I have worked independently for 12 years with learning the ropes and how to avoid the dead beat companies.
I work for several known companies that pay weekly, bi weekly or once a month. I prefer the weekly who do direct deposit and I do not except new companies at month-end nor do I go on signings for no one with out checking them out first.
Some I have taken on and then checked them out to find that they were dead beats and I kindly call or email them and tell them they have to find another notary because I found unfavorable information regarding their company. It is just that simple, I will not pay another service for retrieving my funds. Always check here on the forums, Notary Rotary and BBB to see what other Notaries are saying before taking on new customers.