Posted by laurielnc on 5/1/10 11:09am
Msg #334485

Advertising Notary services on car....

I know this has been discussed before but I can't find it through search. I know PAW makes signs but just wanted to see if anyone has much success and is it worth having on my car? I wanted to know if it is alot of trouble having people stop you? I've done a few titles, adoptions and wills. If I have a sign on my car, do people flag you down or call you later? I remember someone saying they go outside some of the Kinko's and get some notarizations. Just wondering, to fill in on slow days.

Reply by PAW on 5/1/10 12:14pm
Msg #334487

I advertise on my car, and yes, it has paid for itself numerous times over. I use the large "door" magnetic signs on the sides. However, when stopped at a light, stop sign or even parked in congested parking lots, the message is blocked from view. I worked with a vendor in making unique magnetic signs that could be used on the rear of the car. From what others have told me, the signs have paid for themselves. I know personally, it is inexpensive advertising especially if you frequent high traffic areas where you would be noticed.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 5/1/10 12:24pm
Msg #334491

I just gave the manage of Kinkos my business card. He took it gladly and has given my name out.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 5/1/10 12:24pm
Msg #334492

Excuse my typing I gave the Manager at Kinko's my buz card.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/1/10 2:01pm
Msg #334504

The reason I do NOT advertise on my car is because

Marian/CA once posted that a cop pulled her over just to get something notarized.

Even if it was just for the cop to get something notarized, those 60 seconds between the time the sirens went off until the time the cop came up to my car I would likely suffer some type of mental trauma thinking that I was in trouble for doing something wrong!

Reply by BossLadyMD on 5/1/10 3:01pm
Msg #334511

Re: The reason I do NOT advertise on my car is because

That was very tacky - for a cop to do that....

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 5/1/10 4:54pm
Msg #334521

It's true!

I wasn't traumatized by it.... but cops don't scare me as I've been around a lot of them. My husband worked for several law enforcement agencies in the past, so I know how they work.

As for the advertising on the car? Yes, it totally works for me. The officer was a really isolated event. Most people just call me. Often, I have to set an appointment for later.

The downside to advertising on the car is security. I have to be extra careful about keeping my notary supplies locked up when I travel. It's never been an issue yet, though.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/1/10 7:08pm
Msg #334533

Re: It's true!

I wouldn't think any innocent citizen would be traumatized by it.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/1/10 8:06pm
Msg #334542

My step-dad is a cop so I am not "afraid" of law enforcement

... BUT, I think anyone being pulled over is likely to get nervous, especially when they don't know what they were doing wrong.

Reply by CaliNotary on 5/1/10 8:31pm
Msg #334548

I've gotten way too many tickets to get nervous anymore :(

I did once get pulled over around 2 am and that one was a little bit scary. Turned out the cop was somebody I sat next to in one of my college classes a couple of months earlier, he saw me and decided to pull me over to say hello. Pulling up next to me and waving would have been nicer, but what are you gonna do?

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/1/10 8:39pm
Msg #334553

Re: My step-dad is a cop so I am not "afraid" of law enforcement

There is a difference between getting nervous and having a mental trauma.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 5/2/10 2:02am
Msg #334570

But Robert, in this economy take the money where you can

get it. And besides, it might come in handy later on "to do the notary" (as Rob the notary might say - leisure posting) for a cop. You never know.

Reply by PAW on 5/2/10 6:53am
Msg #334573

Re: The reason I do NOT advertise on my car is because

Sounds a bit over-the-top in the paranoia realm. Getting stopped by law enforcement for a notarization is probably a one-in-a-million long shot at best. And considering the benefits (and income) derived by visual marketing more than outweighs the potential of a "mental trauma" that you more than likely will never experience (because of the signage).

One thing to note is check your property management restrictions (aka deed restrictions) of your HOA. Some HOA's, city/town ordinances, etc., restrict 'commercial' advertising on vehicles parked in plain view.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 8:32am
Msg #334578

Re: The reason I do NOT advertise on my car is because

Now I HAVE posted advertisements in my neighborhood. Unfortunately there is some other lady in my complex that is also a notary and has posted advertisements ALL OVER the place. I only got one call from the ads so I stopped posting them.

Reply by desktopfull on 5/2/10 8:38am
Msg #334580

Re: The reason I do NOT advertise on my car is because

I wish all of my competition would give up as easily.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 8:49am
Msg #334582

Well a good 85% of my notary work is weddings

And I do plenty of advertising for that. Any general notary work I get is just pocket money here and there. So I wouldn't really consider myself to be "competition" of anyone on this board, because IMO I am in a very different field.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/2/10 9:13am
Msg #334584

Re: Well a good 85% of my notary work is weddings

*because IMO I am in a very different field.*

Good to know. It's been hard to tell that from your posts on notarizing errors.

