Posted by CindyH on 4/13/11 1:22pm
Msg #379627

Other Notary work

I saw the messages about slow loan closings. I had a wife call me the other week to see if I would notarize some forms for her husband and wanted to know how much I charged. I told her my fee, which was basically the standard fee per signature...he came to me. I notaried four documents with only one signature per document...took about 10 minutes...he paid and I was happy.

I said all that to say this. How many of you advertise your services other than loan closings? I have not agressively advertised any with the exception of a listing on this website. I have been listed about a month and 1/2 and have received three calls. Two of which had nothing to do with loan closings.

Actually, I prefer to notarize simple documents (doesn't matter how many signatures are on it), where the customer comes to me and I don't have to print off a lot of documents, drive to someones home, and take the chance of getting paid. I have a full time job and have started another business. Since I am a notary I placed a 11" x 17" sign in the window.

Do any of you notarize medical documents, POA's, jail documents...etc? If so, how is that working for you?

Has anyone had good results advertising their services on a website, facebook, etc?

Reply by rengel/CA on 4/13/11 1:29pm
Msg #379628

1. Click on the search button and type in "general notarizations" you will find a mother lode of information.

2. then type in "Laura Vestenan" and purchase her marketing book. It is worth it\

My .02

Reply by CindyH on 4/13/11 1:32pm
Msg #379631

I believe that is the book my husband ordered for me last week. As I said before I would prefer to use my notary for other documents beside loan closings. Not to say I won't take one, but it is not my main focus.

Thanks for the reply. Hope you are having a good week.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/13/11 1:49pm
Msg #379634

First of all n/m

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/13/11 1:50pm
Msg #379635

Re: First of all

Your comment "I would prefer to use my notary" is like nails on a chalkboard.

How do you use a notary? Do you mean "use your notary commission"?

Sorry, it just makes people look unprofessional when they use the word notary as if it is an object or activity that can be "done" or "used" ("I want to do a notary", "I used my notary today", "I got my notary", "I lost my notary"). A notary is a PERSON.

When there is a notary at every bank and UPS store, it makes it much harder for the rest of us who actually know what we are doing.

I am very passionate about being a notary. I have notary signs on my car and my desk, and I have several websites and actively participate in online notary communities. I still get very few calls for general notary work, and most notarizations I do are performed at my job. I always tell my students, if you are becoming a notary to make money, you are looking at the wrong profession.

Reply by CindyH on 4/13/11 2:00pm
Msg #379640

Re: First of all

I have been a notary for 15 years, executing corporate documents, titles, etc. Sorry for not using the correct terms. Was just curious about how many advertised your services for other than loan closings. As I mentioned in my first post I have a full time job and have started another business...which has nothing to do with being a notary. Trust me, I know notary services are not going to pay all the bills. In our area, the economy is really bad.
Not trying to be mean, but it appeared you were insulted in my previous post which is not my intention at all.

Reply by rengel/CA on 4/13/11 3:10pm
Msg #379654

Re: First of all

Cindy, there are those on this forum who love to get all high and mighty - ignore them.

There are many highly knowledgable notaries on this forum who share their knowledge freely - soak up all the info you can from them. It is up to you to discern which are which.

My .02

Reply by BobbiCT on 4/14/11 6:59am
Msg #379714

Ancillary Services ....

From an ancient, in the majority of states notary PUBLIC services used to be an ancillary service as part of another business; i.e., you performed as service as a PUBLIC OFFICIAL for your clients or customers as part of your put-food-on-the-table business.

At year end, I am always surprised how well I've done by simply performing the public service of a notary for the MAXIMUM statutory fee of $5 per notarization. (I do not travel unless it is for someone housebound and often I waive the 35 cents per mile fee that my State allows me to charge.) I advertise as a notary, including the notarization fee and travel fee, and most customers find me by word of mouth or through my personal website. I turn away at least 75% of my calls, because they can get the same service for FREE at a time or location when I am not available. I GLADLY assist locals who call and need an "emergency" notarization by referring them to their local bank branch, local Town Clerk, local CPA and local real estate office - all of whom perform notarizations FOR FREE. Not a maximize profit business model, but I didn't sign up to make a living as a notary. I did so to serve the public as a notary PUBLIC. 48+ thousand notaries in my state PLUS every lawyer, Judge, Justice of the Peace and others. At least 80% of them never charge a fee.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 4/13/11 2:00pm
Msg #379641

Re: First of all

Still use chalkboards?

I am conducting a work experience class twice a week at a brand new local high school and there is not a chalk board anywhere in sight. All dry erase.

I talk to the principal and volunteered to bring in my own chalk board and use my own chalk. "No, you can't the chalk. The dust pollutes."

No wonder California is broke.

Reply by Roger_OH on 4/13/11 4:26pm
Msg #379662

I do a TON of general notary work...

website, local print and online ads, give cards out everywhere, do a lot of hospital/retirement homes, etc etc. If your state allows decent travel fees, there's a huge market out there.

Join your local Chamber of Commerce as well, and get plugged into the local B2B market. Great networking, and it's tax deductible.

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/13/11 6:25pm
Msg #379681

Yes, I do a lot of general notary work.......I prefer general notary work to loan signings because it's immediate cash and takes 10 - 15 mins (on average) per transaction.

Reply by Roger_OH on 4/13/11 10:48pm
Msg #379702

With ya, Lisa...

The instant pay is good: for me, the best part is meeting all kinds of people, in all kinds of situations, and providing a service that helps them.

That's why I became a notary in the first place, and 33 years later, am still enjoying all the folks.