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Randlyman
California
20 Posts |
 Posted - 03/01/2012 : 7:23:13 PM
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| When I go to a signing I give my full attention to the client(s) and the job at hand. Think about the last time you tried to work with someone who tried to work with you and talk on the phone at the same time. Some people mind, some don't but if the call is for another signing, I can't negotiate fees in front of clients and I can't really excuse myself to do so either. If I'm expecting a call, I may inform the client ahead of time and then when it happens I keep it short. It's all about respect and that reflects in one's reputation and that directly reflects in the number of repeat calls you get. I also like Mr. Edelstein's response; You don't own me. Say it with me; Independent Contractor. |
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pjrager1
38 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2012 : 06:45:57 AM
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I totally agree with you about answering your phone while on an appointment that is, if it rings more than once or twice in a signing. However, I believe in "moderation". If your phone is ringing off the hook, I wouldn't answer it either. However, if it rings only once while you're in the signing, I believe, and I have done this, if it's another job for that night, I usually say, "I am available, but I'm in a signing and I'll call you back in 20 - 30 minutes. If they can't wait for me to call them back, so be it. My phone usually does not ring more than once or the most twice while in an evening signing unless, of course, it's the end of one of those crazy busy months! If that happens, I do shut off the phone!
quote:
Originally posted by CopperheadVA
As independent business people, we are free to decide whether or not we will answer our phones during a closing appointment. As for me, I do not answer my phone and I have made peace with the fact that I will lose a job opportunity now and then.
If my phone rings, I do check it to see if it's the TC for that job calling (rare), but otherwise I send it to voicemail. In the past when I have answered my phone, even though I excused myself to the borrowers, I felt extremely uncomfortable negotiating fees in front of them during their appointment. I personally do feel it's rude for me to answer calls while I am at their appointment, and I also feel it's rude for the borrowers to answer calls while I am at their appointment (but most borrowers do it).
For a long time I felt there must be something wrong with me, or I wasn't a good business person, since the prevailing view on the chat boards seems to be that our phone is our livelihood and we should answer it during appointments. But as I said earlier, I have made peace with the fact that I am not comfortable doing that and thus I personally do not do it. If others feel comfortable doing it, that's their decision.
Ultimately, when the TC contacts the borrowers to check up on their closing experience, I don't want the TC to hear that I answered my phone four times during the appointment. Think about it, even if you ask the borrowers if they mind if you answer the call, are they really going to say "yes I mind"? More likely, they will say they don't mind, even if they secretly do.
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CopperheadVA
Virginia
420 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2012 : 05:00:22 AM
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As independent business people, we are free to decide whether or not we will answer our phones during a closing appointment. As for me, I do not answer my phone and I have made peace with the fact that I will lose a job opportunity now and then.
If my phone rings, I do check it to see if it's the TC for that job calling (rare), but otherwise I send it to voicemail. In the past when I have answered my phone, even though I excused myself to the borrowers, I felt extremely uncomfortable negotiating fees in front of them during their appointment. I personally do feel it's rude for me to answer calls while I am at their appointment, and I also feel it's rude for the borrowers to answer calls while I am at their appointment (but most borrowers do it).
For a long time I felt there must be something wrong with me, or I wasn't a good business person, since the prevailing view on the chat boards seems to be that our phone is our livelihood and we should answer it during appointments. But as I said earlier, I have made peace with the fact that I am not comfortable doing that and thus I personally do not do it. If others feel comfortable doing it, that's their decision.
Ultimately, when the TC contacts the borrowers to check up on their closing experience, I don't want the TC to hear that I answered my phone four times during the appointment. Think about it, even if you ask the borrowers if they mind if you answer the call, are they really going to say "yes I mind"? More likely, they will say they don't mind, even if they secretly do. |
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pjrager1
38 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2012 : 10:45:08 PM
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| Okay, I agree with all of you to answer the call when you're in a signing. I've done it, just by saying, "excuse me" and get the call - get the info and get off. However, if it is a request for an assignment, it's very awkward to state your fee when the Borrowers are sitting right there. What do you all do about that? |
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Dannotary
California
265 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2012 : 1:42:47 PM
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| the nature of what we do is " ON CALL" that means I will answer to quickly accept an appt, no personal calls. |
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Lee-AR
Arkansas
678 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2012 : 1:04:27 PM
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Inappropriate and overreaching request...unless they want to give me paid holidays/sick days, pay employer share of FICA and contribute to my health care.
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edelske
New York
815 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2012 : 09:56:01 AM
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I wish I recalled more than the title of the song....
You Don't Own Me
Kenneth A Edelstein
Mobile Notary, Apostille / Legalization Processing & Fingerprinting
http://www.kenneth-a-edelstein.com |
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Dannotary
California
265 Posts |
Posted - 01/01/2012 : 8:52:41 PM
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| I think that its ok to mention when beginning the appt, that it will be necessary for you to answer your phone because it could be something urgent relating to their appt and if it isnt, it will be a quick call to accept an appt because the nature of our work is on an 'on-call' basis, but that you would not take any personal calls. I dont care who likes it or not. If they want to double the fee for the appt you missed then we'll talk about it. Signing Co's usually wont leave a message and will call the next one on the list and it will be too late to call back when the appt is done. Thats the way the mop flops. |
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crtowles
California
553 Posts |
Posted - 01/01/2012 : 08:11:57 AM
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Lately, I have heard that many of you are being asked by signing companies not to answer their phones when in a closing. I want to know what some of you feel about this.
Personally, I dont think this is right for various reasons. One, if something was wrong and lets say the lender, loan officer, etc was trying to get in touch with you this could be problem, especially if the borrower was unable to get to their phone. But the main reason I dont like this idea is that this is my business and my livelihood. Missed calls means missed revenue. Now I know a couple of you have told me that you feel it is rude and that you want to give the borrower you undivided attention but if you are discret, mutitask and keep it brief (and of course NO personal calls) I dont feel its rude at all...but I was just wondering what the rest of you think about this requirement.
Carmen |
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Signing Company Req-DON'T ANSWER YOUR PHONE
