Posted by Jillian Hinrichs on 11/30/11 11:41am
Msg #405286

Another Try At Getting Help

Please understand I spend many hours each day reading this forum and reading all about each signing company on Signing Central, as I try to sign up with good companies. The problem is that none of you are willing to say what companies you enjoy working for, and that apparently extends to not providing a good comment within the company name in Signing Central - say maybe once a year, would that be so hard?

Most of you have mentioned in numerous posts that you use Signing Central as an aid to determine whether or not to take on an assignment, so why not help keep it current? This would help everyone! The newbie would still have to do his/her own work to find the companies to pursue, while the experienced would have current information when looking the company up that would help them determine whether the company is worth working for.

I know that no-one wants to give out their "good" list, but really, not posting on Signing Central when you DO love a company in the end doesn't just hurt the newbies.

Reply by PegiT_MN on 11/30/11 11:54am
Msg #405289

Yikes!!! n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 11/30/11 11:55am
Msg #405290

That's not what you asked yesterday...yesterday you asked

members to respond with the names of GOOD companies they work for. No one said anything about NOT reporting on SC.

Yes, SC is a guide to help you decide whether to take a chance or not with the company based on their past performance. But again, "mileage may vary" - a bad company to me may be a good company for you, and vice versa.

The only thing you can do is read the reviews, make your decision and take it from there.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 11/30/11 11:59am
Msg #405291

Many of us learned through trial and error

Try the orange search button to double check.

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 12:06pm
Msg #405293

Think about this for just one minute Jilian

You are asking people to divluge their preferred clients to you.
Tell me what business willingly will give up that inormation to a competitor.
Yes, Jillian you are competition to those that have spent YEARS building up their client databases and deciding who they will and will not work for, and you want that information for free?
Reverse the situation, and tell me honestly, if you had spent years of trial and error to determine the good from the bad, would you give that information freely to someone who is probably going to undercut you?
If the answer is yes, then you do not belong starting your own business.
Why don't you look up the notaries in your area, and give them a call - see what the response is.
Sorry if this sounds a little snarky, but this is called business.

Reply by JulieD/KS on 11/30/11 6:20pm
Msg #405352

Re: Think about this for just one minute Jilian

Do you think Kentucky Fried Chicken would give you their recipe? No. It's their secret to success.
It's the same with our company list. If we post it here...local notaries will undercut what we charge...and boom, we are out of business.

Reply by Belinda/CA on 11/30/11 11:54pm
Msg #405390

KFC recipe... I love the analogy! n/m

Reply by CH2inCA on 11/30/11 12:16pm
Msg #405295

Wait a minute here...

I read Jillian's post yesterday and the one today. Both times I've come away with the notion that she's asking the vintage members here; the more experienced; the 'experts' to post their good reviews in SC just as they would post the bad. Because she's finding that SC does not sync with the actual posts. The narrative posts, and the number of stars on SC for some companies are way off.

I haven't the impression that she's asking you to 'give' her an actual list of names, numbers and addresses.

Just post to SC so that it makes a better more accurate system. Fabulous system that it is, it could be better if we were all consistant.

but then again...maybe I got it all wrong?

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 12:27pm
Msg #405297

Agree 100% n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/30/11 12:32pm
Msg #405299

its a ditto post to James 'Christmas Wish' n/m

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 12:45pm
Msg #405300

Yup, but with a caveat.

James just wants SS updated, and I agree with him.
This is asking for much more... Jillian wants us to provide her with a "preffered vendor" list, and that takes years to build up.
Learn by your mistakes and don't expect your competition to provide you with leads.
There is a big difference between mentoring and giving up your business leads.
And, if I go any further, this post would belong in Just Politics, I don't want to go there, lest I incurr the wrath of HisHughness.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 11/30/11 12:51pm
Msg #405301

Not quite the same ...James wants to keep SC current..

and I agree with him - if we link to SC when we post about a company, and/or possibly update the ratings and comments when we post here, it will keep SC current and will be a boon to anyone using the site.

