Posted by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 7:40am
Msg #373633

My local Walgreens now offering notary services

This is unbelievable. Go ahead and commission thousands more of unknowledeable notaries, courtesy of ... (who else?)... the NNA, who have their prominent logo at the bottom of the Walgreens sign advertising notary services.

Why not start allowing McDonald's burger flippers to notarize signatures. Why not just do away with notarization altogether? It's now a joke. You have a UPS store, Amscot or Walgreens on every corner, offering notarization services with non-compliant signatures, no one who keeps a journal, and failure to administer an oath every time.

I have said it before and I will say it again - unless the standards for notaries are raised this will continue to occur. I don't know if anyone realizes how much this type of thing damages what little public respect we have left. I have submitted a proposed bill to my local representative to raise the bond amount to $10,000. I would have like to raise it even further. It is too easy to become a notary in Florida and most other states, and it shows from the quality of notaries that are being appointed and the tacky places where you now find notaries.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/22/11 7:57am
Msg #373634

Robert, although I agree with you for the most part

IMO raising the bond isn't going to do it..the bond is really inexpensive, so raising it $2,500 isn't going to mean a hill of beans to most.

FL, and many other states, needs to tighten up their requirements, especially the testing. I'm all for stricter education requirements, including mandatory live classes (6 hours, minimum, like CA) AND to add Marian's thought here - no testing immediately after the class - test minimum two weeks after. And I'd add mandatory live classes not just on new commissions but also on renewals....this online testing is, really, a joke.

Stricter education requirements and more stringent qualifying process...now that would help breed quality notaries.

MHO

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 7:59am
Msg #373635

Here is the letter I'm sending to Walgreens and the NNA


Dear Sir/Madam:

I am a notary instructor in Tampa and wish to raise some issues I have with your store offering Notary Public services to the public.

First, I want to make you aware how painfully humiliating and degrading it is to the notarial profession at large to allow state-commissioned public officials to practice in a chain drug store. This opens up the opportunity for Walmart and McDonalds to start offering similar services. Notaries were meant to work in law offices, court houses, and financial institutions. To offer these services in a drug store is completely tacky and degrading to notaries nationwide.

Second, I wish to draw your attention to section 117.05(6) of the Florida Statutes, which provides that a notary’s employer is liable for all damages caused by notarial errors made during the course of the notary’s employment. In other words, if one of the notaries working at your location makes a mistake that causes a customer’s document to be invalidated or causes a loss of money to a customer, the employer - i.e. Walgreens and its management - will be held liable for those damages. Surely you can see that the nominal fees you collect for notary services will not outweigh the virtually unlimited liability you have placed on yourself.

I surely hope that your notaries are well trained; that they each maintain their own journal of notarial acts; that they each administer an oath when required; that they are aware of the strict requirements of notarial certificates set forth in section 117.05(4) of the Florida Statutes; and that they are aware of the types of identification that may be used during the rendering of notarial services.

By copy of this letter to the management of the National Notary Association, I hope they realize that they are no longer acting as advocates for the notarial profession. They are contributing to its degradation, eradicating what little public respect notaries have left, and setting the stage for the entire profession to be wiped out completely.

I strongly suggest that you reevaluate the need for commissioned notaries at your store. In doing so, you are setting yourself up for unlimited liability and contributing to the degradation of the notarial profession.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/22/11 8:12am
Msg #373637

The notary was probably in your class, Robert...:) n/m

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 8:29am
Msg #373641

Well then at least I know they were well-trained LOL n/m

Reply by Philip Johnson on 2/22/11 10:01am
Msg #373647

Re: Here is the letter I'm sending to Walgreens and the NNA

"Notaries were meant to work in law offices, court houses, and financial institutions. To offer these services in a drug store is completely tacky and degrading to notaries nationwide."

Says who?