Maybe you will be able to hook up with notaries from FL here that focus on weddings. However, you have shown a lot of interest in general notary law and what signing agents are interested in.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 11:56am
Msg #334591

I'm interested in general notary law because

I am a Notary Public, first and foremost. I have certain duties to the public. I have found that the duty that makes me the most money is performing weddings, but this does not mean I neglect my other duties, and I am passionate about understanding each of my duties thoroughly and educating others how to properly execute those duties. I have done very few "mobile notary" assignments and none of them have been related to loans, etc., so I could hardly consider any of the people on this board my "competition".

I have stated before that IMO my major competition is the clerks at the courthouse, all of whom already possess notarial powers as deputy clerks, and yet my tax dollars pay for those clerks to become commissioned notaries public.

Most of the non-wedding notarizations I perform are for clients in my office, and I do this for free as a convenience to our clients and staff. But, the law firm I work at is general practice, and I have all kinds of documents pass across my desk, a large majority of which are notarized. I often cringe at the things other notaries are doing, and I share a lot of those things on this board. (There is one other notary in my office, the typical clueless "ID, sign and stamp" notary, and she couldn't care less about these type of things; so I use this board to vent my frustrations)

I think that public perception of notaries is one of the major problems in my/our profession. The public doesn't know what we do and doesn't care how we do it, so long as their document has a notary stamp and will be accepted by whatever entity it is going to. Some notaries view themselves as licensed professionals. I happen to view myself as a public servant. How a notary thinks of themselves has a great effect on how that notary conducts his business and performs his duties.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/2/10 12:24pm
Msg #334592

Re: I'm interested in general notary law because

*and educating others how to properly execute those duties. *

Robert, Have you ever thought about getting certified to teach in FL, or creating a venue for this passion?

*(There is one other notary in my office, the typical clueless "ID, sign and stamp" notary, and she couldn't care less about these type of things; so I use this board to vent my frustrations)*

Ah yes...we all have those that get under our skin...I definitely understand your position better now. Thanks for explaining.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 12:27pm
Msg #334593

Re: I'm interested in general notary law because

>>>Robert, Have you ever thought about getting certified to teach in FL, or creating a venue for this passion?<<<

Yes, I have thought about it.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/2/10 12:35pm
Msg #334594

Since the testing can be done online..is there a call

for live instructors here in FL?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/2/10 12:36pm
Msg #334595

Testing AND study... n/m

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 12:43pm
Msg #334598

Re: Since the testing can be done online..is there a call

There are very few live instructors in Florida to my knowledge, because the demand is so low. Who wants to bother with a live course when they can do it online for free with no exam?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/2/10 12:52pm
Msg #334600

Initial commission requires proof of completion of the

3-hour (I think it is..been a while) course...renewals don't..

I agree though - I'd have no problem complying with testing and screening requirements and more stringent rules and oversight.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 1:02pm
Msg #334602

Keep in mind

that notaries who have been notaries for 20+ years were never required to take the course, and they have been making mistakes this whole time and were never taught proper procedure. Not too long ago I came across a document and the notary only used an embosser with no stamp, and this was on a document notarized in the 2000's. A perfect example of long time notaries who renew every 4 years but have no clue that the laws have changed.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/2/10 1:29pm
Msg #334606

Re: Keep in mind

True! I have had notaries work with me who have made errors on their certificates, and when advised about it have said that they have been notaries for over 15 years and no-one has complained before.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/2/10 12:43pm
Msg #334599

Re: Since the testing can be done online..is there a call

Not as much as there used to be. I used to conduct the notary classes at the Indian River Community College, but nowadays most of those wishing to become notaries do it online.
It is a shame as you can learn much more from a "live" instructor than going online and taking the test. The ASN still has live classes at some community colleges. The colleges have to request the course though.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/2/10 1:11pm
Msg #334605

I agree that "live" classes are better for many

It's not as good for saving time, but it is truly a great experience on the give/take and discussion part.

Reply by desktopfull on 5/2/10 10:07pm
Msg #334623

Just curious Robert

"...But, the law firm I work at is general practice, and I have all kinds of documents pass across my desk, a large majority of which are notarized. I often cringe at the things other notaries are doing, and I share a lot of those things on this board...."

Given that all notarized documents aren't public records and that revealing confidential and private correspondence received at a law firm is generally a huge breach of privacy with most of the law firms I have ever dealt with, why are you sharing any of the information that is coming across your desk from this law firm? I cringe at the thought of the liability that you are subjecting on your employer's if word of your actions ever got back to the clients they represent. You are so intent at finding errors in others and totally disregard the harm you may be subjecting on others. I may be wrong and your employer's may be allowing you to post information from their documents, but I doubt that they know anything about your posting verbatum wording from documents that are received for the firm. If I were a client and found out that anyone in a lawfirm were doing what you are I would be filing a grievance with the bar asap.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 11:07pm
Msg #334624

Re: Just curious Robert

I have never mentioned a client's name or the details of the document. I have only mentioned situations and have never posted "verbatim wording".

