Posted by Roger_OH on 5/4/12 8:33pm
Msg #419946

"Service charge" for GNW?

I'd always been under the impression that if someone came to your location for GNW, the notary was limited to charging the statutory fee ($2 max here).

I've heard tell from some of my GNW customers that they have gone to pack -n- ship stores, or even to a notary's home office, and they were charged an additional fee of several dollars
as a "service charge" on top of the state fee.

Overcharging is supposed to be a serious offense, but the SOS office says the law is silent on service charges. So anyone can overcharge if they come to you, by just calling it a service fee?

I'm going to chat with the Attorney General's consumer awareness office, but wanted to ask if this is typical around the country.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 5/4/12 9:24pm
Msg #419951

Sadly Roger..I hear the same thing. But I also hear a lot of "Wow thats all you can charge?" In so and so state its $10.00 etc..I wish it were the same here!

Reply by MW/VA on 5/4/12 9:59pm
Msg #419952

From what I understand, the states have set a maximum fee for notarizations to prevent the public from being price-gouged. Consider that those with store-front operations have a lot of overhead, and offer notary services as an additional service. IMO the public has a choice to pay that fee or take their business elsewhere.
When I get a call for GNW I explain that my state allows a fee of $5 per notarization, but that I have a minimum fee of $xx with travel. If they come to me, I only charge the $5, but they usually give me more than that as a "tip" for accommodating them after hours or on a Sunday, for example. I don't feel I'm breaking any laws by accepting it. I wouldn't, however, tell them that I charge $10 per notarization, because that would be in direct conflict with the law.
I wonder if it's a lot different than taking your car in for an oil change, and being charge a "disposal" fee.

Reply by KODI/CA on 5/4/12 11:17pm
Msg #419959

You have it totally right. I can charge $10.00 unless there is travel involved. Then, a reasonable extra amount. Yes, I get questioned regularly why I charge more than the "gippo" down the street that only charges $5.00 or less with no travel fee. I tell them I have expenses to cover, and am not in this for a "lark". I tell them if I am too expensive, then "thank you but no thanks". Frequently I get a return call asking for my services. Actually, this applies to SS, and some TC. IMHO, their loss. Do it right, or do not do it.

Reply by HrdwrkrVA on 5/5/12 12:02am
Msg #419963

Does that cover after & before reg workiing hrs? Otherwise,

why would you do GNW outside of reg hrs? Obvoiously travel fees are allowed; why not a fee for odd hrs?

Reply by Alz on 5/5/12 12:24am
Msg #419967

Re: Does that cover after & before reg workiing hrs? Otherwise,

My convenience fee includes travel for GNW, and depending on the time of the evening, night or early morning, an additional fee will be added.

I generally always refer the caller to a UPS Store during regular business hours, if they prefer not to pay the convenience fee.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 5/5/12 10:33am
Msg #420002

NOt in CA we can't...

If a person goes TO the notary (their office, etc.) then the notary cannot charge more than $10.00 per signature. Period.

However, we are allowed to charge fees if we go to them or perform additional services outside of our role as a Notary, such as for travel, printing, making copies, mailing, photos, courier, etc. Why? Because those aren't fees related to Notary service... they are fees for additional services not regulated by the state.

When I do GNW, my receipts are very specific about these fees. My travel fees are called "Mobile Service Fees" and they all understand that fee covers the convenience of me coming to their home or office.

If people don't want to pay it, I happily tell them locations where they can get it done for the $10.00, in fact, I even publish it on my website, too. More often than not, people tell me that it's worth the extra money for me to come to them so their day isn't interrupted. I've found the most appreciative of the service are at-home parents and teachers/school officials.

Reply by Linda_in_MI on 5/5/12 8:17pm
Msg #420046

Roger, I haven't checked lately, but last I knew the local UPS stores were charging anywhere from $12 to $15 per notarization (or more) for walk-in clients. In Michigan the state max is $10. When asked, the explanation was that the price included a fee set by franchise/corporate policy and rules. So when referring people to the UPS store nearest them, I always suggest they call first to check the fees and to make sure that the staff that is there can notarize the document.

Reply by Jack/AL on 5/5/12 8:34pm
Msg #420049

I quit doing GNW because of the low fees allowed

Fees allowed in Alabama are so low that I no longer do GNW. I refer callers wanting GNW help to a local paralegal who wants the work. For $1 to $1.5, I'll pass.