Jillian's post, however, took a different slant...she said, first sentence.."It would be totally awesome if you could post replies to this discussion and let us newbies know who you LOVE to work for so that we can make sure we have or will contact them. "

THAT was, IMO, the request for the list of good companies and to that I just say that it's an individual preference that will vary person to person - it's something that's self-cultivated with experience and over time.

JMO

Reply by jba/fl on 11/30/11 12:52pm
Msg #405302

Let's see if this will help

Currently I am only working for a few SS's and many TC's. The problem is that I am in an over-saturated, low in numbers closing area. Florida was very hard hit with this crunching downturn, and many just don't qualify mostly because the numbers just won't come in properly for a loan. Property worth has plummeted 30-50% almost everywhere. There are other states worse off than FL, so I am thinking, off the top of my head, that the notaries in those states feel much as I do.

How do I feel about saying X is a great company, really good to work for, pays timely, $XXX? Seeing what has happened here, in FL, and what I am hearing on NotRot, prices are plummeting as well. Why? It is a reverse bidding war now. SS's who were paying $125 now want to pay $75. So, since I don't want to work for $75 as my expenses are also rising, (paper, gas, toner - anything else that has to be shipped about the country) and my profit is falling, I don't speak of them. As for those who pay higher, if I come here and say Y is great other notaries in my area are alerted to that fact and will approach Y, sign up, and then undercut me. Now, I am out of the loop, or at least not the first called. I am called after my competition refuses, as a last resort.

Do you see where that leaves me? Less and less of the pie. Now my competition has undercut me, I have one less (or many) client(s) and less profit on the already shrinking profit pie. As for the TC's - there are so many, but even they are shrinking their offers. Do you think I want that to be another issue for me? I mean, it is already somewhat, but I am needing to continue to work and I need to make as much as I can with the best profit that I can.

OK, you counter now saying that you are not my competition - you are on the other end of the country. Perhaps true, but those in Orlando read here (lurk) even if they don't post here. I post in SC but there just isn't the work there used to be. I also go back and edit my original posts if the company is falling down and no longer a 4 star, for example, and now are changing their MO and have become a 2 star.

Where I will be honest with you is when you ask about Z company, G/B/U and if they are good, great or better, I will PM you telling you what I think you can get from them. Remember - take the assignment....if it turns out they are not as good as they tell you they are, you can give the job back.

I am sending you a PM in a few minutes....with a true story.

Reply by Jillian Hinrichs on 11/30/11 1:07pm
Msg #405303

Re: Let's see if this will help

Thank you. Yes, my first posting did ask if you would be willing to let me know about good companies as it really didn't cross my mind that someone way across the country from me could be hurt by this. I really didn't think anyone would help, but it was worth a shot.

I really don't see what good Signing Central is to anyone if no-one is willing to keep it current. It seems they only post if they have a bad experience, while perhaps there are dozens of others who love the company and have never had a problem. By not letting anyone know that you think the company being bashed is a good company, you could be not only causing others to turn down work from the company but could ultimately help the company fail because of that.

Just some food for thought. I know I will post a good or bad review after each assignment, and if it hurts me I will just have to live with that.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 11/30/11 1:09pm
Msg #405304

Re: Let's see if this will help

Speaking for myself, I have no time to post the good ones! My life is very busy!

Reply by jba/fl on 11/30/11 1:18pm
Msg #405307

Re: Let's see if this will help

Posting in SC is basically anonymous - you are just someone from FL, for example. Where in Fl? nothing to tell anyone. Comments on the forum are more precise, but just as valuable to be linked. The company may be good right now, but in December there may be a few glitches; Jan. may show another couple, and by March we see a pattern developing. It is not usually an overnight thing anymore as business has slowed considerably. Those patterns do show though, BUT ONLY THROUGH LINKING!

Sorry to shout, but I find the linking Very important for this one reason among others.