If one looks at your picture on this site performing a marriage ceremony, one could say that marriages run mostly down the lane of religious folks. Its probably a good thing those folks are not as dogmatic about their professional views as you are in your notary views or they would be in Tallahassee raising cain about you butting in on their racket.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 11:02am
Msg #373653

Absolutely not

Many members of the public are not religious and want to have a civil ceremony performed. Without notaries, civil ceremonies could only be performed at the courthouse. We do not have justices of the peace in Florida. Therefore it makes perfect sense for notaries to solemnize marriage as a convenience to the public.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 2/22/11 12:17pm
Msg #373670

"a convenience to the public." Exactly why there should not

be a problem having a notary available at a Walgreens, Walmat, gas station, UPS store or even amassage parlor, so long as the notary has been properly trained and performs in accordance with applicable law.
From certain anecdotal reports on NOTROT and other sources, there does not seem to be any guaranty of competence because a NP is based at a law office, bank, or title company.
The competence and professionalism of the individual NP is what is important, not the location where the NP is based.
Illinois law , for example , is unclear as to if a notary may legally charge a travel fee. Accordingly, I decline most general notary work.
The publilc can be better served by having comptent, professional NPs available at convenient locations.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/22/11 12:33pm
Msg #373673

In IL, we do not have JOP'S either but NP's here can not

solemnize marriages as this little tidbit is NOT part of our notarial duties. You have to be an ordained clergy, active or retired judge...

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/22/11 12:22pm
Msg #373672

Re: Here is the letter I'm sending to Walgreens and the NNA

<<Notaries were meant to work in law offices, court houses, and financial institutions. To offer these services in a drug store is completely tacky and degrading to notaries nationwide.>>

Unfortunately, and sadly this ideology went "poof" when UPS and FedEx started providing this type of service in addition to their then, new "office" type services.

The way that I see it, Walgreens is just trying to provide their current customers with the 'convenience' of having notary public services provided at their store. Not a biggie.

Now, if its the cashier being the only notary in the store, and I'm behind the person asking for notarial services, then I'd be pissed!

Other than that, this is not a big deal IMO, and agree with Linda, about what is needed in order to weed out the robo notaries vs the rest of us...

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/22/11 1:04pm
Msg #373680

Re: Here is the letter I'm sending to Walgreens and the NNA

If I were the Walgreens executive receiving the letter, I'd have tuned you out after attacking me with how I'm humiliating and degrading the notary profession.

Further, you're entitled to your own opinion, but don't give the impression that you are speaking for the "notary profession at large", as you certainly don't.

The title of the office is Notary PUBLIC, and is intended to serve and defend the public trust, wherever that may be. At a bank, your local mom/pop dry cleaners, an insurance agent's office, or at your kitchen table from a mobile notary. A duly commissioned notary can hang his/her shingle wherever they wish.

If notaries only worked, as your short-sighted generalization professes, in "law offices, court houses, and financial institutions", that would rather preclude serving the public after 5pm or on weekends. So it'd be too bad for the homebound Grandma needing a POA, someone selling a car on a weekend and needing (in Ohio and other states) the title transfer signatures notarized, or any number of other signing situations where people trust us to help with documents that are important to THEM. Fortunately, notaries who do work out of other locations, (and mobile notaries) can meet this need, often on a 24/7 basis,

Is there danger in what Walgreens is doing? Absolutely. You could have had more mileage out of your corporate liability points by citing the recent Vancura v. Katris case, where FedEx stores lost a six-figure judgement for the negligent actions of an employee notary (who was also personally liable), which is the reason they quit providing notary services. I believe the case is again/still in the appeal process, but that might have gotten their attention as to the risks they're assuming.

Finally, attacking the NNA in a letter to Walgreens management has nothing to do with your complaint to Walgreens. They will have no idea what you're referring to when you state "they are no longer acting as advocates for the notarial profession". Walgreens doesn't care about your personal opinion of NNA; it has nothing to to with them.

I certainly agree that much better training and SOS accountability is necessary in just about every state, something I'm at the forefront of here in Ohio with our state association.

Instead of railing at Walgreens, why don't you use your instructor experience, and offer to train their notaries? That way you'll know they'll be qualified...

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 2/22/11 1:20pm
Msg #373681

Vancura v. Katris. This case was reversed by the Illinois

Supreme Court last October. The court absolved Kinkos of liability , basically holding the the
Notary employee acted in accordance with applicable Illinois law in effect at that time.

http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=3753654992018768418&hl=en&as_sdt=2&as_vis=1&oi=scholarr

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 1:29pm
Msg #373685

Re: Vancura v. Katris. This case was reversed by the Illinois

Doesn't matter in Florida. Our laws specifically hold employers liable for damages caused by the notary during the course of his employment.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/22/11 1:40pm
Msg #373688

I find it hard to believe your statement w/out any case

citations to back it up...

