I think this is a great list to add to the info newbies need when calculating their cost of doing business and setting minimum fees. It's been a long while since these types of issues have been discussed at length on this forum, so this type of thing could be very helpful.
Having said that, about a decade and a half ago, when these types of discussions were very common, officials from the FTC (I believe) did get involved to investigate the possibility of price fixing in our field. Several of our members got calls from them and were asked lots of questions... I wasn't one of them, so I can't provide any more detail and I don't know if any of those folks are still on this forum, but if others who were around then have additional insight, perhaps they'd help enlighten us.
So while this type of action may sound appealing, it may not be legal. However, nothing can stop us individually from using lists like the one provided above from calculating our own averages. I suspect many notaries (especially newer ones), have never drilled down into these details to really look at what their real costs of doing business are, and what kind of numbers they need to make a profit and to be a viable business. Now that many of us have more time on our hands, it may be a great opportunity to rehash lots of these issues and raise awareness.
Here are few other things to add to the list:
* Cell phone/carrier service [We may have very different needs than we might without our business]
* Computer hardware & software [Business needs are different than personal use]
* Internet access and security measures
* Business, liability, any other insurance, etc.
* Office space [even if it's in a corner of your bedroom]
* Taxes
* Advertising and Promotion, incl business cards, directory listings, other memberships, marketing activities and supplies
* General office supplies, beyond toner, paper, e.g. pens, envelopes, binder clips, rubber bands, etc.
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