# I need some help in getting me started **URL:** \ **Category:** Beginner's Questions\ **Created:** [August 6, 2025, 6:37pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257 "2025-08-06T18:37:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![darla](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/darla/32/33567_2.png) [@darla](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/darla)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 2:47pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/21 "2025-08-13T14:47:26Z")
YES! This, in my opinion, is for my general notary work… But it doesn’t stop signing services from seeing it… Yes, work on getting referrals. ---
**Author:** ![darla](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/darla/32/33567_2.png) [@darla](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/darla)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/22 "2025-08-13T14:51:48Z")
When I first started 4 plus years ago, I too like you was frustrated. It took me 6 mos. to get my first signing. After that, I started getting signings from the same companies mostly and then built up from there. There was also I time that interest rates were so high that nobody was refinancing and I had to resort to debt settlements, which they are no longer doing, for the most part, and a lot of notaries do not like doing them… I would say networking will be your best friend. You can find videos on YouTube from notaries who first started out. Actually visiting Title companies in the area. But most of my signings come from signing services. Initially, I did pay more on the NNA site to get listed with other notaries in my area. ---
**Author:** ![darla](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/darla/32/33567_2.png) [@darla](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/darla)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 2:55pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/23 "2025-08-13T14:55:11Z")
Good for you… the experience is worth it. I was practically working for free initially, because the other notaries did not like to travel. I did it at a ridiculous low fee to gain experience. Now that I have Notary Gadget. I can see just how much money I was not making, but the experience was invaluable to me and now some days it’s hard to keep up. Of course, I did raise my fees but put a lot of miles on my car initially to get there. Hope this helps. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![cNsa5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/cnsa5/32/33381_2.png) [@cNsa5](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/cNsa5)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 2:59pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/24 "2025-08-13T14:59:47Z")
> [@darla](#): > > see just how much money I was not making @darla✨ **Thank you** ✨ for sharing your **direct experience**. @Admin1 As I often express, it’s SO important to create your own individualized **Schedule of Fees**. **Review** this **[thread](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/important-guideline-for-creating-your-schedule-of-fees/42539)** on **Notary Cafe** for helpful information & guidelines. 🦢 ---
**Author:** ![v.tewell](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/v.tewell/32/37741_2.png) [@v.tewell](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/v.tewell)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2025, 4:31pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/25 "2025-08-23T16:31:45Z")
> [@bohardnotary](#): > > \*Respond to every notification whether you are available or not…it shows you are working today. Can anyone really tell you are doing this outside of the company you are declining on? Thank you for all the information you provided here! ---
**Author:** ![Admin1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/admin1/32/34148_2.png) [@Admin1](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/Admin1)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2025, 8:40pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/26 "2025-08-23T20:40:54Z")
I do. I always reply YES but they don’t get assigned to me. ---
**Author:** ![bohardnotary](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/bohardnotary/32/33118_2.png) [@bohardnotary](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/bohardnotary)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2025, 11:53pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/27 "2025-08-24T23:53:23Z")
Maybe not but some companies schedule closings through platforms frequently so in my opinion if you don’t show those companies that you are willing and ready to work today then they never start recognizing your replies. ---
**Author:** ![bohardnotary](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/bohardnotary/32/33118_2.png) [@bohardnotary](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/bohardnotary)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2025, 11:57pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/28 "2025-08-24T23:57:41Z")
When I first started out I was not getting any assignments off of snapdocs even though I replied to all. A company would keep raising the fee and I would keep responding and still would not get the order. So one day I called the company offering the signing (which happened to be First Class Signings) and asked for the scheduler and just asked what the best was to get the order was and she told me to try calling the company directly that was advertising and so I did and just said I was responding to a notification on snapdocs in my area and would they like me to take the signing for them? I got several signings this way and then I didn’t need to do it anymore… It is worth a try! Worked for me! ---
