ohio has cells phones or text messaging. I would not text a bo. I think it is not professional, texting should be for leisure. What about the fact that you do not know who you are actually texting to? Business should not be conducted this way..Just my opinion..

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/6/10 6:34pm
Msg #321704

No, I will call at all stages....no texting for me.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/6/10 7:25pm
Msg #321715

I don't like to assume anything about the borrowers I'm planning to see. In my area, there are tons of tech savvy people, but there are also lots of retired folks, for example, who may not care about the latest technology or might be on a fixed income. But some of the seniors are pretty up on texting, etc. and some of the younger folks may be the ones pinching pennies these days. IME, there is no way to tell from an address, a phone number or a name whether or not someone will be OK having someone they don't know send them a text.

I've run into some borrowers who prefer to be contacted via text and we use that when coordinating, if necessary, but I always prefer to talk to the person live. I have questions I need to ask them and if they limit their communication to text, sometimes things get missed. I've had some people text me instead of returning my call, but while that's better than not getting any response, it's pretty hard to ask them about their ID or if there is anyone else who needs to be there, etc.

Just my 2 cents.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 2/6/10 9:39pm
Msg #321721

I agree that talking with the borrowers is always first choice, of course. But in a pinch, I think James' idea is good. Anway, I thought I was way behind on techno stuff - but I now see I have plenty of company. The thing I really don't understand is why some posters are concerned about borrowers receiving a text from someone they don't know - what's the difference between that and answering their phone when they don't know who's calling?? I guess I'm behind on text etiquette, too. We're not sending them junk mail. This is their loan we're talking about. Please enlighten .. thanks!

Reply by jba/fl on 2/6/10 9:43pm
Msg #321722

It appears texting and twittering are about the same

not everyone uses.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/6/10 11:15pm
Msg #321738

Re: It appears texting and twittering are about the same

Yes, I think that's the point. And the potential additional cost to that person. I remember the first time someone sent me a text to my cell phone. (My niece, I think.) At first, I didn't realize that I'd received one (I couldn't figure out why there was nothing in my voice mail, even though it had pinged) and then I didn't know how to retrieve it. I should probably add that that was a long time ago... In a pinch, though, I agree James' idea may be worth a try. Probably preferable to not getting your loan docs signed on time!

Also, FWIW about T-mobile, I have a very old plan (no longer available) that includes I think 50 free texts a month. I don't know if any of their new plans have some baseline of a few free texts a month. [I remember not being able to imagine going over 50 texts - but these days, I guess that's just a drop in the bucket. ]

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/6/10 9:59pm
Msg #321724

<<< The thing I really don't understand is why some posters are concerned about borrowers receiving a text from someone they don't know - what's the difference between that and answering their phone when they don't know who's calling?? I guess I'm behind on text etiquette, too. We're not sending them junk mail. This is their loan we're talking about. Please enlighten .. thanks!>>>

Hopefully, they are ending their text msg. to the borrower with: From Jane Jones, Notary Public

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/6/10 10:00pm
Msg #321725

To Add....

That's if their name is Jane Jones. They should insert their name comma Notary Public.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/7/10 12:16am
Msg #321744

Re: To Add....

My text msg end with my name and telephone number.....notary

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/7/10 12:08am
Msg #321740

I'm old. I don't multi-task like I used to. Don't Tweet,

don't Facebook, and what's the other one? I don't use my phone as a texter thingie. I'm on the other end of that phone line if I catch the call, check vm on the road - or email, when in my bedroom/office/loft - my Throne.

When I can, I return/answer cell calls if I can pull off the road. I know there are "hands-free" technologies out there, but that learning curve is steep for me. It's a budget thing, as well as a techno-change.

Return calls for me are in the 100% range. I'm "here in Lincoln City." A neighbor. As a rule, the out-of-staters are found out early, and communicated immediately. I can smell 'em.

I like the basics. Doo-dads are fine, but a real conversation has it all over the typed stuff.

When I knock on the door, I'm welcome and expected, and everything goes fine.

Geaux Saints.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/7/10 12:27am
Msg #321747

Please read beginning post for clarification :)

Texting is secondary to my contact via telephone / work, cell and lineline. I'm trying to contact the borrower, not chit-chat. I'm asking if any of you have had any similiar problems such as I have, not if you like it.

"Make waves, make ripples, make something or take a chance every chance you get". Bill Gates.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/7/10 9:17am
Msg #321763

No need - some of us may not be tech savvy, but we still hav

hae a good memory and can remember while reading along.

This is not the point of my post though - your quote is:

""Make waves, make ripples, make something or take a chance every chance you get". Bill Gates."

My motto (and you can quote me anytime): Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Very similar. Now just continue being abstemious and you will be fine.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/7/10 10:18am
Msg #321777

I Promise and I love this forum and it's respondents.. n/m