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 1:09pm
Msg #405305

Right on Julie

And, now at the risk of posting something that MAY belong in JP!
It is apparrent to me that the youth of today have an entirely different work ethic than some of us grew up with.
I have seen it first hand with the younger generation not wanting to put in 8 hours work for 8 hours pay. They want things given to them without the struggle to work for them.
I don't know when this started exactly, but it is the beginning of the end for our society.
I blame it on a lot of things... Illegal imigration, disposable society, class warfare and selfishness.

Just my opinion!

Reply by Jillian Hinrichs on 11/30/11 1:16pm
Msg #405306

Re: Right on Julie

If that was meant for me, I am 54 years old, not young. I have been an independent contractor for most of my life, and have worked very hard and try to always be among the best at what I choose to do.

I have been in real estate for over 19 years: as a RE/MAX agent, manager of 2 Century 21 offices, a loan processor, an appraiser and am currently working part-time for a group of investors based in Maryland (virtually) as their Operations Manager - I handle all of their advertising, check their docs to make sure everything is correct, you name it I do it.

I was reaching out for help knowing my hand would probably get slapped, but I still feel that Signing Central could be made so much better if all of you would contribute to it. Otherwise it should be changed to "bad company list" since that is currently what it is becoming - most newer posts are bashing posts because no-one wants to let anyone else know that a company they work for is good.

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 1:36pm
Msg #405312

Re: Right on Julie

OK, if you were a RE/MAX agent, let me ask you this one simple question.
How many times did another agent share his/her GOOD contacts with you, and conversely, how many GOOD contacts did you share with your fellow real estate agents?
Now, do you see what you are asking for?

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/30/11 1:42pm
Msg #405315

Julie,

To me, SC is just one of many tools that I use to determine the value of a company to me. SC is not, and should not be construed as the "end-all, be-all" when it comes to determining the worth of a company to you. I think a lot of us do rate the companies, but it should not be the only tool you use. And with your experienced listed in paragraph #2, you should have the inside track over those of us who came to the business from completely other areas.

And while I had 40 years of experience in retail and retail corporate management, when I retired and came to this work, I began with zero knowledge and zero experience in the notary loan signing business. I began a lot of research before I began and had a couple of years of experience before I began giving advice on the board except for computer questions. I learned quickly that you need many other methods of judging companies than just SC, although it's a valuable tool.

And while you have all those years of experience as listed in paragraph #2, I would maintain that you had the same amount of experience in the notary loan signing business that I did and probably should approach it using the same method. Lots of other research in addition to SC.

And 54 is not old. Old is a state of mind. You are several years younger than I am and I consider myself still young. I plan on being 100 years of age before I begin to consider myself old.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/30/11 1:44pm
Msg #405316

Oops, S/B Jillian. Sorry. Just a typo, not age related ... n/m

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 11/30/11 2:20pm
Msg #405320

Totally agree, Glenn

"SC is not, and should not be construed as the "end-all, be-all" when it comes to determining the worth of a company to you. I think a lot of us do rate the companies, but it should not be the only tool you use."

Couldn't agree with you more. SC should be used as only one of the tools.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 11/30/11 4:27pm
Msg #405342

Re: Totally agree, Glenn

Odd, just today I was on signing central checking out a couple of companies and found quite a few positive comments and a lot in the past 4 - 6 months time frame. Just keep reading!

Reply by jba/fl on 11/30/11 4:34pm
Msg #405343

Re: Totally agree, Glenn

When you consider that when a company is added, they have nothing. No stars, no comments. So it does start somewhere.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/30/11 3:31pm
Msg #405333

Excellent post JBA! n/m

Reply by Buddy Young on 11/30/11 6:17pm
Msg #405351

Re: Let's see if this will help

I post every time, good or bad.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 11/30/11 1:28pm
Msg #405309

I post good comments in SC when warranted, and I'm sure many others do too. If you are seeing a lot of negative comments in SC, then believe them that that particular company is not a good one to accept work with. And there are many. I don't give second chances to companies that I've had a bad experience with, so I cannot update those companies in SC with more current information.

