I had a very interesting experience with ServiceLink today. A scheduler called to ask if I was available for a signing assignment. I started the conversation by asking a few questions, such as distance, type of signing, the amount of pages in the loan package, and what is the fee. The scheduler seemed a little put off by my questions and stated the following. You are on auto assignment, what would you do if you received this order in their portal? I conveyed to her that I would call into their office for clarification. She told me, well I will just call keep calling other LSAs. The scheduler eventually provided the answers to my questions, loan package can be between 45 to 100 plus pages, 15 to 20 minutes’ drive time, and paying $65. The scheduler was so disrespectful in her tone and was like “you have the audacity to ask questions”, well I show you. So, we both agreed that she should continue to call other LSAs. I will not “cower down” to any title company or their representatives. As Loan Signing Agents, the title company’s personnel should recognize us as professionals respectfully and expect questions from us. I have never acted unprofessional in dealing with the title company’s personnel. We have the right to get the necessary information for fees determination to perform their signing assignments.
@cfletcher – Interesting exchange indeed!
I work with ServiceLink - always via phone calls; never the auto assignment – and every one of those schedulers has been respectful and professional – even when we don’t agree on a fee.
My usual procedure for most schedulers is: I always ask several questions also. It appears, however, my questions may vary a little. For instance, I ask for the address of the signing location (not the distance). I’ll look it up on Google Maps myself and figure out the distance. I then ask is there a scheduled time. My next question is what kind of signing and are the docs ready now. If docs are ready, how large is the package. If docs are not ready, I’ll ask who the lender is. After all my years in this biz, I have a pretty good idea as to package size if I know the type of assignment and who the lender and title company are. I’ll then ask if there are any special instructions such as scan backs, Spanish required, more than 2 signers, etc. After all those questions, I’ll give them a quote as to my fee. If they state that fee is too high, I’ll ask what they’re prepared to pay. Depending on their reply, I may be willing to negotiate. If we’re too far apart, I thank them for their time and keeping me in mind and ask them to catch me on the next one.
That’s my usual procedure. For ServiceLink, I’ll ask for signing location and refer to my spreadsheet they had me generate a few years ago. It’s set up by county then town then zip code. That spreadsheet covers all eventualities so I can give them a quick quote without hesitation.
IMO, giving respect is just as important as getting respect. That doesn’t mean “cower down to any title company or their representatives.” That simply means proferring professional respect where/when same is expected. (again, jmh&po)
I have been dealing with the public for over forty years. Sounds like we approach title companies with similar questions. This individual stated, she wasn’t prepared for my questions and I could hear her discomfort. For $65, it’s not worth my time and we were just too far apart for me to counter offer. In the past, ServiceLink’s scheduling personnel have been more congenial in the process of negotiating fees. I learned years ago to use my listening skills to access on how to handle communication over the phone with another individual. Sometimes people are just having a bad day, for whatever reason that is beyond our control. I guess for this individual that seem to be the case, she just didn’t want to deal with answering questions. She wanted the call to go a certain way, in her mindset, I should have accepted the $65 with no questions. Funny thing, my average signing fees with ServiceLink is $127.00. I value and respect everyone, even the individuals that may be difficult. I walk in the steps of having a “Christ like spirit”, I will never allow negative emotions to become part of any person or business interactions. We always have a “choice”, I choose always to have a high level of positive emotional intelligence when interacting with another person. I embrace “no’s”, that makes room for the “yes’s”.
Agreed and well put.
It sounds like the person you spoke with has never been a Loan Signing Agent. I would think that they would at least network with LSA’s and get to understand that we are not employees, we are independent contractors and that this is not a hobby for us.
I had done a job for Exos servicelink a couple weeks ago. On the patriot act I had an 8 instead of a 9 on the expiration date of the of the ID. I had corrected that at the assignment but must have put the wrong paper in the package. However , they notified me of a $10 to be deducted off my fee. I told them to take me off their list for notary work.They request check in and out on the phone when at appointment and leaving appointment. I find that irritating also. They give you a time element in getting copies scanned and back to them. Which they really aren’t considering your driving time also. I figure when I give them a price on the fee, a small mistake can be corrected by email like that one number without deducting if off your pay. Especially when I never have mistakes over years of working for them.