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/22/11 1:47pm
Msg #373691

Page 42 of the FL Manual:

"Florida law provides that the notary’s employer may also be held liable if the notarization in question was done within the scope of the notary’s employment. See §117.05(6), Florida Statutes."

http://www.pawnotary.com/download/Manuals_and_Handbooks/FL%20Governors%20Reference%20Manual%20-%202001.pdf

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/22/11 1:56pm
Msg #373694

Apologies..guess that link is no good..

http://www.flgov.com/notary_ref_manual/

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 1:59pm
Msg #373695

You don't have to believe me. I wouldn't make it up n/m

Reply by PAW on 2/22/11 9:11pm
Msg #373750

Florida Statutes:

117.05(6) The employer of a notary public shall be liable to the persons involved for all damages proximately caused by the notary’s official misconduct, if the notary public was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time the notary engaged in the official misconduct.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/22/11 2:00pm
Msg #373696

Excellent points Roger. Last paragraph is exactly what R.

should be doing.

Walgreens used to also offer FedEx service. I liked that as I could always find a drop off and get scanned receipt. Lasted only a couple of months then it became tedious for them.

My bet: they are looking for more income in these tough times but will find this also tedious.

Reply by John Schenk on 2/22/11 7:05pm
Msg #373733

Re: Excellent points Roger. Last paragraph is exactly what R.

Yep, I think that will be the case also. Just a matter of time.

JJ

Reply by enotary/va on 2/22/11 8:35am
Msg #373642

read : 372152 === I don't know about other states, but in VA, its to easy to be a signing agent. All you have to do is be at least 18 years old, be able to read and write the English language, Have never been convicted of a felony, say you have read the book and have $45.00.

I agree with more training..........

I posted this the other day and got blasted by a few......

Reply by jba/fl on 2/22/11 9:58am
Msg #373646

You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

So, who cares if you get blasted - I sure don't. You are a disembodied scratcher on the net - we all are. And I can't even begin to fathom why someone would blast you for telling the truth. VA is not the only state with non-existent standards.

Reply by Frenchie/TN on 2/22/11 10:42am
Msg #373649

IMHO all states should have higher standards for Notaries: a minimum number of hours of live training classes, requirements to keep a journal and thumbprinting. Most notaries at UPS have no clue on how to do their jobs. Recently I went to UPS to have a French document notarized. Not surprisingly she just said "where do I need to sign" since she couldn't read the document of course. I pointed to a spot and she signed and applied her seal. She did ask for my ID though. No journal. Tennessee offers no notary training. Just pay your fee, swear an oath and make sure you read the (very short) handbook you are handed out.

Reply by ikando on 2/22/11 8:24pm
Msg #373741

Frenchie, Oklahoma doesn't even have a handbook.

Reply by PAW on 2/22/11 9:14pm
Msg #373751

But they do offer a 5 page "guide" - http://www.pawnotary.com/download/Manuals_and_Handbooks/OK%20Notary%20Public%20Guide.pdf

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/22/11 12:35pm
Msg #373674

totally agree with jba...no test or education needed here!

Just fill out the notary app, get it notarized, send $10 bucks and wait 4-6 weeks...

Reply by Julie/MI on 2/22/11 10:52am
Msg #373650

no objections

I have no problem with a notary at the local walgreens. It's customer service. If I'm a mom with 3 little ones and I need a travel soccer form notarized and I need to pick up a birthday card for my mother in law, get the oil changed

I don't consider my profession to be a notary, I'm a contract mortgage closer.

I don't think if the clerk at Walgreen's has a notary commission and happens to work the cash register that they list their profession as a notary nor would I be so proud as to think I was a better notary than the clerk at Walgreens.

I DO see a slight problem if a customer brings in their closing docs to the notary on Sunday night when all the moms are buying milk and bread last minute and there is a long line.

Reply by SharonMN on 2/22/11 11:03am
Msg #373654

Re: no objections

Completely agree with Julie. Why shouldn't notaries be available in convenient places. They already have them in a lot of the grocery stores around here.

IMHO, the problem is that most of the people who require a form (signature) to be notarized don't understand what they want or why. If the person ASKING for a sworn statement doesn't care whether it is given under oath or not, why should anyone else? Perhaps they should do away with the "magic notary stamps" that seem to bedazzle everyone and just require a signed statement from someone.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 11:08am
Msg #373657

Re: no objections

>>>Why shouldn't notaries be available in convenient places<<<

Because a notary commission should not be a novelty. Notaries should NOT be available in every convenient place just as Judges should not be available in every convenient place. The more notaries there are, the less valued we are, and that applies to anything. Basic economics.