After six years in this biz, my work is limited now to a select few good regular clients - I am usually already booked when other companies call. If I'm not booked then I will accept work from new companies if they have a good payment repuation on this site and if they will meet my fee.

There are also quite a few companies that I have tried to add to SC but can't because someone at their office has a personal listing that duplicates the phone or address information. Listings with duplicate info are kicked back.

Reply by jba/fl on 11/30/11 1:33pm
Msg #405310

Re: Another Try At Getting Help n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 11/30/11 1:36pm
Msg #405313

Sorry - hit wrong button

Sometimes I just can't find info on a company and if the job is close I just hold my breath and give it a shot. I don't do that as much as I used to, but I kind of figure, no news is good news....but I still post asking about them.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 11/30/11 1:47pm
Msg #405317

Re: Sorry - hit wrong button

Yup, my very best client is one that had no history on this or any notary chat forum when they first contacted me. Since I found no history of negative info, I took a chance with them, did a great job for them, and they continue to send me work.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 11/30/11 1:34pm
Msg #405311

Another thing, when you post a review in SC, you must select from the drop-down box "Yes, Share with Everyone" or your comments will not be visible to others. I wish the default was set to share with everyone, but it's not.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 11/30/11 2:16pm
Msg #405319

I try to update SC once I receive payment or if payment is past due. In some cases I will update a comment several times in a single month for a company that I preform several jobs for. The ratings range from 1-star to 5-stars depending upon my experience with the company. I know others that update all the companies they worked for in a single month on a certain day of the month.

I will also post an update on a company that may have once met my fees and been good to work for but now only call with $50 or $90 type of offers (low ball offers for loan signings imo). Some may disagree with posting about low ball offers, however if that is my only contact with that company then I post my experience with them. After all, that is what SC is for, posting our experience with the companies. I had one that sent out an email request for a RM for $50. When I checked my records, this company had paid my fee of $150 for the same job (same area too) but it had been several months since I had heard from them. I only got a few calls a year from them anyway for several years, the didn't have much work in my area is what I was told. I was not willing to let my previous 5-star rating stand for a company that now doesn't even bother to even call to request services and is offering such low ball fees. I updated their profile with what I felt was an appropriate rating.

I see some people rating some non-paying companies with 2-stars while complaining about no pay for 6 months? Just what would that non-paying, service stealing company have to do to get that person to rate them with 1-star?

In some cases, ratings cannot be added because the "company" also has an agent listing (which is against the rules, but it is the case nonetheless). I know that I have attempted to add several companies and have not been able to do so because of this. I have had limited success in having a few of them converted over to be listed in SC as they should be over the years. Perhaps they are telling NotRot that they are no longer in the SS business when they inquire about it. I don't know.

Jillian, I agree with your call for us to keep SC updated. What I am not sure you quite understand, by reading some of your responses, is that you did ask for others to give you a list of the "good" companies to work for and why we are not willing to do that. Maybe I have misread your responses and you do understand why that is not going to happen.

Reply by Jillian Hinrichs on 11/30/11 2:30pm
Msg #405323

To Moneyman

I completely understand why no-one will give me good companies to call on, now that I have read all of these responses. I am glad at least some of you choose to put reviews on Signing Central, and I do also use other sites since Signing Central's information on many companies is very old.

I just think if the majority opinion is to only post bad reviews that the name should be changed to "bad company list" - which would also be quite helpful.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 11/30/11 2:31pm
Msg #405324

Re: To Moneyman

"I just think if the majority opinion is to only post bad reviews ..."

That would be true if that WAS the majority opinion...but IMO it's not.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 11/30/11 3:00pm
Msg #405326

Re: To Moneyman

Then how do you explain the companies that are rated 4 & 5 Stars?

Yes I agree that for some reason it is "easier" for some to remember to post when it is negative, but I don't agree that the "majority" do that. For example, NREIS was once a company that warranted 4 & 5 star ratings, now not so much. Just because that company is now rated 2.5 stars (and I don't even understand how they are that high, imo) that does not mean that people "only post negative" info. What might be a statement closer to the truth is that there are a lot of companies that used to be good ones to work for that are no longer considered that by many. That, imo, is more of a reflection on the specific companies than it is on the NSA's that report their experiences with them.

