'I won't even go out of the house for less than $X.', proclaim many notary signing agents.

It's good to have your fees set, and to 'stick to your guns'.  But at the same time, I believe that a certain amount of flexibility is required.

I have established my fees too.  But I'm willing to work for less.  Just a few days ago I did a SMART loan closing for a signing company.  I know the limit to what they will pay.  It's less than my normal fee. But they are a reputable company with good clients.  I have never had any problems getting paid from them.  I will never turn them down if I'm available.

This isn't to say that you should accept any fee that is offered.  There are some companies that should be put out of business because of the low fees that they offer notary signing agents.  No one should be asked to do a closing for $40. 

But there are many good companies out there that are limited to what they can pay.  The fees they offer are not great, but it's the best they can do.

The primary goal of notary signing agents who have made this a full time business is to make a decent living.  We don't expect to get rich, but we want to make enough to pay our living expenses. 

Our goal is also to provide a service. 

In many respects it's a service that you can't put a price on.  For example, doing a Reverse Mortgage closing for an elderly couple that is unable to leave the house -- that is an invaluable service.  A notary signing agent shouldn't refuse to do the closing, just because it's less than their normal fee.  Yes, there are limits to how low one should go.  But if the fee is reasonable, and it's all that the company can afford to pay, then accept the assignment.

Because being a notary signing agent isn't just about how much you can get.  It's also about how much you can give.

Good luck.