| |
 Dear Signing Agents,
You need to REGISTER and have a password to post or reply to discussion topics. Please remember, your password for your listing on 123notary.com is NOT RELATED to and is different from your password on the forum. Your password on the forum can be whatever you want it to be.
|
|
  Be the first person to vote!
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
LindaH
Florida
1754 Posts |
 Posted - 11/22/2011 : 03:26:12 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by jbelmont
We need to know what state you are in FIRST before you talk about fees. I have not heard of any state that allows $20 per signature per jurat, but perhaps they allow $10 for the oath and another $10 for the signature. We will be talking about this interesting issue on Facebook in early Dec.
I've heard this fee structure before and IMO it's a misinterpretation of the state statutes on fees - yes, this person is charging $10 for the jurat and $10 for the oath. Although charging to administer an oath is authorized, as is charging for the jurat, I do not believe you can "stack" the fees - the oath fee is in place in the event the notary is asked to swear someone in for sworn testimony but not to be charged when completing a jurat.
JMO
Linda
http://www.columbiacountynotary.webs.com |
|
|
|
jbelmont
California
3106 Posts |
Posted - 11/21/2011 : 10:27:15 PM
|
We need to know what state you are in FIRST before you talk about fees. I have not heard of any state that allows $20 per signature per jurat, but perhaps they allow $10 for the oath and another $10 for the signature. We will be talking about this interesting issue on Facebook in early Dec.
|
|
|
|
profnot
41 Posts |
Posted - 11/21/2011 : 5:24:45 PM
|
Warning: long read but hopefully helpful
My state used to have low seal/oath fees. Around 5 years ago, they increased the fees to put them in the top 3 states in the US. (I phoned the SOS office with fervent thanks the day I read the news.) 2 people signing one jurat gets me $40 - cash at the appointment.
I used to market to get mobile notary work. When the fees changed, I switched to get clients to come to me.
First I found an office 2 short blocks away that needed notary work and had a conference room that was usually empty. I gave them free notarizations in exchange for free use of a very nice room. Far less driving expense for me. I charged a small travel fee plus my nice notary fees.
Then I moved to a new town 1.5 hours away that had far better demographics for getting non-loan work. I met clients at a restaurant or deli. So I was able to charge a modest travel fee in addition to the seal/oath fees.
This spring, I moved to a loft space in town. Notary office space in the front, living space in the rear. This town is in a gated community so it is very safe for a woman to invite clients into an office. (I would never meet clients in my home otherwise.)
My website and other online text does not provide my address. I provide services via appointment only. I've had a few surprises but not many.
I purchased a nice weatherproof sign from VistaPrint.com that I place outside my front door a half hour before an appointment time.
Today I had two clients. One needed a simple notarization. $20 cash on the table.
The second one was more complicated. They had phoned the day before information on selling their car via someone else using Power of Attorney. I do not give legal advice so I directed them to the local state agency for advice on method and forms and found the contact phone numbers online which I related. That worked out great. So they arrived with 4 jurats with 2 signatures each. That's $160 here.
Before the appointment, I checked out the government websites. I found additional subpages of highly relevant information. I printed page one of each site. I gave these to the clients and they were grateful.
$160 seemed too much for this appointment so I charged them $140. They produced cash and wrote a professional receipt.
Sorry for TMI but lots of notaries underestimate how much income they can get from general notary work because they never think about the admin/non-notary work involved. It can produce value.
Good luck to you! |
|
|
|
KanDoNotary
Oklahoma
69 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2011 : 07:10:43 AM
|
I also do quite a bit of general notary work. I quote a fee that covers my time in addition to the actual seal fee. Going to hospitals, high rises, etc., takes time on top of the travel, thus more fee.
I recently had a guy call me while I was out with my husband--after my normal business hours. Since I keep my notary case with me, I was able to meet him at his home after 8:00, and he paid my fee and a generous tip because he didn't have to worry about getting the docs out that would bring him almost $1,000,000.
My husband, an enrolled agent, may also see some business from that man. Good for both of us.
Have Seal, Kan Travel! When you need a document notarized, I cover all of NE Oklahoma from I-35 to I-40 to the state borders. Call: 918-798-8908. |
|
|
|
Angela V
California
40 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2011 : 11:49:04 AM
|
I agree with BBuchler, and since I'm in CA the fee schedule is more lucrative too. Also, in my experience loan signings take a lot more time, effort and expense.
I also like Lee's style.
Here' what I tell potential clients who have a problem with my travel fee, "I'm here for your convenience, it's about making the most of your time." OR "If you want to take the time to find a notary and travel to them, it'll be $10 per signature. The travel fee is for me to take the time and travel to you at your convenience."
If they would like to meet me near my home for a reduced fee, I will consider it. I don't use my home, except for neighbors and friends to avoid the travel expense.
Hope this helps.
Angela V
|
|
|
|
Angela V
California
40 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2011 : 11:26:34 AM
|
Frankly a steady flow of "general" notarizations pays more than hunting down loan signing money. Not to mention that having "cash" in my pocket goes a long way to making my day.[/font=Tahoma]
[/quote]
Angela V
|
|
|
|
BBuchler
California
5 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2011 : 07:24:25 AM
|
I advertise as a mobile notary and thats what I am. I meet clients in their homes, Carls Jr., Starbucks, nursing homes, hospitals, side of the road. If they carp at my fee, I send them to a local UPS store. I've never had anyone come to my home, although I do have a home office. Mostly because its just more convenient to meet them. I also find that making $50 on one trip is well worth it as it takes only a few minutes time to get the job done.
