Posted by SharonMN on 3/30/12 1:33pm
Msg #416628

Why doesn't the confirm include billing instructions?

Of all the information that is sent to the notary (Have the borrower sign in pen. Don't wear jeans. Look up the directions to the borrower's house before you leave. Fill out all the notary certificates.) why is the company's billing process not included half the time? I hate having to call and ask, or getting emails days later asking me to fill out a completion report online.

Signing services and title companies, it would be very helpful if you all included the following in the confirm:

When the signing is complete, please do the following to close out the file and get paid (list all that apply)
- Include your invoice with the docs.
- Fill out completion form online
- Call Billy Bob at xxx-xxx-xxxx with the tracking number
- Send us a W-9
- Mail or email invoice to [address]
- Other [explain]

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/30/12 3:15pm
Msg #416640

from my experience when a company requests billing it is always stipulated and some do not request billing and just mail you your check. Some will send you an email asking you to forward a W9...

Reply by MikeC/TX on 3/30/12 4:49pm
Msg #416652

Because some of them use it as a way to avoid payment

SOX was notorious for this - their billing/inquiry instructions were buried several pages deep in their website, and if you didn't follow their requirements EXACTLY they used that as a justification for not paying. Not only did they have requirements for invoicing, but all inquiries had to be made by fax only; emails, phone calls and even certified mail were ignored. If you didn't get your billing efforts right within 90 days, they considered it case closed and refused to pay at all. It was all there in black and white - if you could find it...

I worked for them a couple of times when I was just starting out and too stupid to know better. As I recall, NONE of this was included on their confirms. I was left to figure it out on my own; they were probably betting I wouldn't and that the 90-day clock would run out. I DID finally get paid, but they didn't make it easy for me.

The SOX model has since been used by other bottom-feeders to delay or completely avoid paying what they owe. You might ask about their invoicing requirements during that first phone call with them, but chances are that the scheduler either doesn't have a clue because it's above their pay grade, or they've been instructed not to disclose it.

Reply by Yowheelz on 4/1/12 12:35pm
Msg #416766

And why can't it till you what color ink to use up front

instead of burried on the last line of 5 pages of instructions or deep within the docs somewhere. I use blue unless told otherwise but have been known to get half way through a closing and find small print in the middle of the package that says use black.