Just as the amount of work has been shrinking over the last several years so has the number of "good companies" been shrinking. There are still good companies out there but just like everyone else, you have to be willing to put in the time to know who they are.

XYZ has flooded the market and, imo, created a lot of false hope in an attempt to separate people from their money over the last several years. This business is not as "easy" as XYZ would have people believe it is. It never has been.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 11/30/11 3:06pm
Msg #405327

Can I ask why on God's green earth you decided

that of ALL businesses to get into... you choose one of the most oversaturated?

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 3:19pm
Msg #405330

Re: Can I ask why on God's green earth you decided

That's neither here nor there.
She made the deciscion and now wants every body to "donate" info so she can compete with the existing notaries.
Probably undercut them!

Reply by Susan Fischer on 11/30/11 3:42pm
Msg #405336

bagger, now you are just being mean-spirited by attacking

Jillian's motives.

Julie's thoughtful response was very helpful, for instance. Your attitude in in this post is, to be blunt, icky. You could take a few pointers from Jillian on professionalism.

jmnsho.

Reply by NJDiva on 11/30/11 3:59pm
Msg #405337

I love ya bagger, but I gotta support Susan on this one!

What happened to that loving, kind bagger we know and love? lmao

I understand it get's frustrating, but I've seen Jillian post on other websites and she always has good things to say about NotRot.

She has a lot of experience in the field that I've no doubt will make her a great asset to our community.

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 5:37pm
Msg #405347

Really

OK, All of you notaries working the NW suburb's of Chicago - would you please let me know which companies you work for, what they pay you, when they pay you, if they require faxbacks, hand holding, etc.
I will undercut you by$10.00 - sound llike a deal?

Reply by bagger on 11/30/11 5:31pm
Msg #405345

Re: bagger, now you are just being mean-spirited by attacking

.Susan, I could care less about YOUR opinion.
This is my opinion, and just deal with it.
Jillian wants her competition to pony up their prefferred customer list.
If you want to "share the wealth" go ahead, but answer this one question.
How many notaries in your area did you share your contacts with when you were still active?
It would just be a stupid business idea to give out your customer list.
Sheesh you are so thick headed.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 11/30/11 3:21pm
Msg #405331

My thoughts, exactly, FlaNotary2!

And with all your real estate/appraiser/loan processor/etc. experience, Jill, why do you need help here? What about all your professional contacts over the years that many of us would die for? Doesn't make any sense. Why would you be trying to break into a field where pay is dropping every minute, the competition is relentless, you will never make a fraction of the $ you made in the other fields, you possibly will have to fight for your payment, etc. I could go on and on ... but in any case, good luck!

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/30/11 3:35pm
Msg #405334

...how would she know this profession is over saturated?

Grant it, had she done her "research" here on NotRot, she would've ran across the subject, but even if she did, its her business, why bother asking her that particular question. Unless it was rhetorical?

Reply by Doris_CO on 11/30/11 3:39pm
Msg #405335

Here is a hint that was given on this forum about a year or so ago. At the top of the Signing Central list of companies is a "Sort" button. You can choose "Average Rating-high to low" and all the 5 and 4 star companies will be listed at the top, in ascending order. You won't have to wade through all the 1 star or less companies looking for the 4 or 5 star ratings. Still check out the comments on the forum for each company you decide to list with to see if there are any changes occurring in their fees or payment schedule.

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 11/30/11 8:19pm
Msg #405361

Bravo Doris!for the only post in this thread that is helpful n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 11/30/11 4:02pm
Msg #405338

The problem is you obviously can not read....

<<problem is that none of you are willing to say what companies you enjoy working for, and that apparently extends to not providing a good comment within the company name in Signing Central>>

Not true at all Jillian. As I mention in another post on this thread, had you done ANY research at all here on NotRot, i.e., actually using that Orange search button, and putting in the proper key words, you would come up with many many many posts by members who have given kudos and other proper shout outs to excellent companies, perhaps not otherwise listed on SC.

