Posted by NVLSlady/VA on 9/27/12 9:37am
Msg #436141

What is wrong with this picture?

A 4-star-rated TC called me and scolded like a parent because I inquired after payment. First time working for them. My reason for the follow up inquiries (sent 1st email on 9/18) was due to being told the check was returned "undeliverable" from the PO. TC said they would resend to my home as requested. I thought that would expedite, but boy was I Wrong!

The scheduling coordinator called and was irritated and defensive ("it's your fault your PO returned, so don't blame us . . . tired of being told calls coming in from notaries requesting payment . . . we pay within 30 days . . . no one else does that"). Wow! Where is this coming from? My email yesterday was not rude; but I did comment that it was "strange" that mail from MS would take over a week. The main contention I had was the admin listed my add incorrectly in the return email when I inquired of mail status. She retracted by phone, calling it a "typo." I gave her the benefit of the doubt and waited for yesterday's mail. Nothing. That's when I sent the email; then I got the call. I spoke to my postmaster about the return issue (they're very funny about how mail is addressed) and I hope they corrected - but though irritated, I couldn't imagine yelling at them for their mistake.

Does EOM bring out the worst in other professional people? Could we just band together and demand payment for services up front? (:

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 9/27/12 9:40am
Msg #436142

oops . . . meant to say "worst in otherwise professional people"

Reply by Gregory/CA on 9/27/12 9:59am
Msg #436143

I think EOM is the wrong time to start asking for payment status as it is the busiest time for companies; not only these agencies, but corporations in general. A status check to a corporation is not a high priority and will always fall to the back burner when their higher priorities are completed.

Don't get me wrong, the attitude was not warranted. Blaming the admin is always an excuse as well as we never received your invoice, it went to the wrong location, etc., etc. We've heard just about all of the excuses.

I usually do status checks the beginning of the month when it should be a slower period.

All this is just my opinion and two cents.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 9/27/12 10:13am
Msg #436144

wrong time to start asking for payment status

Lesson Learned for sure.

(I should be used to being on the "back burner." We're the gals/guys at the bottom. sigh.)

Reply by 101livescan on 9/27/12 10:39am
Msg #436146

I certainly do like the way you think! Need more professionals like you out there in the field to bring about POSITIVE CHANGE in our industry.

Reply by Barb25 on 9/27/12 10:44am
Msg #436147

While EOM may not be the best time to be asking about money, it is not excuse for this reaction on the part of the TC.

You are following up on your money. I always follow up when circumstances warrant it. Definitely with a company that I have not worked with before. I should not have to think of them first.

If I have acted professionally, I expect the same in return. Irritated? Defensive? It's your fault?Tired of calls from notaries requesting payment? That is outrageous.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 9/27/12 11:08am
Msg #436151

It's funny, the "it's your fault" line didn't bother as much as the "honey, let me tell you . . .!"
I could just see the finger a waggin.'

That's when I interrupted and calmed her down real quick: I said "I appreciate your help" and "I know you're doing the best job you can" - but she even took offense to that; so, I said, "Thank you" and Hung up fast!

What many don't realize is, NO one has time to wear the marketing, employee, bookkeeper, and a hundred other hats ICs have to wear to make a living. The very Last thing anybody wants is to confront someone about an overdue bill.

Anybody out there willing to give NLOCs (Notary Lines of Credits)?? I just thought of a great cartoon for my website (:

Reply by Barb25 on 9/27/12 11:16am
Msg #436154

Bless you. I hear you. And to tell the truth, I do the same thing especially when I am trying to collect MY money. But it is so wrong. We live in society where we "tip" for bad service. What's wrong with that picture? as you would say.

I never cease to be amazed that we "have to understand" what other people are going through to do their job. If it was wonderful all the time, they would call it a "hobby" and no one would want to pay them to do it. Wouldn't you just want to say "I am sorry you are having a bad day, now could you get me someone who is not, so I can get some help here." Just a thought and hope you have a great day.

Barb

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 9/27/12 11:18am
Msg #436155

Thanks for making me smile hard (:

<<"Wouldn't you just want to say "I am sorry you are having a bad day, now could you get me someone who is not, so I can get some help here.">>

Reply by Yoli/CA on 9/27/12 12:40pm
Msg #436164

<<Tired of calls from notaries requesting payment?>>

So ... does this mean a lot of notaries have to chase their money with them? If they paid timely, there wouldn't be any "calls from notaries requesting payment".

Their reaction was very unprofessional and unwarranted.

Reply by ME/NJ on 9/27/12 11:12am
Msg #436153

Happened 3 times last month

From well known companies, they sent the check in return envelope with PO reason. I follow up a couple days after normal payments are due and all of them told me what happened and got new checks within the next week.

I have one SS that says on confirm pay within 30 days, for the last two months they are on a 40 day payment. They keep me informed and have been true to word so nothing to worry about.

With the last two months being crazy you may encounter a few delays in payment.

Reply by Lori Holmes on 9/27/12 6:59pm
Msg #436195

Re: Happened 3 times last month

I alwsys follow up after 30 days...I just had one out of Iowa pay me after 90 days..and send a letter with the ck says they had computer problems...bull...the companies demand that we jump and run around like chickens with our heads cut off and then pay us 30 plus days later...don't even want to get on my soap box over this issue...since I live in a small community and I am one of 2 notaries in this area...we stick together....

Reply by MW/VA on 9/27/12 2:37pm
Msg #436179

Now, as a woman, you should know not to ask the

wrong question at the wrong time of the month. ;-) LOL

Reply by Clem/CA on 9/27/12 6:43pm
Msg #436194

Sounds like her broom wouldn't start

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 9/28/12 12:30pm
Msg #436314

. . . or the brew wasn't warm enough
(Seems to be lots of that going around)