Posted by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 6/3/10 5:11pm
Msg #339635

Lament

For the first time in three years this week, I went back to doing some marketing, sending out signup packets. It was painful.

I've lost three major clients in the past year; one was due to a professional difference, but two were lost to cheapo newcomer signing agents. Although I don't charge the bottom-feeder fees that seem to be the rage right now, my fees are most reasonable, considering my background and the experience I have as an agent. I also offer, for similarly reasonabe fees, a range of services, including 24/7 availability, closings in 16 adjacent counties, and attorney-office closings (really important in Texas).

Here I was, sitting fat, dumb and happy, thinking that was enough -- until I took a close look at my bank account, recent revenue stream, and receivables. I'm still fat and dumb, but I'm definitely not happy.

And I'm not feeling at all charitable toward those $75 closers.

Reply by Notarysigner on 6/3/10 5:22pm
Msg #339640

I can justify if for you, don't! $75.00 is ridicules for you expertise. You are not a point and sign person. Even if they brought the Docs to your house (I do a lot of signings in my home) it not right. Cost of living btwn our two areas isn't that much.

Now I must admit over the week end I did one for $80.00. But, BUT! it was one bwr, they had Docs, three blocks from my house, 11 AM. 79 pages no FAX Backs, less then an hour. However, $75.00 dollars would be out of the question. LOL

Reply by Michelle/AL on 6/3/10 5:28pm
Msg #339646

I feel your pain, Hugh. Earlier this week I had an assignment in a county where I don't normally go. Before leaving town I did some serious cold-calling. I hit ten different offices and collected business cards to follow-up next week.

I took a look at Signing Central earlier this week and noticed that there are some companies I haven't signed up with as of yet. I'll tackle that next week.

These are definitely difficult times. The income from general notary work and other line of work have surpassed income from signing work.

Reply by dickb/wi on 6/3/10 5:31pm
Msg #339649

boy i hear you talking hugh...my business is down almost 75% because of those who will accept the low ball fees that don't even cover expenses....it sucks....

Reply by Susan Fischer on 6/3/10 8:01pm
Msg #339665

Ok. Bar's open, I'm pourin', everything's on the house.

Let's see - juke box full of plays, let's start it off with:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN92uSUgoVM&feature=related

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 6/3/10 8:20pm
Msg #339666

Re: Ok. Bar's open, I'm pourin', everything's on the house.

I am joining you at the bar..My favorite drink is whine (wink) cause I feel your pain as well..lol!

Reply by MW/VA on 6/3/10 8:22pm
Msg #339667

I think we can all drink to that! n/m

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 6/3/10 8:29pm
Msg #339669

Re: Ok. Bar's open, I'm pourin', everything's on the house.

I'll have the same..uh, can I have some cheese with that? lol.

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 6/3/10 9:42pm
Msg #339684

Re: Ok. Bar's open, I'm pourin', everything's on the house.

***can I have some cheese with that?***

Hold on; I'll cut the cheese.

Uh...never mind.

Reply by Maureen_nh on 6/3/10 10:40pm
Msg #339694

Read and weep potencial mobilr notaries

These guys are long timers and hurting. Don't quit your day job unless you are willing to work for less than fast food money and beat your equiptment and car up for nothing.

Reply by CaliNotary on 6/4/10 1:02am
Msg #339706

Potencial mobilr? Someone found the bar. n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 6/4/10 2:03am
Msg #339710

Yup, we pour a good drink in here. More cheese? n/m

Reply by Maureen_nh on 6/4/10 6:58am
Msg #339713

Re: Yup, we pour a good drink in here. More cheese?

Just checking to see if you were A Lert

Reply by Susan Fischer on 6/4/10 1:52am
Msg #339709

Throwing popcorn at Hugh. (ducking incoming ice from

Platinum Blond)

Reply by Frank/NC on 6/4/10 8:50am
Msg #339738

The NNA told us we can earn 100K a year with only a notary stamp and a minimal investment. Oh no, don't tell meI can't!