I keep missing out on assignments because I can’t always bring a witness.
How do you all handle this on short notice?
Do you have any go-to strategies or resources for finding reliable witnesses quickly?
I am in touch with a few notaries, but we all have signings, so this is not a reliable source.
Any advice would be a huge help!
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Honestly, not up to you - signers should provide witnesses.
That said, is there a coffee shop or something in your area where you could do the signing and pull someone out of line to witness? Would have to clear it with signers and hiring party first, along with a discussion with the shop owner to see if they wouldn’t mind you taking up a table (which they shouldn’t mind - you’re bringing in business!)
That’s what I’ve done…pulled a witness from a pizza line once. Other than that, the only thing I can think of is do you have any stay-at-home moms around you who wouldn’t mind doing this for $25-$35? Just a thought.
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@mturnernotary1 Hmmm . . . 
You’ll benefit immensely from Researching the immediately-available information found within the Notary Cafe database.
It’s a TREASURE TROVE! 
Here’s a thread on that particular topic that was launched just a few days ago . . .
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Most members express that they find it difficult/NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE to locate the Search Function in order to access the wealth of information available within the database that has been generously contributed by your sagacious fellow business owners over the years . . .
To be helpful, I’ve inserted an image for you & others [see below] to help members locate it to unlock the wisdom & knowledge of other members on the forums.
I’ve performed a cursory Search on your behalf and the results show 50+ separate threads (in addition to yours) about this particular topic. There is a plethora of data immediately available on the threads within Notary Cafe. 
https://forum.notarycafe.com/search?q=%22witness%22
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Totally agree with you! But
In theory, the signer should provide the witness, but in reality, most signings happen at people’s homes or condos, and they often say they don’t know anyone or don’t want anyone they know. Signing companies usually make it clear that the notary must provide the witness (sometimes even two), and the fee is already included in the assignment.
So, coffee shop doesn’t work (it happened once only but I get lucky).
Another thing is that we have many out of town signers from California, New York and other states. They come here to have a great time and often I am meeting them at the hotel they are staying in. They don’t know anybody here.Even when we ask around people are hesitating.
I had such situation yesterday.
I accepted a signing, and then the signing company called to tell me I needed to provide a witness. The fee was $65, so I said that was too low, and the rep said she’d check. In the meantime, I checked the address and realized it was a hotel in Miami Beach, and the valet charge is $45/hour. So I called back and asked if they would cover the valet fee.
“They texted me back stating: public garage is a few blocks from the hotel and it costs $10.”…Considering 96 degrees in Miami Beach yesterday, I decided to pass on this assignment! My notary/witness said that is no way she comes to MB ,pay for her parking and makes -$15!
The fee was $65
Witness -$25
Parking $10 (with potential stroke) or $45 Valet
How would I make??? You do the math…
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I simply ask my retiree buddies, usually they are available to assist and once I tell them they get paid, they are off to asking when can they join me again ;0)
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I agree with Linda & to add: Anytime I take up space in any eatery, I buy something - at minimum a bottle of water. This makes me a customer - now I have a legal reason to take up space there. A booth in the back corner of a fast food place or coffee shop makes for great place to sign docs plus the flow of customers coming in & out means you’re sure to get someone to be a witness.
I have a retiree who is happy to come out for these signings. I have pulled random people from a library or coffee shop with mixed success. Nursing home staff flatly refuse. Whenever two witnesses are required, it is good to know if the notary can serve as one. The exception is Signature by X when the notary is not a witness. Always make sure to get at least $25 extra for the witness, that should not come out of your fee.
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Here in FL, staff are not allowed to act as witnesses…residents have to get their own.
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Where are you located? If you are around Houston, I would not mind if you ever have one after 3 pm.
Hi,
I am in Miami,Fl. Thank you so much for recreating out though.Appreciate you .
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Talk to the signers when you confirm and ask if his neighbor would be a witness.
Usually companies pay 25 dollars a witness. I carry 25 cash to give my witnesses on standby.
See if you can get a reliable Senior Citizen to go with you.
On second thought,why not utilize the notary directory to hire a notary simply for witnessing another notary’s transaction if the client cannot provide the witness? If notaries are hired for loan signings and general notary work from the directories, they can be hired simply for witnessing your transaction. First option is the borrower supply the witness, 2nd option would be to ask strangers at a coffee shop, 3rd option to utilize the notary directory and call a notary in the zip code and offer $25 cash paid by the client or hiring party - to show up and be there for 5 - 10 mins. In fact, when confirming the appointment with the borrower, just give them those three options.
I almost always have to turn down anything that requires a witness. I live rural and often times drive an hour from home for a signing. Even if I pick them up and drive them that means up to three hours out of my office and I think the crappy $25 isn’t enough to pay them for that. In a ore urban area, maybe I’d consider it, but not for where I live.