I think we as Notaries and Signing Agents need to take a stand. These companies have gotten really ridiculous with the pay and what they require of you. Then it’s hard to boycott because a lot of the other notaries are accepting the pay. Then they do not disclose what the assignment really is until after you have accepted the assignment.
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I agree. I don’t accept low ball offers
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You counter low fees and move on. Not new
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@universalventurezinc Hey, just wanted to share a different take on fees. I’m all about building a business that helps me make more money. Seriously, I stopped looking at those “text or email blasts” – you can’t even ask them questions, and I think they did it on purpose. This business isn’t easy, so you gotta figure it out and make your own game plan and execute it!
. . . now that is a dramatic understatement! 
Truthful!
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It is ridiculous…some of the low-ball fees are less than what was offered 30-years ago…so much for inflation, COLA, etc….yes, counter-offer, stop accepting low-ball fees. The problem is too many still accepting them and as long as there are those that will it will keep the squeeze and reduce our ability to command higher fees worthy of our efforts. I know with the new electronic age Hybrid signings, RON, IPEN, etc….sure we have to expect fees in relation versus say the standard Refinance where your printing 300-400 pages with 10 - 13 notarizations…but $55 to $75.
We are each individual contractors charting our own path competing in our market with little no real voice….just each scrambling. Sure, I have to keep moving, plugging, but I admit I end up loosing alot of bids and I keep seeing title companies, signing services, etc…complaining about errors, which there will always be to a degree…but they are seeking low-baller notaries performing at a low-ball expertise-reliability-focused level.
It has been this way for years and most lending industries face similar issues. The corporations want a 15% or more increase in profit year -after-year, and focus on what exploits to achieve their greed, which is why the common human suffers the most in health, welfare and the pursuit of happiness.
Am afraid that will never change - sure there are some not so malevolent, but I am not naive especially with what you see daily for an entire life time and more. Reality sucks sometimes.
Best wishes !
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Careful, careful. Take a stand, but we must each take a stand INDIVIDUALLY to avoid engaging in or being accused of price fixing. This link from the FTC has a great definition of what price fixing is, why it is illegal, and offers examples:
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Just keep countering. I’m sure none of us take the $60 offer on an estimated 150 page signing plus scans. Nope. I charge more than double that and it usually takes up to a few hours but they usually pay.
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The key is to work smarter, not harder. Choose the signings that you know you’re going to make money on….not the 200 page with scanbacks job. One problem with this business is that a signing that takes 60-90 minutes to complete at the table is priced out the same as the ones that take 15-20 minutes. Get to know the lenders and title companies and which ones have the jobs worth taking.
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