Posted by Bravo on 9/13/10 5:43pm
Msg #352507

Fees

I realize this is a continuing subject but I simply have to add my two cents regarding the low ball fees I am being pressed to accept. I haven't had too much of a problem up until now but now its hitting me full force. I turned down three jobs this week due to this. One company in particular that I have worked with for 6 years actually was rude and confrontational about my fee...questioning me as to why I would charge that fee when I'm not even receiving email docs? They seem to be asking us to do more and more but be paid less and less.

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/13/10 5:57pm
Msg #352509

My guess would be 'if you don't ask, you can't possibly get'. Just stick to your fees and let the cheapies go and keep on marketing.

Reply by Robin L. May on 9/13/10 7:06pm
Msg #352523

I have also been pressed to take these low paying jobs. Friday I got a call for a cash purchase 28 miles one way for $69. Today and twice last wk I got calls to go for $50. They excuse their low fees saying you only have to print one set of documents. C'mon...they must think we're really stupid. I check the Hud and there fees are still high, they want us to do the work while they keep the pay. I told her today a ream of paper is less than $5 so there not saving me a whole lot by printing one copy.

Reply by Barb25 on 9/13/10 7:16pm
Msg #352526

$69.00 is that a typo. What an odd amount.

Reply by Robin L. May on 9/14/10 5:36pm
Msg #352686

I thought it was odd too. But yep they said $69.

Reply by ToniK on 9/13/10 10:56pm
Msg #352545

I had one company rep tell me that I CANT charge XXX amount and WHY do I think I could and proceeded in a rude way of telling me how I should run my business. I told her Im self employed, I can charge whatever the hell I wanted! I'm not their employee. Then hung up on her.

Im not desperate for the fees they are charging. I make more money just sitting on my tush and doing something I love. I have another business I run and I dont have to chase people down to get paid.

Reply by Jessica Ward on 9/13/10 11:50pm
Msg #352547

I had an epidemic of this in the springtime, but it's really backed off lately, and I'm swamped with business. I think it's a cyclical thing. I won't take a low-ball fee. Sometimes I'll give a lower fee (though still not low) to companies that I know pay fast and aren't going to send me documents that are mucked up or appointments not set properly. I know I can rely on volume and profit.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/14/10 12:51am
Msg #352551

I've had a couple of rude responses, too.

Last week, this guy calls and asks what my "average" is for a signing in my area... so I tell him the range and mention that it really varies according to each situation.

He said, "Dear Lord, you charge more than twice what we pay our notaries. That's ridiculous. You can't possibly be getting any work at those rates."

I told him, "I do just fine, because the companies who pay me my rates know they will get a top-rate, error free job with no need to hold my hand. Besides, I am an independent business person with a profit margin to maintain to remain in business and still support my family. If I took the rates your offer, I'd be out of business within a month."

And this is the best part.... his response?

"You should be ashamed of yourself for ripping off your clients like that."

I just laugh and said, "That's ironic, considering you're ripping off your notaries." And then hung up.

This guy's company went straight to my no-no list.

If anyone thinks I'm fleecing my "clients" --- all they need to do is look at my 11 year old-Honda and the dumpy house I live in. Trust me... I'm not making bank here!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 9/14/10 2:42am
Msg #352557

I wonder what he's charging his title companies - and what percent he keeps for himself. That kind of attitude just floors me. He's probably either new to the industry or an incredible hypocrite.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 9/14/10 9:23am
Msg #352576

Marion, do these people realize how many miles we put on our

vehicles? Don't think so. Mine has 131,000 and 3/4 of those is due to driving to signings. How in the world do they expect us to maintain our vehicles with regular maintenance, tires, depreciation etc etc etc by accepting such low fees? Our vehicles are our biggest expense. It's just not the gas we put in it.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/14/10 10:46am
Msg #352596

Exactly! I keep reminding people that a "mobile" business

has many different types of expenses and needs that a stationary one. It's a convenience, not a right.