Posted by Buddy Young on 2/16/13 12:29am
Msg #456132

How I rate them!!!

We have talked about the need for doing a better job of rating SS and TC. Some have suggested that Harry modify the system, but I think we just need to do a better job, and be more consistent. The following is the criteria I use to rate those companies. You may not agree with me, but I hope you use my criteria as a guideline to create your own. Feel free to give me ideas of things to add to my list. I also do not rate companies I don't work for. For example: if I turn down a job, I don't rate them. I wish all compainies ( SS and TC) would be as passionate about their rating as Howard is (Pro Mobil Notary).

***** 5 stars

They must always pay at least my standard rate. I let them make an offer first; sometimes it's more than my standard rate. Our standard rate could be different for each of us depending on several factors so I won't use any dollar amounts, besides I don't want to be accused of price fixing. For example: I would do a signing next door with overnight docs for less than $xxx but a James B. Nutter loan 30 miles away would be almost $xxx more. Mileage, fax backs, package size must all be taken into account. If I accept a signing for a SS that clearly states they pay in 45 days, I don't mark them down for paying in 45 days, after all I took the assignment and they paid when they said they would

No handholding: After the initial phone call for the assignment the next communication with the company is a check in the mail within 30 days of the signing. I allow extra time for signings in December bacause of the holidays.
Exception: updated docs (HUD1) etc.

They always answer the phone. They always answer emails in a timely fassion. They always answer the after hours phone or call back within 15 minutes.

They are always polite, professional and friendly on the phone.

Limited instructions: they always trust me.

**** 4 stars

Substitute the words almost always for the word always.

*** 3 stars

Substitute the word usually for the words almost always.
Pays within 45 days of signing.
Limited handholding.

** 2 stars

Improvement is manditory or they need to go out of business.
60 days or more to pay but they do pay.
Substitute the word sometimes or rarely for the word usually.

* 1 star

fagetaboutit, they shouldn't be in business.

Buddy

Reply by 101livescan on 2/16/13 9:53am
Msg #456149

It's a good start, Buddy...this is my last post for the next three days, I'm delving into my kitchen remodel with my brother, installing a new wood stove and flat screen tv,and won't be sitting on my can.

Three star companies. They are struggling to stay on the radar screen. I don't much bother with them. Like pulling teeth to get paid, even if you negotiate an acceptable fee. Likely you won't ever get paid that. SoCal Signings a prime example.

Four and Five Star Companies: It's hard to know which ones you can believe have really earned their stars because somehow they've figured out a way to inflate their own ratings. I only will work for four and five star companies, and not all of them because:

Some five star companies pay less than $100 for the work I get paid $150 to do with the same effort and cost to stay in business. Doesn't make sense to do the busy work.

Yesterday I turned down work with three companies who are four star because they want to pay $90, okay you can get them to $110, but why bother if you can get the better fees with five star companies paying $150 and more.

It's still not a level playing field, as I said earlier, because there are SSs on this board who COERCE their notaries to rate them, like 37 or more times to give them accolades on the board and in SC. Where is the credibility and where are the ethics of these SSs? They aren't the only ones. I don't know why SSs have open forum on this board and can manipulate their own stars. It's ridiculous. At least we know who you are!

Get serious. Experience is all we have to go by. You can't even rely on the star system, really, except to know that three stars and below, for me, are taboo.

HAPPY PRESIDENT'S WEEKEND. I could have worked this weekend, but my body, mind and spirit says stay home, work on the hearth, and be grateful.

Be safe everyone. I passed 8 CHPs last night ticketing and giving the touch the nose drill. Wild weekend.

Reply by JR/Fl on 2/16/13 10:18am
Msg #456154

I like your style, but using always and never should be avoided. You should always avoid always and never say never. Just my op.

Reply by Pro Mobile Notary on 2/16/13 10:46am
Msg #456158

Thanks Buddy, but my passion in not for ratings.

My passion is for doing the best job I can, treating people we work with fairly & with respect and being consistent.

If I do things the way they should be done, then the good ratings will follow.

HB

Reply by Pro Mobile Notary on 2/16/13 1:07pm
Msg #456178

I wonder how many people in this forum are going to think this is a shill post (due to your mentioning us) and that I put you up to it?

No doubt some of the hard core "Howard Haters" will, in spite of my having no hand in your motivation to post the OP.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 2/16/13 1:25pm
Msg #456182

Geez, Pro Mobile. I was not aware that there was a Howard Haters club. But now I can see that there might be after your nasty responses to Buddy's earnest and complimentary observation about you. Proving once again that no good deed goes unpunished.

Reply by Pro Mobile Notary on 2/16/13 3:53pm
Msg #456202

You should go back and reread what was written.

I have a good relationship with Buddy, he has worked with us and he likes working with us.

"Nasty response." Obviously, you're a member of that club, completely misinterpreting what was posted.