At needAnotary.net we feel the pressure is on for notary professionals to meet the challenge of current economic conditions, demands imposed by clients and regulations, changes in notarial laws and exploitation from third party interest, i.e. signing services.
If notaries don't become more responsible and business minded in operating their businesses and responsible for soliciting their own clients, the industry will suffer a black eye as it relates to independent operators establishing a profitable business opportunity.
Notaries need to side-step the signing companies and develop their own local marketing campaigns to solicit business builders in their local community.
I recently read a forum posting of a notary accepting and completing a loan signing for $40.00 US. That is ridiculous and obtuse. We have to start charging market rates for notary services of be eternally ruined as business to in remaining self-employed.
I'd like to get a pledge from notaries on the enlightened Activerain to refuse any assignments from signing companies in which they dictate a price to you. As a legitimate business professional, notaries deserved to be asked what their fees are instead of being told what is to be paid.
;)
;)
Thank you NAN for your post. I can't believe that $40 -- That is just plain crazy, and it doesn't help other notaries if other notaries work so cheap. I don't walk out my front door for less than $60-- and that's for a typical one-signature notarization. That includes one notarized signature for $10. For loan signings, I charge a minimum of $75 for one set of overnight docs and $100 for e-docs. $150 for first & second e-docs.
Notaries - Do not sell yourselves short! Your services are very valuable and you're worth every penny. These signing companies are making all the money while you're doing all the work.
P.S. NAN ~ I don't see your post under "Notary Signing Agents."