Posted by Frank/NC on 9/7/10 3:20pm
Msg #351778

American Freedom Assurance (AFA Title)

I spoke with Mick Cancio at AFA Title last week regarding some unpaid invoices as well as the fact that AFA Title does not have a good track record regarding payment to Notaries for the work they perform. I was promised by him that all unpaid invoices would be brought up to date by the end of last week. I did receive payment in full by Friday but more importantly, my conversation with him indicated that AFA was now stepping up to the plate and would be resolving any past payment issues as well as issuing prompt payment for all future invoices. My opinion is that the proof of the pudding is in the eating but they do have quite a way to go to remove the blemishes that are already there. I also did advise him that I would be making a note of this on NR and that it may result in a number of calls from Notaries who are owed money. Just wanted all to know of this and, the fact that this company may be turning around to be one of the better ones we deal with.

Reply by Baragona/MO on 9/7/10 3:35pm
Msg #351779

That would be nice if they step up and pay the past due invoices. Right now, I have one with them that is 60+ days out.

Reply by BeckyNC on 9/7/10 3:35pm
Msg #351780

I had a nearly identical conversation with Dan at AFA Title last week. I also received my check as promised on Saturday. Dan also indicated to me that they had had some problems with their payables department and were really making an effort to correct said problems and make sure everything proceeded smoothly in the future. Like you, I'm waiting to see if things do improve; the actual closing I did went very well, and I'd sure like to have another good title company as a client.

Reply by MW/VA on 9/7/10 4:04pm
Msg #351781

I think this sounds like an all-too-familiar song & dance. I'm fairly sure they played this exact same game before. Their payment terms say to invoice one invoice on the 23rd of the month only for payment the 15th of the next mo. I did one for them on 8-19 so we'll see.

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 9/7/10 4:34pm
Msg #351787

These companies that are s-l-o-w to pay, do not really have the means or know how to turn it around for good. They run their business with no capital to speak of, when jobs are flush, they pay on time, when things slow down, there goes the steady expectations.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 9/7/10 4:51pm
Msg #351793

Agree, Sheila. Thing is, this company has taken a long time to pay from day one. They have a rigid invoicing system and expect the notary "to conform" (their words from Msg #232136) to their way of doing things. It was pointed out at that time that AFA had it backwards, as we are independent contractors (not employees) and are extending credit TO AFA.

I worked for AFA once in 2009, had to wait to invoice them on the specific date that they require (which happened to be the day I was leaving for my first vacation in a very long time) but I had to pull myself away from that and make sure I submitted my invoice since it was "THE" day. I received my payment 46 days after date of service. Not too crazy about this company. And they don't offer enough business to me for me to put up with "conforming" to their rigid invoicing system and long wait for payment. I have plenty of other good companies I work for that place a much higher value on my services and treat me well.

Reply by laurielnc on 9/7/10 5:40pm
Msg #351804

I was also called and told the same thing that he had problems with invoice and would get a check soon. Waiting too. No check today.

Reply by Lavergne Manuel on 9/7/10 5:54pm
Msg #351809

AFA called me about 3 weeks ago and when I checked SC I called him back and told him I would not do it and he said what if you get the check before you print out the docs. I said what if the check bounces and he said, "you could prosecute me." So I said I'll take a chance on that. He faxed me a copy of the check with the tracking number and I tracked it and I called the Fed-Ex driver and met her early and ran to the bank and deposited it and went home and printed out the docs and did the signing. It has been long enough now that the check would have bounced if it was going to. It worked that time anyway.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 9/8/10 7:53am
Msg #351858

I just completed my first closing with AFA yesterday and had the same conversation with Mick. I also told him I would be very cautious in doing multiple closings til he has proven to me they mean business. He promised me if I emailed my invoices to him I would be paid within 30 days.

Reply by MW/VA on 9/8/10 10:41am
Msg #351871

Yes, I had an email from him. He assured me that their past payment issues are resolved and to contact him if there are any issues. My invoice is from August, so it is not past due at this point. I will be sure to post when I receive payment & post a comment in SC.