**Author:** ![v.tewell](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/v.tewell/32/37741_2.png) [@v.tewell](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/v.tewell)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2025, 12:55am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/29 "2025-08-25T00:55:10Z")
That’s great to know! There’s one I have right now that says this as the topic: ‘Virtual-Attorney, Paralegal, Legal Asst ONLY’. I have no idea what it is but the time is TBD, so I haven’t said yes or no to it. Do you have any insight to what it might be? The only other ones I have seen pop up so far have not given me an option to say yes or no to since they are outside the time I would be available. ---
**Author:** ![cNsa5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/cnsa5/32/33381_2.png) [@cNsa5](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/cNsa5)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2025, 4:27am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/30 "2025-08-25T04:27:45Z")
@v.tewell Hmmm . . . The “topic” is alerting to the **requirements** of the person who would respond to the potential Signing Order [SO]. So, if you’re qualified as any of the following, then you could consider the SO: - Attorney - Paralegal - Legal Asst _Otherwise, you should wait for other SOs to be presented._ . 🦢 ---
**Author:** ![v.tewell](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/v.tewell/32/37741_2.png) [@v.tewell](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/v.tewell)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2025, 6:38pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/31 "2025-08-25T18:38:59Z")
That is great to know; thank you for the feedback! ---
**Author:** ![earl226](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/earl226/32/35091_2.png) [@earl226](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/earl226)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2025, 12:03pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/32 "2025-08-26T12:03:19Z")
How much experience do you have? ---
**Author:** ![cNsa5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/cnsa5/32/33381_2.png) [@cNsa5](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/cNsa5)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2025, 1:45pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/33 "2025-08-26T13:45:52Z")
> [@Admin1](#): > > I have been a notary since 1999 . . . . > > Now I am actually using this as a business. I started the business in January 2025 and became a certified loan signing agent and RON . . . > > I am getting frustrated . . . @Admin1 See that you’ve been a Notary Public for _ **a number of years** _, but only recently (_January of this year_) received training, certification, etc. & **launched** your business as a Professional Signing Agent [PSA]. There are **myriad factors** to consider when determining a business to launch. Those factors vary from region-to-region as well as from State-to-State. Many are contingent upon the **laws, rules, regulations,** etc. of a specific locality. One must perform their own _ **due diligence** _ in determining IF THERE IS a good market to support a business. _It’s also truly contingent upon the **[saturation](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/not-receiving-signing-orders-wondering-how-to-check-the-saturation-in-your-region/42885)** of professional signing agents [PSAs] in your Service Area._ As I often express, launching a business within this business sector _isn’t a sprint_ **===\>\>\>** it’s a **MARATHON!** . Sorry to read about your difficulties receiving Signing Orders [SOs] from business entities. Truly, launching a business within this business sector of the industry (_like many entrepreneurial businesses_) is a **slog** to get things going regarding SOs. The YouTube videos hawking “it’s _ **EASY PEASY** _ to make $100K/year” has been **debunked** repeatedly . . . Unfortunately, folks do still decide to “invest” in the used car salesman tactics of bait & switch! They tell you if you’re not receiving SOs to just launch a Signing Service & you’ll be living in a McMansion next week . . . _ **UGH!!** _ . A few of us sages on the **Notary Cafe** forum have been expressing that a declining status within this business sector has been present for _ **multiple years . . .** _ We have hope that those new to this business sector would **heed the clarion call.** _Some have heeded it - others haven’t and decry the waste of their funds launching their business._ This is why we state it’s **particularly egregious** that those who lack scruples & morals are engaging in **misleading and delusional marketing tactics** ; i.e., _falsely espousing 6-figure incomes, etc._ . Anyone who is knowledgeable of this business sector has been cognizant for multiple years that the blatantly **false** 6-figure claim _ **hasn’t been valid for a very long time.