We are public officials. A notary commission should not be as easy to get as a fishing license that you buy at Walmart.

Reply by Julie/MI on 2/22/11 12:16pm
Msg #373668

Re: no objections

Why?

How hard is it to to check a person's identification give them an oath or no oath of an acknowledgement and sign and stamp? Kinda like a bouncer in the bar, they check the id to make sure the person is of age and in they go, if the id doesn't match or they don't have id no "notarization".

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/22/11 12:54pm
Msg #373677

watch it Julie, he may attack you for comparing the NP

profession with that of a bouncer! HE HE...

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/22/11 12:47pm
Msg #373675

Re: no objections

<<Because a notary commission should not be a novelty. Notaries should NOT be available in every convenient place just as Judges should not be available in every convenient place. The more notaries there are, the less valued we are, and that applies to anything. Basic economics.

We are public officials. A notary commission should not be as easy to get as a fishing license that you buy at Walmart. >>

It appears that you, delusionally, equate the office of the Notary Public with that of elected Judicial Officials. Seriously...?

Though there are some of us, that take our notarial duties very seriously, there simply is NO comparison with a notary profession with that of a judge.

Why do you think there are so many notaries public in any given state and that there are no limitations on how many a state can appoint or commission; or restrictions as to where NP's can work?

It's so that NP'S are accessible to the public and IMO, Walgreens is just taking it a bit further, and making NP's access, easily accessible in their stores. I'm sure Walmart will soon be on board, if not already.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 2/22/11 12:58pm
Msg #373678

Re: no objections

I see where you're coming from and I kinda agree, but unfortunately, your position is unsustainable. First of all, Walgreen's is in the notary action to make $$, not to provide a public service with dignity along with buying toilet paper and toothpaste. It's the same reason FedEx got in the businesss - and by the way, the first thing I thought of is has Walgreens checked with FedEx about how things went with them when they had notaries? It's only a matter of time before the customer service guy bungles a major notarization and Walgreens ends up in the same soup as FedEx...
Anway, your letter is completely insulting to Walgreens and they'll just toss it. As I said they're in it for the $$. As far as the pathetic NNA goes, they're in it for the $$, too (I had been giving them the beneift of the doubt up until you pointed out that Walgreens has the NNA symbol on the door. Yikes! I can just see the money-grubbing NNA sitting around their conference table scheming up ideas on how to boost membership: Let's have notaries on every corner (literally)! Like in drug stores. Home Depot! Why not? Great idea! Let's go!

Anyway, it won't help to improve notary standards to weed out every whack job. To be a notary in CA is time-comsuming, highly regulated, costly, etc. and still the UPS guy in my town has no idea what an oath is. He might as well have bought his commission at Walmart.

Reply by Linda_in_MI on 2/22/11 6:15pm
Msg #373726

WHOA a Notary commission isn't the same as a fishing license

"Because a notary commission should not be a novelty. Notaries should NOT be available in every convenient place just as Judges should not be available in every convenient place. The more notaries there are, the less valued we are, and that applies to anything. Basic economics.

We are public officials. A notary commission should not be as easy to get as a fishing license that you buy at Walmart"

Isn't one of the basic tenets of marketing notary services to the general public --or did I miss something in and earlier post touting this--the fact that some notaries go to medical offices, libraries, senior living facilities, schools, advertise on Craig's list (of all places) with an emphasis on being convenient to the customers and we will come to you--it's what we do?

And about comparing a notary commission to a fishing license. Believe me, even in states with bare-bone requirements, getting a notary commission requires more paperwork and effort. Do you also realize that if you are stopped by a law enforcement officer and found to be fishing without a license you risk having ALL OF YOUR FISHING EQUIPMENT--and maybe your vehicle--CONFISCATED? And if you are into fly fishing that equipment isn't cheap; my husband and I usually pack up gear that costs over $300. And that's just the rods.

Sorry about the rant, but husband is a stickler for following the rules when it comes to licenses.

Reply by rengel/CA on 2/22/11 12:59pm
Msg #373679

I've worked with NP's in law offices

who:
1. don't get signatures in their journal;
2. don't fill in any info in their journal;
3. have notarized signatures with the signer's promise to "fax" a copy of their DL when they get back home;
4. back date;
etc, etc, etc.
So the NP in a Walgreens, gas station, MacDonald's, might just be more diligent than one in a law office.

