Posted by CindyH on 4/6/11 12:36pm
Msg #378892

SS fees

Noticed on the forum a few days ago talk from another notary (maybe an SS) who was encouraging everyone to take the low offers from the signing companies. When I decided to offer my notary services, I determined to ask for enough fee to make it worthwhile. I am an accountant and tax preparer and know too many small businesses lose money every year but don't know it until tax time. If I can not get paid enough for my services to cover an acceptable hourly wage, my portion of the ER taxes normally paid by the employer, cost to print the docs and other necessary cost, I am in the wrong business. What I charge needs to be at least as much or more than the other notary's in my area. If my cost are more than the notary near by, I need to charge more. No sense accepting low offers when it is not necessary. It just hurts everyone in the business. If we would all hold to our guns, the signing companies would pay what is necessary to get a professional job done. Just my thoughts on the matter.

Reply by mwm143 on 4/6/11 12:44pm
Msg #378894

While the "professional" agents on this board will agree with you wholeheartedly, it's all the others who read this board and the countless others who don't even know it exists that will take these lowball offers. And there are plenty who work for others who regularly use their company's equipment and paper to print the docs and pick up an extra $75 on the way home.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/6/11 1:52pm
Msg #378912

Amen. n/m

Reply by LisaWI on 4/6/11 12:46pm
Msg #378895

"the signing companies would pay what is necessary to get a professional job done." Or just go away.....

Not intended for the good folks out there and you know who you are. We do appreciate you

Reply by NJDiva on 4/6/11 12:49pm
Msg #378898

AMEN SISTA!

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 4/6/11 12:55pm
Msg #378900

You are correct. The "beer money" notaries that are accepting these low ball offers while stealing from their employer probably do not even file taxes on the income. I agree with you that even if they are accepting the low fees if it is not worth it, it is just not worth it.

If a SS or TC knows that they are hiring a notary (not a NSA) that is able to accept the low ball offer because they are stealing from their employer is just as despicable as the thief they are hiring, IMO.

Professionals cannot stay in business trying to match prices of people that are either not making enough of a profit or are stealing in order to accept the low ball offers.

Price your services so that you are making a profit and can survive and stick to your fees knowing that what you offer is worth what you are charging.

Reply by Morgan/PghPA on 4/7/11 5:46am
Msg #379014

Totally agree with Moneyman & Cindy!!