** _ . _I regularly express the insight that as a business owner one is to **perform their own due diligence** PRIOR to launching entrepreneurial pursuits within this business sector . . . in essence, to safeguard their financial assets._✅ It’s currently a very difficult ‘row to hoe.’ Plus, when coupled with the advent of the forces exerted on moving forward with Remote Online Notarizations [RONs] & “centralizing” the Signing Orders [SOs] into warehoused organizations - there’s a further decrease in signing opportunities. . Certainly not being a ‘negative Nellie’ - simply categorically identifying the milestones witnessed via **direct experience** over the most recent decade. Performing a **Search** via the TREASURE TROVE ( **Notary Cafe** database) also reveals the vast number of those new to this business sector attesting to the lack of available SOs. 🤷‍♀️ Here’s an additional **Notary Cafe** direct url links to provide further elucidation of this topic: > [@tada THE UNADULTERATED TRUTH about this Business Sector (with NO Showboating, Grandstanding, or Hot-Dogging)](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/the-unadulterated-truth-about-this-business-sector-with-no-showboating-grandstanding-or-hot-dogging/50547): > > NOTE: This thread is especially for those who are new to this Business Sector. In particular, those who are performing due diligence & Researching prior to launching a business & investing your hard-earned funds. It’s being created because this is an oft-asked question on the Notary Cafe forum. . . . As a professional signing agent [PSA] who has provided these services for nearly two decades, I regularly share on the Notary Cafe forum that it’s all about location, Location, LOCATION! Yes,… . 🦢 ---
**Author:** ![Admin1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/admin1/32/34148_2.png) [@Admin1](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/Admin1)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2025, 10:29am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/34 "2025-10-16T10:29:41Z")
I have been notarizing since 1999 but loan signing since May 2025. ---
**Author:** ![Admin1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/admin1/32/34148_2.png) [@Admin1](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/Admin1)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2025, 10:36am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/35 "2025-10-16T10:36:01Z")
Thank you for your words. I was part of a massive layoff from an HR Payroll company in the summer of 2024. I needed to figure out my next step. I have done a ton of research on different careers and decided to use my notary commission. I also did a ton of research and found out there are many things I can do with it. After talking to my husband and thinking it over I decided to move forward with this business. We do own rental properties throughout Florida so I have been through many closings and the terms are not something I didn’t know. I feel as though I am right where I am supposed to be. It’s a bit frustrating because the SS companies won’t give chances or at least to me. How is one to start if no one will give that chance? I am doing more GNW which I love doing but I want to branch out. ---
**Author:** ![cNsa5](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/cnsa5/32/33381_2.png) [@cNsa5](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/cNsa5)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2025, 2:05pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/36 "2025-10-16T14:05:42Z")
@Admin1 Hmmm . . . ```auto ``` **======\>\>\>\>\>\>** _Be certain you **CLICK** on each of the hyperlinks below for the **TREASURE TROVE** of helpful information:_ ```auto ``` - I answered this query previously (**[above in your thread](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/4)**). - Performed **[Research](http://forum.notarycafe.com/search?q=getting%2520started%2520order%253Alatest)** on your behalf already - Demonstrated **[How to Do Your Own Research](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/4)** previously (_as these answers are already immediately-available within the **Notary Cafe** database_) - Provided you with **[Step-By-Step Guidance](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/why-i-haven-t-received-signing-yet/35290/3)** on how to receive Signing Orders [SOs] - Provided you with data including **[Myriad Insights](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/temper-your-expectations/21831)** on launching a business within this business sector - Provided you with **[Key Components](http://forum.notarycafe.com/t/low-ball-offers-and-negotiations/46078)** of avoiding Low-Ball Fees & how to negotiate ```auto ``` **Here is some ADDITIONAL information:** _As new members seek insights regarding launching their business, a **Key Element to Success** is providing themselves with **an appropriate foundation and undergirding** that will serve & support their business._ ```auto ``` Over the years of having successfully completed nearly all the available training programs, I only recommend the _ **very Best** _ (_see below_). This training amounts to a few hundred dollars. Due to the very reasonable price, the training investment can be quickly recouped. This investment is worthwhile & will serve you greatly over time. It will also save you from wasting precious time. _Certainly, the sages on the **Notary Cafe** forum haven’t forgotten our maiden voyage into this business sector nor how very difficult and how long and challenging the climb was to make.