My .02

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 1:25pm
Msg #373682

And again, Cari makes another pathetic attempt to turn

the people of this forum "against me".

Yes, I do equate notaries to judges. They go hand in hand. The notaries of Florida perform many (if not all) of the same tasks that JOPs perform in other states.

The very reason for the existence of notaries is that the public can not travel to the courthouse to have acknowledgments taken by a judge. Notaries are intended as a convenience to the public, but that does not mean we need one on every corner. When I said they were meant for law offices, this is just to point out that they are not intended for grocery stores or pharmacies. I am not bashing mobile notaries and I think true full time mobile notaries are respectable and perform a valuable public service.

But for Walgreens to cash in to the "notary market" (and it is shameful that we as public officials have a "market"), is tacky and I stand by my comment that it is degrading to the notarial profession.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/22/11 1:28pm
Msg #373683

And if I'm delusional, so be it

I will not spend the rest of the day arguing with this. The above is how I feel, and you do not have to agree with me.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/22/11 2:27pm
Msg #373706

I'd have written the same if it was anyone else....

and JOP's are not available in ALL states....but more importantly, instead of getting so riled up about what Walgreens is doing, and who you think is out to get you (which I'm not, so don't flatter yourself), but wouldn't it be more constructive to utilize your talents to your advantage and try to make some money off of this move?

If I were you, I'd go and offer to properly train their employee-notaries, and/or give the store manager your business cards, and have them call you whenever a customer needs a notary.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/22/11 4:44pm
Msg #373718

I don't see the issue here

Why is it such a bad thing to have a notary public at a Walgreens?

You can't make the assumption that these will be improperly trained notaries. There are a LOT of notaries who work in the types of places you've identified as being more dignified and who don't have a clue about what they're doing. There's no evidence to indicate that those hired by Walgreens will be any better or worse - it really depends on how seriously the individual takes the responsibility rather than on where the duty is being performed.

As Bob pointed out, this is being done for the convenience of the customer. A lot of banks will not allow their notaries to notarize for non-customers (which is illegal here in NY and probably other places as well, but they do it anyway). Where else are they supposed to go? Quite frankly, when I get called by someone wanting a notary I try to dissuade them from using me because a) it's not worth my time and effort at $2/signature, and b) I know they will probably balk at my travel fee. Different story if it's an emergency, but in most cases they would be better served if they could just go down to a local store that had a notary on duty. And there was time when it was not uncommon to see a Notary Public sign hanging in the window of a local mom & pop store, so why shouldn't we go back to that kind of easy access?

Your points about the need for better education are well taken, and I agree with Roger that you might want to look at this as an opportunity. Rather than blasting Walgreens management for doing this, maybe you should approach them with a presentation about the liability they might be incurring, along with a proposal to train their notaries to help the company mitigate that liability. See if they have a policy in place that conforms with FL law, and offer to help them establish one if they don't. They're going to continue doing this whether you like it or not, and the only one who will be impressed by your letter is you - better to see if there's some way of turning this situation to your own advantage.

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/22/11 5:48pm
Msg #373723

No Objections Here

Well, in CA it is not cheap to become a Notary so not sure if it will be a plus to already *be* a Notary or if Walgreens is willing to foot the bill to create Notaries. I don't have any problem with the UPS Store, AAA (auto club) office or Walgreens having Notaries. As a matter of fact, I often refer people to those outlets, especially those callers who I instinctively believe will present a PITA transaction.

A lot of my general notary business comes from customers who need a house/office/hospital call. For those that meet me at Starbucks, I get repeat business from them because we can meet at a time convenient for them as opposed to the UPS Store where they have to *hope* the Notary isn't out to lunch, on break or is even working that day. I give my customer's discounts - something they're unlikely to get at an outlet service place. I'm also available weekends, holidays and hours those other outlets are not open.

With me, there is no waiting in line - then hoping the notarization is correct because my attention was divided between notarizing, answering phones, and cashiering. The client sits down with ME and he/she/they have my undivided attention.

Reply by John Schenk on 2/22/11 6:28pm
Msg #373730

How many Walgreens in your town?

How many shifts are they going to provide notary service? Many Walgreens are open 24 hours a day. If they're going to provide it 24 hours a day that means 3 new notaries X however many stores in your town.

One thing evident to me is that depending on the hours they provide the service a minimum of one new notary will be created for each store, and possibly as many as 3 in some stores. I'd guess, and it's just a guess of course, that basically none of those employees at their stores are notaries. They'll become notaries at Walgreen's expense. The trickle down effect is that some of those will become SAs in the future further saturating the markets.

