I recently received a purchase order for services to be performed next week, outlining a payment structure of $60 for the standard signing fee, plus $15 for e-document printing, and an additional $5 for the scan-back service, resulting in a total payment of $80. Recognizing the need for clarification and a potential adjustment to the signing fee, I contacted the title company to discuss these matters. During our conversation, my initial inquiry centered on the possibility of some flexibility regarding the strict two-hour scan-back requirement, measured from the scheduled appointment time. I felt that the current expectations set by the schedulers were overly demanding and unrealistic, especially considering the logistical factors involved. The location for the signing appointment was situated 25 miles away, with an estimated drive time of 38 minutes, even under ideal traffic conditions, which, as we all know, are not always guaranteed. The representativeâs response to my question was rather concerning. They suggested that, because the signing appointment was taking place at a business office, I should simply utilize their equipment to scan the documents and transmit them back to the company. I immediately explained that such a course of action would constitute a clear violation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. As a notary, I am bound by regulations that prohibit me from utilizing any third-party equipment over which I do not have full control, particularly when it comes to safeguarding the signerâs sensitive, personal, and private information. The representativeâs response to my explanation was disappointing; they essentially stated that if I am not willing to compromise my professional standards and potentially put myself in legal jeopardy, I should simply decline the order. With that statement, I decided to ended the discussion, rendering my other questions and any potential fee negotiation moot. I find it troubling that some companies seem so unconcerned about the risks they place on us by pushing for actions that could lead to violations of Federal or state laws. The current climate makes it challenging enough to secure fair and profitable fees, and I am firmly of the opinion that I will not compromise my ethical standards or expose myself to legal risks, regardless of the financial incentive.
WOW, good for you! Keeping our standards high, thank you! Did you happen to google this companyâs reviews? I agree with you those 2 hours before signing is unreasonable! They must think they are the only client we are signing for that day! We need to start putting our expectations out to them. We do not have enough time to go over the documents 2 hours before the appointment especially if we are on the road at other signings. UGH
@Executivenotarysolutions Executivenotarysolutions - Yes, time is money!
You did the right thing. I recently turned down a commercial deal that paid the biggest fee Iâve ever been offered, BUT, the signing service insisted that I use reproduction and transmission equipment at the signersâ offices to rapidly complete the order to their specifications. I turned it down.
Unh-unh. No way. Equipment not under my control has memory features built in that capture and retain images and data impressions that do not disappear after the user completes their tasks thereon. That data can be recalled and printed or transmitted for unauthorized usage in direct violation of the GLB Act and other state and federal privacy laws and regulations.
I have four pieces of equipment that I routinely do data dumps on: PC (including laptops), scanner, printer, mobile phone. Donât get talked into using non-proprietary devices that can hold data that was entrusted to only you.
I accept the offers, after quoting the fee I want⊠they can take it or decline. And when I upload the ID copies after the signing, I let âthe back officeâ know âIâll be home in 40 minutes & begin the scans at that time. I have never had a fee docked and by the timeline youâve given us, youâd be home 20 minutes before the 2 hrs was up. If youâd begun the scanbacks youâre w/in their time frame.
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