That’s so unfortunate that you had such an experienced. This is a detail detail oriented business and notary errors does happen. See the bright side to that situation, you didn’t incur an error and omission claim. In the begin of my career in this business, I made an error that caused me to have to do a 2nd trip for correction at my own expense. You can bet I never made the same mistake again. I started to perform 3 reviews of my work at the signer’s table before ever closing the assignment. Our business is a very serious endeavor that can lead to some serious consequences due to notarial mistakes. I totally can relate with you…
It really stinks, Servicelink used to be my top vendor for orders no they are terrible.They asked if I would lower my fees to get more work.Not worth it :{ they are like mortgage connect now.
I agree with you. Always ask questions, I was aware of a signing just a few miles from where I live,(25-30 min) I was to print out 3 copies for the loan docs. The fee was $95 dollars. It was to be in 2.5 hrs. I felt this was very short notice and with a fee I felt was not fair. What are your thoughts
How much do you charge? I want to have an idea. For example, is it per page, per mile? For example, if it is 50 pages 20-minute drive vs 100 pages 20 minutes’ drive. What if it is 45 minutes’ drive? Thank you in advance for your response.
I am not trying to avoid addressing your question by asking a question, but how to determine your notary fees. The solution to that question is determined by your break even point. " What is a breakeven point?
- A breakeven point is used in multiple areas of business and finance. In accounting terms, it refers to the production level at which total production revenue equals total production costs. In investing, the breakeven point is the point at which the original cost equals the market price.
Breakeven Point: Definition, Examples, and How to Calculate - Investop…
Once you know what it takes to reach your break-even point, you now can move forward to the next step determining your profit margin. Go to read this article Pricing Services | Strategies, Formulas, and Beyond . What I charge for general notary work or loan services, may not be profitable for you. It’s takes a little hard work to develop your fee schedule, maybe consider meeting with your local SBA / SCORE representatives for guidance (they are available online at
sba.gov). I hope you find this information useful. Good luck on your journey…
It sounds like you are assuming he was rude. The fee they offered in itself shows a lack of respect. We aren’t in this to do favors. Not everyone is treated the same across the board. I’ve mentioned before, a company that is horrible and I will not deal with if they offered the entire fee but yet there was one notary praising them.
And I don’t believe he stated he was relaxing in his recliner when they called. For instance if driving and receiving these calls some questions arise you might usually figure out for yourself.
It would be disheartening to think these companies have “trolls” monitoring us here. Don’t judge!
FYI: The Notary Cafe forum is a Public forum. So, everyone online can see everything that’s posted.
Over the years, it’s been Confirmed repeatedly that business entities definitively do “troll” this forum.
In addition, within “Private” forums, the business entities have been noted to create a “notary” profile & “troll” the posts there as well.
@cryman.notary agree with cNsa5 - yes they do monitor these forums…also those on other sites as well. And let’s not forget FaceBook groups where you may be a member…anything you post there is open season for companies to get info.
Nothing posted online is private…and once it’s there, it’s there.
All you have to do is ask “what fee do you offer”. All the other questions without knowing what is offered would be off putting. If I was offered $65 I would immediately say my fee is $100. All the other details aren’t of interest to me if they won’t accept a good counter. Anyone can pay $100 for anything. I say that because they always do. Schedulers have their choice in this area. I’d rather be someone they prefer to call. And many do.
That’s sad BUT we also have a way to see through this if we are diligent. We don’t have contact with each other and this forum is a nice way to interact with colleagues. The original post I commented on was obviously a troll.
“The original post I commented on was obviously a troll.” Hopefully, you’re not referring to me. I am not a “troll.” I frequent these forums to learn and, when possible, contribute for others to learn from my experiences.
A bit off topic, but could you screenshot a portion of your spreadsheet? I’m not interested in anything but your format and if this would be a helpful tool for me. I’d appreciate anything you could provide.
I would love to see this as well! It could prove to be very useful!
Yes very well put! Have you thought of becoming a motivational speaker? You would be motivating a lot of people to becoming motivators for others! I enjoy reading your comments!