Personally, I could care less is someone brings a single doc in and they notarize it in the store. I notarize docs fairly regularly that I tell the folks to bring it by and I charge nothing for it. Certainly saw no difference when FedEx was notarizing. In fact, if they were closer to FedEx than to me I'd definitely send them there as it would often cost them almost as much in gas to drive where I am than to pay $6 to get it notarized at FedEx. I didn't want to mess with it anyway.

I suspect there will be some company policy in effect, even if unwritten, at Walgreens that we want you notarizing at work and not in your off time. The ones that eventually get fired, or quit, still have that stamp and can do as they please. That's where I think some will come into the mix as competition as SAs. However, there are tons of notaries all over each of most of our cities that have never, and will never, notarize a set of mortgage docs, so the effect may still be very minimal. Time will tell.

JJ

Reply by Victoria_NJ on 2/22/11 8:10pm
Msg #373739

Walgreens, FDX, UPS or your local banks

My 2 cents - a notary public is no where near a Judge.

That being said, I will bet donuts to dimes that anyone using a notary public at Walgreens is getting simple documents notarized and not mortgages.

The "quality" of the notary falls on the shoulder of the notary, not the business, as the notary has processes, proceedures and state regulations to follow. In the market today exists good and bad notaries, people who take their commission seriously and others who don't.

The same applies to teachers, lawyers, the Walmart greeter, etc. Each person in life, is responsible for the quality of their work.

I highly doubt that the Walgreen's notary is going to cut into your loan closing business unless Walgreens is smart enough to contract with JPMorgan Chase or BOA, et al and set up "closing rooms".

And to be honest, the tackiest place I can think of to perform a loan closing is in the borrower's home, with the TV blasting, sticky fingered little kids screaming and running around, while the wife keeps sneaking off to make dinner. UGH!

If it was up to me ALL closings would be conducted in a professional office during 8 am - 6 pm hours. IMHO

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/22/11 10:56pm
Msg #373761

Point of information

Robert was not referring to NSA work, and he doesn't do loan signings. None of this has anything to do with loan signings.

i can't imagine anyone going to a Walgreens or a UPS store to have loan documents notarized, but I suppose it's possible....

His argument - as I understand it - is that having a notary available at a Walgreens somehow degrades the value of a notary commission. I disagree, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion...

Reply by ikando on 2/22/11 8:43pm
Msg #373743

The one thing I invision happening that has not been mentioned here--the security of the notary seal. I rather doubt the cashier by the door would be the notary; more likely someone who is near the office area.

But the timing thing would still be a major factor. I chose to get my flu shot from the Walgreen's pharmacist this year (a new service in this area). Took almost an hour for me to wait til she was available. I don't expect too many hanging around that long, so I don't see it as a major draw for Walgreen's.

Like others have said, this may be a blessing in disguise for a new market for you.

Reply by John Schenk on 2/22/11 8:51pm
Msg #373745

I expect notary service at the Photo Counter

Just my guess.

JJ

Reply by John Schenk on 2/22/11 8:57pm
Msg #373747

Or, notary service could be at cosmetics.

No way it'll be at the regular checkout counters, IMO. I doubt it would be at the pharmacy counter, and IF so would bad a HUGE BAD MOVE, IMO. That leaves the photo counter or the cosmetic counter. I think I'll place my bet on the photo counter. Time will tell.

JJ :-D

Reply by John Schenk on 2/22/11 9:26pm
Msg #373753

Each state's Notary Laws ARE what they are...

IF Walgreens wants to pay to commission thousands for notaries for their stores, then that's going to happen, subject to the laws of each individual state. No amount of whining will stop that. The current laws are on the books in each of our states, and until that changes there's nothing to stop this. It is what it is. Deal with it! I don't see it as doom and gloom for mortgage loan closing services that we offer, but it may cut into notarial services where folks notarize a doc here and there.

Everyone take a deep breath! FedEx went into it, and out. We'll have to see how this Walgreens thing evolves. I'll look for a company PR and post it tomorrow.

Nite all.

JJ

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/22/11 9:37pm
Msg #373754

Wonder if Walgreens is just targeting the states...

with higher notary fees, such as FL, MI and CA where they can get the $10 a pop to make it profitable? Can't see them bothering with OH ($2) or WI (50 cents).