Posted by Quintin Ivey on 6/10/12 2:20pm
Msg #423107

Fee + mileage......

I've search this topic couldn't a decent answer. So, I'm asking the vets on this forum. With the basic fee that you charge for your services, do you also charge for mileage? Round trip. If so, what would your be your baseline charge?

Depending on what your doing, just a base fee is not going to cover your expenses or per job. So chime in and express you opinion. Also I'm expecting you to disclose your fees to undercut you

Thx for your input.

Reply by Lee/AR on 6/10/12 3:03pm
Msg #423108

Actually, imo, it's table time + print fee (if applicable) + mileage + drive time. As we are 'mobile', pick a radius-from-home that you are comfortable with that is about the same mileage/drive time within that radius...that becomes your 'base fee'. After that, fees depend upon drive time/mileage, type of job, rush hour traffic, tolls?, parking fee? I probably forgot something.

But, go ahead and undercut the competition....you'll be soon gone.

One size really doesn't fit all. Never has/never will.

Reply by Les_CO on 6/10/12 4:09pm
Msg #423112

My contacts In the NYC area charge a base fee of $500, then $2 per mile round trip. I would guess your fee depends on where you are and if you have anything at all to offer for that fee. I would suggest you move to Austin TX, look up a Mr. Nations there and offer to “partner up” with him. You could take the jobs (not in doggie bar’s) that involve travel, and little intellect. Good luck!

Reply by bfnotary on 6/10/12 6:40pm
Msg #423120

Some people are smart a$$es. I figure my base fee based on up to 125 ish pages, and since I am in a rural area, I travel up to 30 miles one way without extra travel fee. (then again, it is not a heavy traffic area) I charge extra for larger packages, more miles, and fax backs. Everyone has their own way of doing things. That is mine (most of the time). Only you can decide what your time and expenses is worth. I never accept less than $xxx tho. Good Luck!!

Reply by Quintin Ivey on 6/10/12 7:41pm
Msg #423124

Thxs for the responses. I understand the COO (cost of operation) model. Time, supplies, gas and maintenance, rush job (s) and etc, pricing for your services is very important. Make a profit is job 1. No, i'm not in the biz to undercut anyone. I want to be in business for long period of time.

And I understand that everyone has a "flavor" for their business. So I appreciate the input and I will "massage" my fees accordingly from the input u give me.

Reply by MW/VA on 6/10/12 8:12pm
Msg #423125

Your question wasn't specific as to whether you are

asking about fees for general notary work or loan signing work. Both topics have been discussed on this forum, and you can do some research using the orange search button at the top of the page.

Reply by CJ on 6/11/12 12:31am
Msg #423128

FYI

1. We are all SELF employed.
2. Fees are not set.
3. We are happy to help each other solve tricky notarial problems.
4. No one here is going to help you dip into their pocket.
5. Undercutting fees is not a joking matter.

Reply by Quintin Ivey on 6/11/12 10:49am
Msg #423138

Re: Your question wasn't specific as to whether you are

Loan signing, sorry misstep.

Reply by HisHughness on 6/11/12 1:13am
Msg #423130

Do you realize what you posted? Read it closely:

***Also I'm expecting you to disclose your fees to undercut you***

I'm struggling here, trying to decide whether you are the most honest person who's ever posted in this forum, the most naive, or the one most in need of an editor.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 6/11/12 1:33am
Msg #423131

I could be wrong, but I assumed that he was either kidding or left out a word...

Quintin, I also interpreted your question a little differently from the others, so maybe my brain is shutting down for the night, but if you were asking if we add an actual per mile fee for each trip, my answer would be no. I believe that most of us try to calculate a flat rate that covers most circumstances, within a certain distance (or drive time, as the case may be). Many will add extra fees for various extenuating circumstances, which will vary from individual to individual, both on what they charge for and how much.

Reply by Quintin Ivey on 6/11/12 10:56am
Msg #423139

Thx Janet, I left the word "not" in my posting. lol

I guess each notary, like u said have different situations and it varies. Since I'm doing loan signing, it's my cost of operation. I understand the "weird" situations that comes up.

Reply by Quintin Ivey on 6/11/12 10:47am
Msg #423137

Sorry for this editor mistake: "Also I'm expecting you to NOT disclose your fees to undercut you.
Thxs, His Hughness for pointing this out. Made the changes,

Also i need and did not find it for loan signing

Reply by Les_CO on 6/11/12 11:52am
Msg #423146

“ Also I'm expecting you to NOT disclose your fees to undercut you.” Glad you cleared that up. When someone posts here and does not link to their profile, and does not give any information (as where they are located, or what they are doing, or really asking about) It is very difficult to answer any question. It is also difficult to ascertain if the poster is serious, or just some anonymous troll posting something foolish or arbitrary, looking for a like response.JMO

Reply by jba/fl on 6/11/12 8:06am
Msg #423132

Where have you searched? Certainly not here as this has been discussed over and over. No one is going to give you a definitive answer as their answer will probably not be your answer. Also, with that statement: "I'm expecting you to disclose your fees to undercut you Smile" why would we? Do I believe that "smile"? no - I have been undercut by people I would never have expected to do so.

Location, location, location - it really is everything.

Search thread Msg #33325 for clues on pricing - it is there, as well as other places here.

Reply by Quintin Ivey on 6/11/12 11:02am
Msg #423142

@jba/fl. Thx for the link. I really appreciate it very much. This what I'm looking for, direction.

Reply by jba/fl on 6/11/12 11:07am
Msg #423143

"what I'm looking for, direction."

We are good at that here.....there are a number here who love to tell people where to do, for almost anything. Believe me, I've been smartly slapped as well.

Thick skins required.

Reply by Quintin Ivey on 6/11/12 1:57pm
Msg #423165

@jba/fl thxs for the response. Being "slapped" is okay, just don't get offended when I "slap" back. lol

Of course it will be "my" call on the info being dispered. Because, everyone has a different circumstance. Remember knowledge is power. How u use it determines your success.

Reply by Blueink_TN on 6/11/12 8:06pm
Msg #423202

I have a basic "if you want me to complete this for you it will be XXX" fee. This fee is all inclusive, print fee, travel, fax backs, split signings, whatever the request is - I don't nickel and dime. If it's too far, I will decline it. Sometimes I get the "but it's only 10 miles from you" whine, to which I reply "Awesome!". The only time I charge extra is if I really don't want the assignment, but wouldn't you know? that's when they have no problem paying the big bucks - They prolly knew there was no bridge over that there creek

Reply by NJDiva on 6/11/12 9:31pm
Msg #423219

I agree with both Janet and Blue!

I like to keep it simple. I don't charge a mileage fee unless it cancels at the table and then there is a print and trip fee. If I'm lucky, there are times that I would get the entire fee, but I don't necessarily expect it.