Posted by SignITNC on 7/8/13 10:24am
Msg #475909

Signing Central

Any advice on how to narrow down or choose companies to contact for business? Is it best to call each one and ascertain their guidelines? I'm ready to start at "A" and work my way through. Thanks in advance for any advice that anyone can offer.

Reply by 101livescan on 7/8/13 10:49am
Msg #475911

sort by stars and avoid all 1, 2, and most 3 star companies.

Reply by MW/VA on 7/8/13 10:57am
Msg #475912

Yes, stick with 4-5 stars only. n/m

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 7/8/13 11:07am
Msg #475918

Read all the comments on each one you think you want

to sign up with. I agree with only 4+ rated companies, then maybe I would look at the 3.5 star companies.

Also, read any contracts/agreements you may be asked to sign very carefully before you sign and agree to them. Low paying, slow/no paying companies are not worth the time, imo, regardless of star rating.

I strike out what I don't agree with and initial the changes before I send them a signed copy.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 7/8/13 12:02pm
Msg #475922

Re: Read all the comments on each one you think you want

<<"Low paying, slow/no paying companies are not worth the time, imo, regardless of star rating.">> AMEN

Occasionally, the comments don't jive with the ratings (a 3-star co. might not pay over $xxx.00 BUT will negotiate based on individual assignment, nice packages, pay within 30 days, remain accessible, don't cheat/deduct your payment over make-believe "errors," etc.)

Also, use the SAFE* rule:
SCORE/rating (NR)
AFFILIATIONS (dba what other names, now or in past)
FUNDS owed to other notaries??
EARNINGS & EXPECTATIONS (if you have to print 300+ pages and drive 60-75 mi round trip for $100, YOUR earnings are insufficient for THEIR expectations)


*Also, confirm: Signers, Address, Funds due and Extra instructions (S.A.F.E.)

Reply by HSH/WA on 7/8/13 12:24pm
Msg #475929

Re: I agree with above but start somewhere towards the

middle of the list and hit SSs that not everyone does. I wouldn't take the time to call, get the email address off of NR (join) and email your package to them along with their signed contract. I have a notary package with about 10 items in it including copies of licenses, insurance, bonds etc. Attach that to the contract you have filled out and email it all back to them. Keep track of who you have emailed, passwords, web sites etc so that when you do get a call from them you have the info at hand. I would not try and negotiate fees at this point, ie mark out $XX and write in $XXX. Do that when they call. Good luck.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 7/8/13 1:22pm
Msg #475932

Re: I agree with above but start somewhere towards the

If their contract includes a fee structure and you leave it alone, you risk having them enter those figures into their database next to your name. Then you may be getting calls expecting you to work for that amount. Don't know if you want that or not, but you're then in a position of trying to get them to offer you more. If you're in an area with very little competition, that might work for you. Otherwise, you could end up wasting lots of time.

I also recommend doing a search of this forum using the orange Search button for any company you wish to sign up with. We try to get as many posts linked to signing central as possible, but there are often items missed. That can sometimes be very revealing.

Reply by SignITNC on 7/8/13 6:08pm
Msg #475971

Re: I agree with above but start somewhere towards the

Thanks for the advice and guidance. I really appreciate your help and I will use it!

~Chipper

Reply by SignITNC on 7/8/13 3:05pm
Msg #475948

Re: Read all the comments on each one you think you want

Thanks again. I've learned so much and I have been overwhelmed with your responses and advice. WOW!

~Chipper

Reply by Luckydog on 7/8/13 12:16pm
Msg #475926

Re: Yes, stick with 4-5 stars only.

Agree with all of the above advice, and also read where the comments are coming from. If they are in your state, that is good, if none come from within your state, chances are they do no closings there, and skip them until last. That is a long shot they will call you.

Reply by SignITNC on 7/8/13 3:03pm
Msg #475947

Thanks for the guidance. I hadn't even thought of the sorting by stars!

~Chipper

Reply by Jessica/FL on 7/8/13 5:29pm
Msg #475964

Before contacting the companies, I would go back and fix the

clerical errors in your profile.