Is a mobile scanner necessary to have?

A Place to Talk Technology
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I have been getting more and more requests for signings with scanbacks. As of now I can only scan from my home office, so I have been turning down jobs. Does it matter if I have to f
drive 30 minutes back home to scanback? Should I get a mobile scanner?
Thank you

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There are two distinct viewpoints concerning the use of mobile scanners. One school of thought deems them practical, while the other does not. Ultimately, the decision of whether to obtain a mobile scanner is a business decision that you should make for yourself. I purchased a mobile scanner a long time ago, and I rarely find myself using it. I never refuse or turn down assignments that require me to scan or fax documents. I have a system and process for signing order services. I inform my clients that I will send their documents by the end of the day. If they require immediate delivery or a delivery that needs to be within a four-hour window, I adjust my rates accordingly for this specialized service. My turnaround time is rarely an issue for the companies I work with. Personally, I do not want to waste the time of either the signer or myself by attempting to scan documents at the signer’s home or while sitting in a vehicle. Moreover, there is a security concern about having to use an unsecured internet connection. Consider this example, I can receive signing orders paying between $100 up $300. Companies are paying for scanback/faxback documents between $10 up to $15. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but the numbers tells the story as to how I approach doing business.

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It’s something to seriously consider if you’re planning to do loan signings full time. Having to run home to scan can prevent you from taking another job immediately after the job you need scans for. This hasn’t really been a problem in the past because you could just scan everything at night when you’re finished for the day. However, I’m getting more and more requests (or shall I say, demands) for scanbacks “immediately” after the signing. It’s hard to give them excuses why you can’t do this. They respond with something like “It’s 2025, you have the technology at your disposal”.

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This is why I have resisted in getting a mobile scanner. To me, it’s just more trouble than it’s worth, but that’s just “me”. I can see the value in it for someone who wants to make a full time career out of being a signing agent.

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steves11, I am a full time business owner. The “numbers has to work”! There’s only 24 hours in a day. To be profitable, we have to prioritize out time.

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Concur :100: percent.

Concur :100: percent.

Concur :100: percent.

Concur :100: percent.

===>>> In my direct experience, the majority of the business entities that request immediate/within 60 minutes scanback have created platforms designed to scan & securely upload the executed critical documents.

:swan:

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Yes, that is true some do and some still do not have a secure platform.

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Documents under 40 pages I use Adobe scan on my phone. If they want a scan and same day ship I often ask them to choose one or the other.

Many refinances come with no scan required when I have done many signings for that company.

Seller documents can be as small as 22 pages buyers can be about 40. Doesn’t take long on my phone app. My area shipping services are not great locally so same day ship has parameters. If they ask for unreasonable things I ask for an added fee.

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It shouldn’t depend on the number of signings that you’ve done for that company. That is the thing that bugs me the most
when they ask for scans simply to check the notary’s work before shipping. If I get an afternoon assignment that states scanbacks are needed and the package must make shipping that day, I will tell them that if I have to do scans I can’t guarantee that the package will go out that day, since last pickup times for shipments to the East Coast are around 4:00pm. Usually, I work it out with them one way or another but if I can’t then they can have it back and find someone who can accommodate their requirements.

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I can understand how it totally depends on your record with the company. There are too many out here making errors.

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Most companies pay ZERO extra for scanbacks. In fact, they act like they’re doing you a favor if they don’t require scanbacks, expecting a lower price from you. If they call or text you specifically and ask for a price, they’ll be sure to mention “no scanbacks”. However, when they blast an order out there, it is the same fee whether scanbacks are required or not.

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No, they have apps for that. (page count 20 or less), over that, you got to use your home scanner.

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Regardless, it must be awfully uncomfortable to try to scan a stack of documents in your car. I encountered at least one notary who had a van specially set up for printing and scanning in the back. To do it in a normal size passenger car, just seems untenable to me.

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I scan at a FedEx work table or I stop at a McDonald’s. If it’s just 20-30 pages I do it at the signers. Haven’t ever had anyone say no.

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In my experience, I have had closing packages with around 150 pages. Unless the package has a total of 7 or 8 pages, I use my scanner. My scanner is not technically mobile, but it’s lightweight enough that I take it with me. I set it up at the signer’s home where I scan the entire package and close out the signing while at the signer’s home. It has worked out incredibly well. Of course, you will need to choose it it’s worth it to you, but it’s definitely worth it to me.

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I used an app on my phone to scan it, FasterScan. This way, you could do it directly from FedEx.

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@vickyrose864 Just curious ===>>> How do you verify & ensure that the data on the scanned documents are held secure during the scanning/transmission process?

Like the memory systems in the large copy machines found within print facilities across the US, it can subject the document packages to security risks when that equipment is utilized to print doc packages . . .

Gives one cause for pause when accessing an APP for scanning purposes.

Also, introduces a security concern when accessing a - more than likely - unsecured internet connection when transmitting the data.

.

Too much potential risk associated with those actions.

:swan:

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My personal experience has been invaluable. I have a laptop and scanner that allow me to send documents immediately completing an assignment. signers and title company truly appreciate seeing that tasks are being completed promptly. This process saves me time as I do not need to return to my office, scan, wait for approval, and then leave the office to drop off documents. It is a considerable amount of time that could be spent on the next assignment. Occasionally, when accepting an offer on Signing Order and SnapDocs, I would inform the signing service that I have a mobile scanner and will commit to scanning before leaving the appointment.

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I have an Epson ES small portable scanner. I love it. I live about 30-50 miles from most signings, so it’s not feasible to go home to scan, then drive another 22 miles round trip to the closest FedEx/UPS that gives receipts. When we were super busy in 2020-2022, it more than paid for itself. I don’t use it as much these days, but it’s nice to know I have a backup. I actually had to use it when my other scanner suddenly died in the middle of important scans. I have hot spot on my mobile device with security measures in place, but quite honestly I usually wait until I’m on my home Internet to send them back. And I have zero problems scanning at the signing table. It allows me to do one last look over of the documents before shipping. If I have time between signings or before I drop them for shipping, I’ll stop at a coffee shop and just take my time. I actually used it today😊

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It depends on your location. I always return home as that is where my high speed scanner is. I scan, then package for delivery to my closest shipper. I have package supplies, provided by the shipping company, on hand. Then i deliver to them. Luckily, both fedex and UPS are close. Portable scanners are great, but im not sure i want to sit at the signer’s table or in my car for as long as it would take. Unless you are quite rural, really not necessary.

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