If you’re seeking the unadulterated truth, then please read further.
If, on the other hand, you’re seeking sugar-coated, misleading, & prevaricating statements, then by all means, please SKIP this Thread . . .
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STEP 1: There’s a paradigm shift that needs to occur when one charts their course to become a Business Owner by moving away from being an employee. If you’re CERTAIN that you’re ready & have got what it takes to chart your own course and be an independent contractor & business owner, then please read the following Steps.
STEP 2: One of the initial steps to take would be to research your region to determine the viability of and the need for the services one intends to provide via the business they desire to launch.
There is a Tab on the Navigation Ribbon at the top of this page that is titled “Find A Notary.”
You will serve yourself well by researching the region you’re hoping to serve. More than likely, you’ll discover (like so many others before you have done) that your region is already saturated with experienced, highly skilled, and professional signing agents [PSAs]/notaries public.
=> Develop a Business Plan
=> Always have a a Plan B
=> Apply for an EIN (remember to NEVER utilize your SSN)
=> Check for business license (some states require it)
=> Regularly check your state notarial laws to stay up-to-date
STEP 3: You’ll benefit greatly by digging in the gold mine immediately available to you. The gold mine is found within the Search function, also on the Navigation Ribbon at the top of this page => see image below to locate the Magnifying Glass. By utilizing the Search function, you’ll gather sagacious information and answers to many questions as well as learn vicariously (instead of making all the mistakes & missteps the others have made that traveled the same path before you traveled it).
STEP 4: This business is NOT a “If You Build It, They Will Come” type of enterprise . . . It requires dedication, research, professionalism, intense detail-oriented demeanor, regular & repeated marketing activities & expenditures, relationship building, and the ability to read a situation to determine the optimum course of action.
Here is a direct Notary Cafe url that is from March of 2022 that will give you concise insights. The summation in @Bobby-CA words is: “Today, the cupboard is bare. The refi boom is largely over and economic conditions in the U.S. are lousy and getting worse. I’m sorry to have to say so. Don’t wait around, get out”
STEP 5: Temper your expectations. You’ll also benefit greatly by reading this direct Notary Cafe url thread:
NOTE: Please read this ENTIRE referenced thread above. Very helpful information.
STEP 6: Perform in-depth research to determine IF the business you’re hoping to launch will provide you with any PROFIT after the deduction of all expenses. For more information on a possible path to follow for this research, please review this direct Notary Cafe url thread:
Here’s another insightful thread. It’s by @CherylM :
And, one more for you that’s also by @CherylM :
STEP 7: Now if you’re still with me at this point, there are a few things that will be of further assistance to you that are found within this direct Notary Cafe url about training & certification as well as the lackluster fulfillment of some of those $100K promises that are regularly advertised:
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BONUS: In the off-chance that you may find yourself chasing a client(s) for non-payment (as there seem to be quite a few these days), here is an insightful & helpful step-by-step guide crafted by @rparker that should easily guide you to achieve payment for your successfully provided professional services:
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A FEW ADDITIONAL HELPFUL TIPS:
- Always present yourself with a professional demeanor.
- Never shortcut your clients.
- Provide professional services from start-to-finish [including handing off the secure document package to the shipper’s clerk & obtaining a receipt].
- Be courteous & kind.
- DON’T be tempted to print the SIGNER’S COPIES double-sided. => This could become quite costly if the signer(s) make an error and you need a spare/backup document to swap it out . . .
- Be attentive to the details as this can make (or break) the success of your business.
- To succeed, you must ensure that you’re making a PROFIT after you deduct all your out-of-pocket expenses, federal & state taxes, certification fees, background checks, business insurance, vehicle insurance & maintenance expenses, etc. [Reference STEP 6 above]
- Anticipate payment for your professional services within approximately two [2] weeks (or less). Your invoices are due within 20-25 days after your out-of-pocket expenses are purchased. It’s important that you ensure your business is sustained & NOT allow another business to rely on you to FLOAT THEIR expenses for 2 or 3 months (or longer).
- Develop a TRACKING SPREADSHEET or utilize a software application to log each signing & track payment. I’ve utilized Notary Assist for years & it has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion! It also makes mileage tracking & tax preparation a total breeze.
Relatively certain there are many things I’ve overlooked, but hopefully this guide will help you make the determination to embark (or not) and/or continuing within this business sector. Of course, no one else can make the decision for you. Similarly, each PSA must calculate their own costs to determine their Fee Schedule, which will help them to navigate their way toward Profitability or to realize it’s not a currently profitable business venture.
This wisdom is given in an effort to assist you & guide you in the best direction for your future success. There are a few who will disingenuously encourage; however, one must always consider that there may be perverse incentives at-work or some unforeseen ulterior motives; i.e., they may be owners of SSs, selling a training program (“Six Figure Guy”), selling a certification program, etc. with a concern about their own wellbeing . . . not the wellbeing of others.
Sagacious & beneficial action to take.
