Posted by CoyNSA/CA on 2/14/13 10:48pm
Msg #455932

Unprofessional?

Ok,

I am very much a newbie. I just got my commission last month and I have been working solely for a well known low-ball company (only until I get enough experience to be considered for work for larger companies). I am used to getting $xx.xx per job, which believe me would make all seasoned notaries cringe. When they called and asked me if I would take a signing for tomorrow; I agreed and they sent it over (keep in mind that they called me at 8:00 p.m). When I logged in to print my docs I noticed that amt. they are paying me is $10.00 less then what they usually pay. Is it unprofessional for me to call them tomorrow (because it is now a little after 8:30 and NOBODY is answering their phones) and tell them that I will not do if for the "offered" price?

Reply by HSH/WA on 2/14/13 11:02pm
Msg #455935

Re: Please say no. Email the scheduler who sent

you the package and tell him/her your fee is $XX and to please correct it on the confirmation. They are taking advantage of you as it is.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/14/13 11:15pm
Msg #455937

CYA - and start now. Send them an email stating what

your normal fee is and that they have paid this in the past, and since it is a rush job and all messed up due to their inefficiency and you need another $XXs to now do the job. Don't print until all the details are confirmed, in writing. Send the borrowers a text is an option, to let them know there is a slight printing problem and you may be a bit late. then call them as early as possible so that you know they are in the loop. You be the good guy here now - initiate a good action plan so that they will give you the normal plus the extra stress buster money. See - you are solving part of their problem now and they just need to appreciate it.

If you had had the correct confirmation money, before they left and quit answering their phones, you would have that printing done tonight. Now you are behind and rushed instead of serene after a good night's sleep, possibly stuck in traffic - the whole pattern changes.

Also, by sending an email, they may have an answer for you when you awaken - to a new confirmation? - as they have more people working there and they want to know everything of the past days work for when their client calls wanting to know stats. Many companies have people checking late emails and responding in like manner in order to save time. An email is much faster than the phone at times as one can work in the middle of the night. They check their messages too. And if it is a company as you describe, they know they have more than their share of possible mistakes to contend with as well; these are babysitters.

Anyway, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I wish you well in your negotiations.
But don't you be a slouch - CYA and be professional and never sink below certain levels.

Reply by leeinla on 2/14/13 11:44pm
Msg #455942

Re: CYA - and start now. Send them an email stating what

Great advice jba. This newbie crap until I get more experience has got to go. Think of yourself as a professional, your time, your time printing docs and reviewing them, meeting the borrower(s), etc.
Does a doctor or a lawyer tell you I am newbie and you can charge me a lower fee until I get more experience? I don't think so. Don't let these signing services take advantage of you and treat you like crap. You deserve to be treated better and get better pay for the work involved. The notion that being a notary signing agent is just super easy is just a fantasy.

My .02 cents.

Reply by MW/VA on 2/15/13 7:51am
Msg #455946

Absolutely not. It is professional to stand up for

yourself & be in charge of the fee you're accepting. You set the fees, not the co. I think it's a lesson learned, that if you accept low fees in the first place you will have a hard time getting them to pay more. IMO they're taking advantage of the situation & trying to get by with paying you less. Just say "no" tp the lower fee. Don't let them think you're desperate enough to accept it.

Reply by Frank/NC on 2/15/13 8:47am
Msg #455952

As a newcomer you also have to understand that the very reason these low ball companies exist is that theyprey on the new people in the business. As a signing agent your work is worth the same as any other notary in this business. Wed all went through this "learning process" and had the butterflies in our stomach. The end result is that if you did some homework prior to accepting assignments, you will do the job properly. Have more confidence in yourself and the companies you deal with will respond. The ones that want to pay peanuts just stay away from. Send this job back.

Reply by CarolF/NC on 2/15/13 9:18am
Msg #455959

True Frank, but having been new it's not that simple

more reputable high paying companies have way too many more experienced notaries to select from and many require 2 years of signing or 1,000 loans. If newbies know the pay of the more experienced notaries in the area they may need to work for 20 to 30 less. But newbies need to know their competition in the area. I say let the newbies work for these companies, eventually we all move up and newbies have to gain experience somewhere. But she doesn't need to accept abuse. Sounded to me like they are taking advantage.

Reply by CoyNSA/CA on 2/15/13 9:21am
Msg #455963

Re: True Frank, but having been new it's not that simple

Thank you all for the advice. I am going to send the job back unless they agree to pay more.

Reply by Malbrough_LA on 2/15/13 11:34am
Msg #455985

The double edged sword n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 2/15/13 12:14pm
Msg #456007

See the Pizza thread

Msg #455948

So true! BTW - how did this all turn out for you?

Reply by CoyNSA/CA on 2/15/13 12:23pm
Msg #456009

Re: See the Pizza thread

I told them I wouldn't take less then $XX.XX (still low)and they said they wouldn't pay me that price, so they re-assigned it. Fine by me!

Reply by BrotherOwner on 2/15/13 2:48pm
Msg #456043

Re: See the Pizza thread

So now it is time to go to Signing Central and complete the story, and rate the company. Sounds like they are playing that game "Screw the Newbie", 2 ways. Glad you chose not to play. Take a deep breath, know you'll do well, and be glad you missed slipping in slime. It would be terrible not to get paid, or to spend time chasing your money from a lowballer any way. Signing Central is your friend. Welcome.

Reply by MW/VA on 2/15/13 5:12pm
Msg #456090

Also a word of warning. I've heard there are some who

are "lurking" on the forum, solicitng newbies for the new "$90 fee club" based on some marketing their doing to cos. & some software they're also selling these cos. Unfortunately, there are many who prey on newbies, including those from our own industry. ;-(