Posted by Jason Berger on 10/14/10 3:46pm
Msg #356799

How do companies determine what notaries to call?

So I live in New Jersey and a good friend of mine and myself are both notaries. We both signed up with a lot of new companies this year, and some of the companies call him to do closings by my home, which is 25 miles from his, and call him to do closings by his as well. I called one of the companies to verify that they had my complete and correct information, and just asked why they called someone who is 25 miles away when they have my information and I live 5 minutes away.

Anyone have any ideas? We both signed up with the company at the same time, and never did any prior work for them. I'm just a bit confused by this. Please and thanks!

Reply by Yoli/CA on 10/14/10 3:57pm
Msg #356800

On new notaries, who knows why? It could be they have you guys listed alphabetically (by first name and his name starts with an "A"). It could be he gives lower rates than you. It could be he marketed to them directly and now knows someone at the company who gives him first dibs. Maybe he answers his phone and you let your calls go to voice mail.

What did the company tell you when you called and asked? You may want to ask your friend if he's done follow-up marketing.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 10/14/10 4:14pm
Msg #356803

Jason, what did the company say?? n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/14/10 4:14pm
Msg #356804

Maybe he agrees to a lower fee? n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/14/10 4:24pm
Msg #356808

Notaries who triple post get less calls.

Jason - Of course, I am jesting...that happens to all of us.

It is hard to know HOW they come up with their behavior. I would watch the trend just a little more and then try and figure out his pricing strategy...if it is lower than you currently think it it is.

Reply by Jason Berger on 10/14/10 5:07pm
Msg #356817

Re: Notaries who triple post get less calls.

Thanks Brenda lol.

To answer all of the questions: His fees are considerably higher than mine, as he always asks for MORE money. He doesn't do further marketing, and his name comes after mine in the alphabet, so all things considered, it makes no sense. I'm not happy about it, but I'm not worried about it, it's just that they've given him a fair amount of work in the months since we both signed up-about 4 closings a month-and they pay reasonably and on time, two things I've had MANY issues with. He gets a considerably amount of work more than I do, but there are also TC's that work solely with him in this state. I'm not looking to make this a full time career, but it certainly does help with finances, and thus I want to do what I can to get business. I do okay, but I could always do better...any suggestions?

Reply by Stoli on 10/14/10 5:19pm
Msg #356824

Disable your friend's cell phone. n/m

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 10/14/10 7:32pm
Msg #356840

No, Forward his calls to your phone :-) n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/14/10 5:44pm
Msg #356831

Here's my guess... I think some companies would rather work with a known entity than an unknown one. If he just happened to get the first call from a given company and things worked out OK, they may be more inclined to go back to him, since he already has a track record with them and they then feel they can trust him to get the job done. With other companies, it might work the opposite way.

Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw. But all the things that Brenda mentioned - and many others - can sometimes tip the balance one way or the other.

Reply by Calnotary on 10/14/10 5:47pm
Msg #356832

I have a company that sends me a lot of signings per month(10/15)BUT NEVER IN MY LOCAL AREA!!!!!
I know that they have here in my local area, the only reason I can think is that by sending notaries further than 25 miles the notary will be very, very careful on not do any mistakes or miss any initials or dates because he/she has to come back to fix it on her own dime. And all the signings that this company has in my local area are given to a notary 30 miles away from me. Remember the SS does not care if you are 1 mile or 25 miles from the borrower's home, they still pay the same.

Reply by Stoli on 10/14/10 6:16pm
Msg #356835

I had a hunch, and a ServiceLink scheduler confirmed it for me. ServiceLink has a list of preferred notaries, and the list is predicated on price, not performance. When there is a signing in my area, the first call goes to their 'preferred notary'. If the preferred notary cannot accommodate the signing, the scheduler moves down the list of notaries.

Problem is, all of their offered signings were out of my immediate area, and eventually I mentioned that I would be more accommodating and take some of the out-of-area signings IF I was ever offered a local signing, but I'm not, so I'm not.

I was told that the 'preferred notary' signs for much less, but will only cover a very small area.
It's up the the notary to accept, reject or renegotiate the signing fee accordingly, evidently.
All of the available signings in my area are overflow that the lower paid notary rejects.

I would like to meet the other notaries in my area; several times I've declined to sign because of invalid ID or some other reason, but SOMEONE signed these loans. Shame on them.

Reply by Les_CO on 10/14/10 7:01pm
Msg #356837

First they go to those in their data base. Second they go by location. Third they go to those that they have used before, and have no problems with. Usually for good companies price is really not a consideration. They pay what they pay. If you want more they go on to the next in line. If you ask less they will accommodate. JMO

Reply by MW/VA on 10/14/10 7:57pm
Msg #356841

Many companies establish their own "preferred" notary list--

those that they will always call first. It may take you a little more time to establish a client base, especially if a friend is working in the same area. That makes it a little tough. It's also tough is you are only taking signings after your regular job. I would recommend that you get listings on the major sites, this being one.

Reply by James Dawson on 10/15/10 2:11am
Msg #356876

Like the others, I believe they have their favorites, it has a lot to do with your initial contact. The first 15 seconds of your conversation is really important and you absolutely must have a gimmick. Always be gracious about your assignments and the person you're speaking with, how's the kids, the dog, thank you for calling me, etc. A Zip code search isn't necessary if you'll go anywhere they need someone, remember, all the need is one tel number, yours! My gimmick? It's what I do AFTER the job is done.......and I ain't tellin. LOL

Reply by kathy/ca on 10/15/10 10:07am
Msg #356888

NO gimmicks here, just a lot of phone calls and sign ups

with a lot of SS and TC's the first year of my commission. That and making sure to always do a good job has gotten me a steady flow of business. BUT, that said, I am curious about what your "gimmick" is James, ha ha!

Reply by Tess on 10/15/10 9:58am
Msg #356885

Check to see who is first by zip code, on the sites you are listed on.