Posted by IAC on 10/13/11 10:45am
Msg #400368

WHAT TO CHARGE IN MICHIGAN TRI-COUTY

WHAT IS A FAIR CHARGE FOR FULL SET OF RE-FI DOCS NO FAX BACK TRAVEL 50 MILES ROUND TRIP? I DO NOT WANT TO LOW BALL SINCE IT WILL HURT NOTARIES. IS THERE A SITE TO CHECK FEES

Reply by Lee/AR on 10/13/11 11:06am
Msg #400377

What do you charge for your time...ALL your time--printing, driving, at the table, quality checking? Auto expenses--not just gas?
Are you printing the docs? 2 sets? What does that cost you? (Compare to what it would cost if printed by outside service---PROFIT)
Figure your income tax at whatever rate you pay. SE Tax, too. Set something aside for replacement costs. Now add something for PROFIT. Yes, profit...that's why you (& every other co. in the world) is in business--unless, of course, you are a not-for-profit corp. (that was a joke--or was it--given some of the low fees we've seen accepted). Add it all up and that's YOUR charge.

FWIW, I can do the same scenario that you've laid out for different fees. Why? Because it takes varying TIME to drive those 50 miles depending upon location.

Reply by NJDiva on 10/13/11 11:18am
Msg #400382

Don't forget...

Marketing-subscriptions to sites such as this, website, networking groups,
E&O insurance
Correspondence with companies
Office supplies-Printers, toner, more toner, paper, more paper-both legal and letter, pens, folders, binding clips (rubber bands, whatever you use), stapler, computer, internet service
Business aids, business cards, fliers, brochures, etc., journal, stamp

I could keep going, but I think this may give you an idea of some things to take into account when establishing a base fee.

Personally, I believe $XXX is a starting point. But then my time may be worth much more than others... xo

Reply by desktopfull on 10/13/11 11:11am
Msg #400379

You didn't have a fee schedule before opening for business?

Shouldn't that have been included in your business plan so that you could have decided if this would even be a profitable venture? It's your business, you set the rates, you make the decisions, not an employer. You can also negotiate your fee with the companies you choose to accept work from.

Also, since you seem to be new to the forum, typing in all caps is considered shouting on a forum and is difficult to read.

Reply by NJDiva on 10/13/11 11:25am
Msg #400387

You didn't have a fee schedule before opening for business?

I must admit, I didn't have a business plan when I started this biz six years ago. I believed the hype XYZ was perpetuating. I had no idea the expenses that were associated.

And though I was a basic member for many years, I most certainly did not utilize the WEALTH of information we are so blessed to have accessible. Had I have known THEN what I know NOW...

Good luck!

Reply by desktopfull on 10/13/11 12:22pm
Msg #400408

Re: You didn't have a fee schedule before opening for business?

Glad to hear that you have one now. It sure beats learning through the "school of hard knocks".

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/13/11 11:23am
Msg #400385

Interesting..you've made posts here for a few months now

you've done some signings and have even given advice to others about getting payment and given feedback about some companies - I'm not sure I understand why you're asking this question now. You've obviously not been working for free - so you have a fee schedule, correct? Is someone challenging your fee schedule?

Too many variables involved to specifically answer your question, too - location matters a lot, as does demand (how much competition you have) and the total time that's going to be involved in getting the signing done, not to mention package size. To answer your question, sort of, *MY* minimum fee for this would be $125-$130....but that's ME, in MY area

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/13/11 11:25am
Msg #400386

Oops..almost forgot - don't forget your percentage to

Uncle Sam - that has to be considered too in order to enter "profit" zone.

Reply by Lee/AR on 10/13/11 11:29am
Msg #400389

Fees to charge - this thread has good info. newbs take note

Subject... Fees to Charge... Hoping it comes up on a search.

Reply by rengel/CA on 10/13/11 12:08pm
Msg #400402

According to your profile, "Flawless signings as Notary with 20 plus yrs. experience." If you have 20 years experience, why would you not know what to charge for this partiular job????

My .02

Reply by NJDiva on 10/13/11 12:10pm
Msg #400404

maybe 20 yrs experience as a notary...not necessarily

a NSA?

Reply by rengel/CA on 10/13/11 2:36pm
Msg #400424

When I see

"flawless signings" I think Signing Agent.

My .02

Reply by IAC on 10/13/11 4:47pm
Msg #400440

Re: maybe 20 yrs experience as a notary...not necessarily

To all negative responders, I wanted to make sure I was not under cutting fellow notaries in MICHIGAN> Its sad to see that some cannot be helpful in the forum but would rather be hurtful. Yes, I do have flawless signings and am very proud of my track record. Also, sorry if I offended anyone by typing in CAPS. I seldom use the forum, I was just trying to get info. and not savy on the typing edq. Thank you to those who gave a more positive response. Very grateful.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/13/11 6:49pm
Msg #400453

Don't run, join us.....

First time I felt attacked here, ooh boy did I get my feeling hurt. I felt I was trying to communicate with a bunch of a$$holes. There was a couple of very nice/good/great people who p/m me and said for me not to give up. I am not p/m ing you, I telling you up front. My .02

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 10/13/11 7:29pm
Msg #400459

I PM'd you the info n/m