The visits to the nursing homes and hospitals is rather sad, however they are also the most gracious people, as though my coming to them is a burden to me. Quite the opposite.
I market to all the local nursing/health facilities. I've had companies hire me to go to doctors offices to pick up medical records and notarize their employees about the records.
You have to think outside the box in business. Frankly a steady flow of "general" notarizations pays more than hunting down loan signing money. Not to mention that having "cash" in my pocket goes a long way to making my day. |
|
|
|
Lee-AR
Arkansas
678 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2011 : 8:19:25 PM
|
Thinking I ought to add that the 'appointments' are usually made for early tomorrow morning or from 'right now' to 'within the next 1/2 hour'. And, as I do know whether or not I have a loan signing that will conflict with the chosen time, it generally works out for all.
And, as dumb as this sounds, it's kinda nice to be paid (even $5) RIGHT NOW for 5 minutes of my time. Pass out business cards and tell 'em that mostly you do loan signings, so please, if you ever get a loan from an out-of-state lender--remember to ask for me!! And then I see my business card go into their wallet or purse...right next to the DL that I've just seen for ID purposes.
|
|
|
|
CopperheadVA
Virginia
420 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2011 : 04:38:32 AM
|
When I get a call asking "where are you located?" I tell them that I don't have an office, that I usually meet people at the local Starbucks in town (2 miles away from me) for a fee of $10, plus $5 per notarization. I have a lot of takers due to the low travel fee. I can usually combine that trip with an errand or two that I need to do anyway.
I agree with Lee that general notary work is not a big money maker. I made a decision long ago that I did not want people coming to my home for notary work, so I don't publish my home address or home phone number on any of my notary advertisements. I'm also careful not to schedule general notary work during prime loan signing time - last thing I want to do is be booked with a $15 general notary job and then get a call for a loan signing for the same time. Most of my regular TC clients schedule well in advance, so it works out nicely most of the time.
I occasionally get a no-show for the appointment. Always get a name and cell phone number for the person you are meeting with. I had one the other day where the signer told me that she had scheduled to meet another notary the day before, but the notary didn't show! |
|
|
|
Lee-AR
Arkansas
678 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2011 : 3:01:13 PM
|
General Notary work is usually not a big money-maker, but in my area it has 'gotten my name out there'. I do encourage them to come to my house by appointment, but I also will accept walk-ins. Live on the edge of town, fairly 'rural', but on a well-traveled road and have never had a nutcase...but then, I'm not in NY, either :)
I do quite a few out of the ordinary requests. Collect $ up front for an early morning when Mom brings me a doc, signs, I notarize. Then she left it with me because son will stop at noon for same and then Dad will stop after work for same and pick it up. Try doing that at a bank or UPS store! I get a lot of referrals from this type of stuff. $5/seal here.
I'm just as happy with that as it takes less than 5 minutes and I don't have to start the car and run the risk of driving miles and then they start some 'gee, I don't have the money now' routine. I think doing the 'mobile' thing for general notarization is more risky $$-wise than having them come into my enclosed porch.
However, you know your area, the logistics and whether or not you are OK with this situation.
|
|
|
|
D Bozick
California
17 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2011 : 6:26:10 PM
|
| Thank's for your feedback, Kenneth. Our notarizations in CA are typically $10, so I wouldn't quite have 25 people a month coming to my home (more like 5 or so). Nevertheless, your point is well taken. |
|
|
|
edelske
New York
815 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2011 : 5:28:05 PM
|
Happens all the time. I send them to the County Clerk who will notarize for free. Of course there is the long line with jurors and witnesses. Also the metal detector. At the Clerk's office another long line.
New York law requires a notary to "notarize on demand". However, I do not admit people into my apartment for notary work. I just tell them that where I live is zoned residential and commercial activity is prohibited. Had an insistent "kook" once or twice - but after a while; when you don't open your door they get the hint and go away.
As the New York "go to the notary" fee is 2$; that 50$ you mention would involve 25 people randomly "dropping in" at their convenience. I for one do not want that; even if the zoning laws allowed it.
Kenneth A Edelstein
Mobile Notary, Apostille / Legalization Processing & Fingerprinting
http://www.kenneth-a-edelstein.com |
|
|
|
D Bozick
California
17 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2011 : 12:29:40 PM
|
| At least 40% of the calls I get are from individuals who never read the word, 'Mobile' and think I have an office they can come to to avoid the travel fee. I usually refer them to a local UPS that has a notary on staff. Lately, however, I realize that I'm turning away at least $50 a month by doing so. Have any of you had signers come to your home for notarizations? If so, have there been any problems? |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Mobile Notary / Signing Agent Discussion Forum |
© 123notary.com |
|
|
|
Tips for using the forum
The most important feature on the forum is the search box. You can look up a particular word, phrase, name of a company, and see a potentially large list of search results with which you can obtain data. Filters are also valuable. If you want to find popular posts, you can use the number of views filter. You can also see whats new with the active topics link. Email us at info@123notary.com if you need any help using the notary forum.
Resources
The notary public resource page is valuable as it has links to all of the free information pages for notaries. Pages linked to the resource page include a page that teaches you everything you need to know to get the most out of your listing. Another page teaches you all the secrets of getting paid. There is a link to our free list of signing companies. There is also a glossary, learning tools, and much more.
If you are a notary, the free tips we give are invaluable.
Popular pages
If you visit 123notary.com often, you might want to visit some of our most popular pages such as the California notary, Texas notary, Florida notary, and New York notary pages to browse the site. We also have valuable pages for notaries such as the free list of signing companies, and the resource page. Please also visit our get notarized and notarized letter page.
|
| |
Question for mobile notaries
