For those that live in a location with island signings that require ferry rides, what do you do or better yet, how do you plan your appointments? I have shared before I am in WA and there are a few islands that need a ferry ride. Thus far, I have taken on a few jobs on Vashon only because I live so close to the dock to go there. However, it still takes so much time to plan. And if there is traffic you might not even make it on the next ferry as it will be full even with early arrival. I arrived early because I wanted to have brunch with coffee but was right on time to my appointment due to the ferry being full and I did not make it on by two cars ahead. The last two signings I had on Vashon shared terrible stories about the notary experiences. I truthfully felt bad and want to avoid situations like this myself. No one tells you this, except the signers. One lady said last year, her notary was 8 hours late to the location, pages were cut off where she had to ferry over again the next day. I know this client particular has a low base fee too which is awful since it costs $26 to take the ferry. If you have to go back next day or any reason, that is again another $26. This client said they have no notary they can use on Vashon yet manages to try to start off with a low offers. I try to always counter much higher and landed only a few of all the Vashon offers. Another signer I had on the island was refinancing with the same client I am discussing here, stated that the notary arrived, he was there for two hours and they are not sure if he ended up missing the last ferry off the island as it was late in the night. What a nightmare! This client pays low for base and it is difficult to negotiate as other notaries will accept quickly and may not notice that it can be potentially a nightmare. I see Vashon and I know that NSAs are hard to find for Vashon but reasonable pay is needed for this. Yet the Vashon orders go quick and they seem to find notaries to do them for base. It’s heartbreaking to hear these situations.
First off let me say I feel bad for all of you that have to face this - thank heavens my area isn’t like that. Not sure if I’d stay in business if I had to juggle these nightmares.
Anyway, possible solution? Since you say this client historically pays low anyway, Have your signers travel the ferry to you? Find a place near the dock to meet and the onus is on them for the cost of the ferry ride and to be on time and it will also preserve your schedule for the day; if they miss the ferry they can call you and you can go to your next appointment and return when they dock.
Just a quick thought.
Under all the circumstances you listed, I think I’d just eliminate the island from my territory. All jobs are not good jobs.
Yeah, so far I high ball them. I could be doing two local appointments for the one it takes on the island. I don’t mind taking on work there as long as it’s reflected in the fee.
I’m in WA state and I travel to Vashon and Bainbridge, Poulsbo and Bremerton at least once a week to one or the other. I add the ferry cost on top of my fees (which can be near $40/RT for some trips) and inform the contractors at the time the assignment is offered. I consider these my bonus jobs since I know it will take 3-4 hours for one of these jobs, start to finish. Planning is everything! I take these jobs as only 1 or 2 that I will take that day, but I know that will be a minimum (1 signing) or high paying day (2-3 signings). Once you learn the ferry schedules you’ll learn how to navigate the traffic and schedule other signings around them for quick/short signings to boost your pay for the day. For instance, I will try to take a second job on or near the island or going to or coming from the ferry terminal. An island day for me will be a pay day of between $200-$600 if I plan accordingly (not including ferry fees). Also, I only do island jobs in spring and summer months. But, I also am part-time, so I’m only interested in 1-2 assignments a day a few days a week.
Thanks Tisino for sharing your planning tips. Washington has many ferry locations for the signings. I am only comfortable with the vashon location. My neighbors are down in the Friday harbor area. That location just might have one of the highest ferry fees to travel across.