What do most signing companies pay if you fix an error on a signing that wasn’t your fault (it was Escrow’s)? I drove 64 miles and spent an hour and 45 minutes to fix their mistake and have not been paid anything for that, even though I’ve asked. I know, I should have negotiated this prior to fixing it, but I thought it was my mistake at first.
Without prior approval, you are at the mercy of the hiring company to see if they want to compensate you. Most state in their instruction not to make any extra trips without approval. I have done a few and most of the time I am compensated. However, there was a couple that I did not get compensated for. So I just make note of the company & will know for future reference. The companies I get most of my work from, I do not haggle with them. I just do whatever it takes to get the job done & I feel like it all works out in the end.
Thanks Naomi. I’ve been trying to decide how far to push this. They know it wasn’t my error and they know the time & hours I spent to fix it. The thing is, this company gave me my first 5-10 jobs when I couldn’t get anyone else to hire me. Their pay is low ($75 for a Refi). I’m grateful to them for giving me a shot, but this sucks.
I’m still fairly new - only about 40 signings - and this was the first time to be told I made an error. I didn’t question it at first. They said I was supposed to pick up an original death certificate from the signer, so that’s an easy thing to look for in the instructions and/or the documents and it simply wasn’t there. I asked twice in messages, and once in a phone call for someone to please tell me where those instructions were, and the question was ignored. The signing company even deducted $25 from my fee for the FedEx label, and when I told them (again) that this wasn’t my error, they checked it out and agreed, and added the money back, but ignored my question about compensation for fixing escrow’s error.
I’ve learned a lesson here.
You’re absolutely correct about discussing remuneration prior to completion of the services. Understand completely about uncertainty regarding the source of the error.
In light of this fact, coupled with being new & knowing they put themselves at risk (providing your 1st 5-10 signing orders), I’d probably categorize it as a learning experience & move on. 
Regarding your question about “what do most signing companies pay if you fix an error” (title/lender oversight/error): It depends on your Schedule of Fees.
Create a spreadsheet that lists the counties you serve on the horizontal lines. List the distances to each of those counties under the initial column heading. Next, list the amount for that amount of time & travel including turnpike and/or ferry fees. Next, list the amount you charge for Refinances/Purchases. In the next column list your fee to provide scanback services, etc., etc., etc.
At that point you’ll create a TOTAL column and then perform a Summation Function, which will display the Fee for your services to each county that you serve. This will provide you with a quick Reference Sheet to enable prompt fee quotes. If the services they are requesting are other than Refinances/Purchases, you’ll be able to do some quick calculations based on your Reference Sheet data for those specifics.
NOTE: The amount you charge for Refinances/Purchases is a previously calculated amount. Here are some pointers in that regard:
Jot down all of the expenses associated with performing the services you provide within your service region to determine a baseline operating cost. Then, at that point, you can calculate the fees that will generate a net profit to determine if you’ll have a Profit or sustain a Loss at that rate.
There are many items to consider within your Overhead calculations. Here are a few to get you started:
• telephone expenses
• office equipment and furniture
• rent and utilities
• paper
• toner
• binder clips
• pens
• stationery and supplies
• travel costs to & from signer locations
• travel costs to & from FedEx/UPS/USPS, etc.
• business insurance
• business-related meals and entertainment
• professional association memberships
• annual background checks
• annual certification expenses
• legal and accounting fees
• advertising and marketing costs; i.e., Google ads, yellow pages ad, website, business cards, or brochure
Your individual overhead would also include the cost of fringe benefits; i.e., medical insurance, disability insurance, retirement benefits. Also, remember to include income taxes and self-employment taxes.
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If calculating all this accurately seems to be a bit overwhelming, reach out to your tax advisor and ask for guidance in this regard. 
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Based on the foregoing I would scan my instructions and write them a letter outlining what you’ve told us here - and attach YOUR invoice for 64 miles (one way or round trip? if one way, double it) along with the instructions received, showing them “as you can see from the attached, there are no instructions referring to an original death certificate”.
JMO
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