So, nice try trying to find something to nail me for.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 11:10pm
Msg #334625

And attorneys talk to each other about their cases

to discuss the SITUATION of the case. There is nothing unethical about that. As long as nobody mention's names, there is no issue.

I seriously can not believe how petty you are being, desktop.

Are there people on this board THAT determined to get me in trouble for something? Almost all of the documents I write about happen to be public records anyway. Most of the non-public things are supreme court approved forms that typically do not contain blatant notary mistakes.

Reply by desktopfull on 5/3/10 11:27am
Msg #334652

Re: And attorneys talk to each other about their cases

"...I seriously can not believe how petty you are being, desktop. ..."

I seriously can not believe that you think that pointing out your breach of confidentiallity is petty Robert.

"...Are there people on this board THAT determined to get me in trouble for something? Almost all of the documents I write about happen to be public records anyway. ..."

I'm not getting you into trouble, you are doing that for yourself. The problem is that you are revealing portions of confidential documents and that is a violation of trust in most law firms.

Reply by desktopfull on 5/3/10 11:16am
Msg #334651

Re: Just curious Robert

First of all Robert, I wasn't trying to nail you for or with anything, what's with the persecution complex. You have posted messages stating that they were verbatum minus the names. I used the wrong phrase for what you are doing however, I meant to use "breach of confidentiality" not "breach of privacy". I meerly wanted to bring it to your attention that's all, but please feel free to continue posting information from the docs that come across your desk that are personal & confidential for the law firm it doesn't affect me in any way.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/2/10 11:11pm
Msg #334626

I hate to keep going but

you should be glad you have someone like me on this board who offers a point of view other than the NSA view you get from all the other members here.

Not to mention, there are many, many NSAs on this board who are bordering on UPL when they are explaining the docs to customers. If you want to nail somebody nail one of them. They are committing an actual crime.

Reply by PAW on 5/3/10 7:22am
Msg #334640

Re: I hate to keep going but

>> Not to mention, there are many, many NSAs on this board who are bordering on UPL when they are explaining the docs to customers. If you want to nail somebody nail one of them. They are committing an actual crime. <<

The topic of UPL comes up frequently in this forum as well as many other discussions, both online and live. The discussions are lively and very informative. There are attorneys that chime in on many of these discussions as well. The determination of whether or not a notary has crossed the line is up to the FL Bar to determine (in FL, of course). If you feel that "They are committing an actual crime.", then I submit that you should file a complaint with the FL Bar.

I disagree that there are "many, many NSAs on this board who are bordering on UPL". I will not disagree that there are some, but generalizing there are "many, many" may be an exaggeration of the situation. Especially given what "UPL" actually is, which each state makes their own decision and rules.

Reply by desktopfull on 5/2/10 8:36am
Msg #334579

Re: The reason I do NOT advertise on my car is because

Why do you assume that the cop used his lights, etc. when they get your attention to pull over to get something notarized? I notarized a document the other day for one and he merely asked me at a stop light and we pulled into the 7-11 parking lot and I notarized his document. He was on his way to the bank to get it notarized and saw the signs on the car. The longer I have the signs on the car the more business I'm getting.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/1/10 3:28pm
Msg #334513

it works for me...also free advertising on web gen not svcs. n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 5/1/10 7:44pm
Msg #334534

I drive a small SUV and have vinyl lettering on my back window. It has generated a fair amount of business. People have seen it & called me, whether they were driving behind me or saw my car parked somewhere. It simply has my company name & phone no.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 5/1/10 10:23pm
Msg #334558

I have the vinyl letters across the back window of my car..it directs people to my webiste, there they can get more information. It cost me $30.00. I use this because..This is a small town and my husband is a property manager in this town and some people get mad at him..(evictions etc) so I chose not to list my phone number on my sign to ward off any potential problems from these tenants calling me. Of course they can go to my site and find my number if they want to go that far..but just as a precaution. I have a lot of people tell me they find me by Google or from references.

Reply by LKT/CA on 5/2/10 4:34pm
Msg #334612

I did buy new larger car magnets. It is an inexpensive way to advertise. 95% of my general notary work business comes from being "googled"........... 50% of those calls has me traveling to the customer's home or office. The other 50% will meet me at Starbucks or McDonalds to save on the travel fee. Of the 95% calls - about 2/3 of the callers are need notary service outside of regular business hours, to include Sat and Sun.

Reply by Notarysigner on 5/2/10 4:45pm
Msg #334613

Just did one because no notary was available within twenty miles. Client filtered search to 24 hours and got me. Good deal for both of us.