__We each had to **grind it out** , **make mistakes** , **learn, correct, and implement** a plan of action to improve the services we provide via our businesses 1 at a time._ ```auto ``` The recommended training (**[Notary2Pro](https://www.Notary2Pro.com)**) not only provides guidance and instruction regarding providing these services, but also provides MUCH information about **how to start, manage, and grow a business within this business sector**. In addition, they provide _ **Mentoring services** _ at very reasonable rates. _ **Many of the elementary queries posed on a daily basis within this forum would already be answered if they completed this training.** _ In addition, there is a great amount of risk inherent while providing these services. The training increases one’s awareness and cognizance of the potential pitfalls and risks that could harm their business before they really even get started. As such, the insights & wisdom amassed during training will serve the newbie business owner very well _ **at the onset and over the long-term** _. ```auto ``` _ **My direct experience:** _ When I initially started performing this work, it was _ **unequivocally clear and painfully obvious** _ that if I wanted valid, trustworthy training that I’d need to find a professional training program. The existing business owners explicitly stated that _ **they saw others as the competition** _. At that juncture, I _ **successfully completed MULTIPLE training/certification programs** _ including Notary2Pro & NNA and many others. I have extensive experience in skill sets that require certification and recurrent evaluation tests; i.e., I’ve maintained my Project Management Professional [PMP] certification for more than 20 years. So, I understand what it usually entails and the elements that should be included within a comprehensive training program. Regarding the NNA training specifically, it’s lacking across multiple topics & categories. Many NNA “graduates” choose to take additional training courses elsewhere, because they sense they’re insufficiently prepared. Their primer has errors throughout. Their hotline is less than reliable for accurate responses. In my experience with undergoing the multiple training programs for certified notary signing agent [CNSA] certification, hands-down without question, Carol Ray’s Notary2Pro training programs are optimum in this industry. I’ve successfully completed ALL of the multiple training/certification programs that Carol offers through her company Notary2Pro. Her programs are thorough & detailed. These also **prepare the business owner to operate a business**. In addition, she offers Mentoring services. I found those to be excellent & INVALUABLE when I was initially starting out in this business sector. The prices are surprisingly reasonable. ✅ I’ve professionally compared the training/certification programs available at Notary2Pro with the others I’ve successfully completed. The **ONLY training/certification program I recommend** is Notary2Pro. A list of companies that hire Notary2Pro graduates (with minimal or no experience) is provided to successful course graduates. =\> This list is _ **pure GOLD!** _ Study up, refresh your notes, & let Carol know when your initial few signings are scheduled. She is a wonderful mentor & can be on standby in case you encounter difficulties or have questions during your first few signings. She’s the Best! Her support will help you Build your Confidence in providing this service. 🏆✅ In addition, Notary2Pro works diligently to keep this list up-to-date regarding vetting and viability. As we all know, some reliable clients can encounter financial difficulties and that, in turn, can negatively impact CNSAs directly. Of course, your best bet would be to visit their **[website](https://www.notary2pro.com/)**, research, and make the choices appropriate for your situation. The training programs by Carol Ray are comprehensive & thorough. ✨🎉🕶 ```auto ``` _P.S. I receive no compensation or remuneration of any type or kind as a result of my first-hand experiential review above._ ```auto ``` _**P.P.S. As Carol has passed (February 2022) from our earthly plane, reach out to others on her team please. You’ll benefit greatly as a result.**_ ```auto ``` 🦢 ---
**Author:** ![ewing\_joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/ewing_joe/32/33581_2.png) [@ewing\_joe](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/ewing_joe)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2025, 2:07am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/37 "2025-10-17T02:07:12Z")
Notary since 1999? So have I, both of us have a ton of experience. Bought and sold a few properties, seen it all done it all, right? articulate your life experiences to the hiring companies and that may be your foot in the door. The goal is to be too busy to have a personal lifeand have a check in your mailbox every day. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/notarycafe/original/2X/5/536ced5cfa77a57223f140e81670eb5e2685a07d.jpeg) [@system](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2026, 2:07am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/i-need-some-help-in-getting-me-started/53257/38 "2026-01-15T02:07:58Z")
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