Do the research NEWBIES, lots of great info on this site!

Reply by MW/VA on 11/30/11 4:15pm
Msg #405340

I think this is all about expectations. We do post both

positive & negative on SC--that's how some companies have 4 & 5 stars. We also use this site to help other notaries avoid the low-pay, slow-pay, and no-payers. That's a whole lot & a lot more than I had when I started out. This biz is like any other--there is risk involved.
While we welcome your participation, Jillian, no one is going to spoon feed you or anyone else.
This biz can be very tough & rough. It certainly has been that through the sub-prime days & into the mortgage meltdown. It takes a tough person to continue in spite of the ups & downs.
Good luck & happy signings! :-)

Reply by CJ on 12/1/11 12:51am
Msg #405398

Sometimes good companies go bad.

I have worked for some companies that are good for years: they give me lots of business, we're all best-friends-forever and they pay on time. I think, "What would I do without them?"

And then one day I realize I have not heard from them in a while and the money they owe me does not show up, and when I call them the phone is disconnected. You just never know. They were having problems, the folded and vanished. Every time that happened, I got stiffed all my outstanding invoices. Suing them does not help, because they are smart enough to clear out their bank accounts long before you get the judgment. That has happened to me about 6 times.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 12/1/11 12:53am
Msg #405399

Re: I think this is all about expectations. We do post both

You make some very good points. From this and other posts (above and below) it seems to me that some are forgetting that SC is just a tool provided for extra assistance for us. Yes, it's only as good as we make it. But it's not an entitlement, it's something we should appreciate and be grateful for. No one has any obligation to post anything there - or to share their personal business information or expertise, but they do anyway, and we're all the better for it. However, we each are still responsible for our own businesses and for making our own decisions.

Maybe it's time to resurrect another very old post from almost five years ago: msg# 95880. (Some things don't change much....)

Having said that, I agree that SC should be used just as a guideline, not as a bible. A lot of different things affect the rating:

* everyone has different standards re: what's important w/ client selection, what's good pay, etc.
* things change - like a company's clients, staff, local market, financial situation, etc.
* attempts to manipulate ratings by co employees or requests for good ratings
* companies treating notaries differently, depending on where they are, etc.
* the poster's attitude or mood at the time
* some factors that influence a signing that have nothing to do with the ss or tc rated

I'm sure there are more. I think it was jba who said that we need to look at a variety of things when judging companies, in addition to SC ratings, like reading linked comments, using the orange search button, and even using Google (or whatever), and I couldn't agree more.

Reply by Jillian Hinrichs on 12/1/11 12:27pm
Msg #405456

Re: I think this is all about expectations. We do post both

Thanks to all who have private messaged me with helpful information. I will never undercut someone as I think we are already getting paid way too little for what we do, at least those who really do their job and don't just do a point and sign that takes way less than an hour to do and makes us all look bad.

I have turned down many, many assignments that were usually last minute and below $100. I understand they contact me after trying more seasoned professionals who won't accept their fees or who canceled on them because the docs didn't arrive in time, etc., but I'm not going to be one of the newbies who undercut and then whine about not making enough money. I'm also not the one to call for a last minute assignment unless they will pay extra for that and I feel like working that night - so I understand it will take quite a while to get going but I have decided to pursue this as in my state there aren't a million other notaries to compete with.

Thanks also to the many of you who DO post on Signing Central. Most of you chose not to reply to this discussion, so it is still a bit one-sided, so I am saying this just so that those who won't post there in order to protect the companies they work for will understand that they are not in the majority.

Reply by NJDiva on 12/1/11 6:27pm
Msg #405526

Obviously Jillian is not a newbie. It's a matter of getting

established at this point, that's for sure. It seems like you understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of this industry and know your worth. As far as I'm concerned, you probably know more about this business than many of us here on the board. At least you are an experienced, competent, knowledgeable NSA.

Welcome! I definitely wish you lots of luck.