Hello everyone, I am a beginning signing agent in Ocala, FL. I’m wondering if I should start accepting low fees for a firm. Like 50 or 60 dollars, some of them include an extra witness. I’m turning them down but I don’t work much during the week either. Or does the Rate vary depending on the city? Please comment
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@nancyj2305 Excellent question! 
As it’s your business, you will calculate the Fee for your region based on your individual expenses.
Here is a link to a thread that provides a detailed Guideline to calculating your own Fees:
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Also, there is a PLETHORA of immediately available data found within the Notary Cafe database on this topic.
This information is a GOLDMINE!
Most members express that they find it difficult/NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE to locate the Search Function in order to access the wealth of information available within the database.
To be helpful, I’ve inserted an image for you & others [see below] to help members locate it to unlock the wisdom & knowledge of other members on the forums.
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Accessing the database to locate information about potential clients has saved many of us an inordinate amount of time ‘chasing’ payments for Services professionally provided to potential non-payers . . . 
NOTE: Be certain YOU VET your potential clients PRIOR to providing your professional services!
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Good point, and your answer is very helpful. Thank you
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@nancyj2305 The thread I referenced with the Guideline provides quite a bit of information for your calculations.
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Regarding “accepting low fees” . . .
You’ll be able to make that determination after you’ve completed your calculations.
Tangentially, some “trainers” will advise those new to this business sector to accept low fees to gain experience.
Just remember that once you’re in the bargain basement for fees, it’s very difficult to raise your Fees without losing the client.
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@nancyj2305 Also, I did mention it above, but it’s worth repeating ===>>>
do yourself a BIG FAVOR & Research the Notary Cafe database for the names of the business entities that are sending Signing Orders [SOs] your way . . .
The database provides you with PRICELESS INSIGHTS into business entities that DO pay, are SLOW PAY, and that are NON-PAYERS.
When you’re accepting a SO, ALWAYS query regarding the Payment Turnaround Time. When they give you the number of days before payment - then, ask if that is:
- Calendar Days
OR
- Business Days
As there can be a BIG difference between those two intervals.
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Thank you! On the other hand, do you think there is a possibility that by rejecting low rate signs, I am also affecting my level of acceptance on the different platforms, and the algorithm they use to give you more work, such as Signingorder.com, Snapdocs, etc.
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@nancyj2305 The algorithms are what they are . . .
Many try to “crutch” them in an effort to possibly benefit as a result, but it’s rigorous to do so & many experience EPIC fails with those efforts.
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If you’re launching your business as a full-time endeavor/for the long haul, you’ll best be served by:
- Vetting your potential clients
- Requesting their Payment turnaround time interval
- Ensuring you’re appropriately trained not just for general notary work, but also as a business owner, & a certified signing Agent.
- ===>>> See this thread for more information on certification: I found a list of MISMO approved RON, RIN, and IPEN providers for emortgage closing! - #20 by cNsa5
- Be Professional
- Be Thorough
- Pay attention to ALL the details
- Always Triple Check Your Work
- Provide excellent communication throughout the process with your signers & your clients
- If you inadvertently make an error, accept the responsibility & the return trip to “fix it” for No Fee
- Be Courteous
Oh . . . and be sure to read these 2 threads referenced in this post as well: Must You Complete A Training Course To Get Work? - #4 by cNsa5
Did I mention the Notary Cafe database contains a WEALTH of information?? 
Happy Reading! 
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thank you for the info!
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You can’t “raise” your fees when dealing with signing services. THEY dictate the fee. The only way you can get more is if they can’t find anyone to do it for their “standard” fee for that type of signing (refi, purchase, seller, heloc, etc). If they call you on the phone or a personal text to “you” for a signing then there may be some room for negotiation, but when they send out a blast by text or email, it’s basically “yes” or “no” at their broadcast fee. You can reply with a counteroffer but the only way you’ll get it is if nobody else wants the job at the standard fee.
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This is exactly what I have been doing, counter-offering but then they no longer contact me. I think it would be best to accept a low rate, if the distance is reasonable, while I gain more experience. Thanks for your advice
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@nancyj2305 What results have you been able to calculate for your Fees from the Guideline information that I previously provided to you?
These results will enable you to see if you will be providing professional services at a loss OR at a gain.
Your results will make your decision-making process a much easier one & cause you to avoid second-guessing yourself my friend . . .
Truly, it doesn’t make sense to operate at a LOSS in general (nor from a tax standpoint).
Losing money while providing professional services defeats your purpose of launching an independent contractor business within this business sector.
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I was creating my list of fees base in your guide, and everything said is right, finding good deals is the goal to develop my career as a full-time NSA. Now I have a clearer idea of the expenses and what decision to make when receiving offers.
thank you cNsa5 Excellent breakdown.
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Make sure you average out your fees with a customer. If they are a high average fee a one time low fee hurts a lot less. If they are a lower average customer negotiate to a rate you can accept.
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Just a note. I have found once you work for a company at low ball fees, they will expect that same service price all the time.
Bid what you know the worth of your business is in your area.
Consider asking these questions when having an assignment to be fulfilled:
How large is the packet?
How far will I have to travel?
Is it power of attorney?
How many signers are there?
Are there scanbacks for the assignment?
Do I need to provide and pay a witness or witnesses?
Is it a hospital signing?
Is it a Realtor location signing?
These are just a few questions I ask before accepting a signing.
Im sure there are other questions to ask when pricing?
Does anyone else ask and price accordingly with these questions? And if yes, what other questions do you ask before accepting an assignment?
Our time is just as precious as the signers and the companies we work with.
May prosperity be on your side!
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It is up to you to decide but a couple of things to consider: what does it cost you to print and drive to the appointment? How much is the time you spend working worth? Do you have other costs associated with being in business like insurance, marketing, maintaining your commission, taxes to be factored in? And as long as the low fees are working for the SC the lower fees will continue to be offered.
When interest rates start to go down, and there are more refis, it could take longer for fees to go back up. The problem is the low fees are now becoming normalized. New signing agents need to learn what the work is worth. Sorry for the lecture, but think of it as a business, not a job.
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Good advice on this thread!
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Hi Nancy,
I would say no to accepting low rates. It is a good way to go broke and not realize it until later. Chances are you will lose money, break even, or possibly make $4-$5 per hour with low rates. I have a spreadsheet which will help you estimate the cost of doing a job. Send me an email/message if you would like a copy of the spreadsheet.
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Totally agree… Yes! I would like get your spreadsheet please
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Thank you all for your advice… I want to share that yesterday I received a Signing offer for $50, seller package, but it was over 30 miles away, so I declined and added a message that said “too far… my rate $125”; and after a while they called me accepting my rate, I don’t know how it happened but I think it was because there was no one available due to Storm Debbie that was passing near Florida, and they had to accept my proposal because it was urgent. But this is the first time a contracting company has accepted my counteroffer. That is why I want to put into practice all the advice I have read, because I also consider that it is fair that our work as Notaries be valued.
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I turn them all down if they do not fit my fee criteria. I will only go next door for $50.00! The companies have gotten so darn cheap! I used to get paid well, now its $50 or $60! I just delete them. It would be nice if we would all stick together and do the same, but someone will work for that money. NOT ME. That is my take on it. Charge your worth.
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