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 Question 5 - How to protect yourself
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jbelmont

California
3106 Posts

Posted - 05/28/2008 :  03:21:51 AM  Show Profile  Visit jbelmont's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Now there is a new resource for checking companies on http://www.123notary.com/signco.htm
If anyone else has some new checking methods, please let us all know. Also http://www.123notary.com/howto-get-paid-signing-agent.htm is another great resource page.
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bones67

Washington
30 Posts

Posted - 10/31/2007 :  4:02:15 PM  Show Profile  Visit bones67's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by bones67

quote:
Originally posted by lasigner

Normally, I would say run to a computer and check the forums for feedback.
However, in these trying times, I doubt that you can be absolute about any company. HERE IS JUST A THOUGHT
I am trying to be patient here, because everyone is having a hard time, and I don't see it getting better anytime soon.
How about a new category for pay problems.
If a notary is awaiting payment past 60 days, you could post name of company and the # of days and I am not in favor of going on and on about the company. It's just a heads up. 2 text fields (1) 25 digit space for name and (1) 3 digit space for # of days
Since I see the future (2008) bleak for many. I personally don't want to continually bash companies that I find were good in the past but are having difficulties now. Though I would like a heads up of those struggling to pay.



How to avoid broken appointments (if possible!!)

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bones67

Washington
30 Posts

Posted - 10/31/2007 :  4:00:35 PM  Show Profile  Visit bones67's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by bones67

quote:
Originally posted by lasigner

Normally, I would say run to a computer and check the forums for feedback.
However, in these trying times, I doubt that you can be absolute about any company. HERE IS JUST A THOUGHT
I am trying to be patient here, because everyone is having a hard time, and I don't see it getting better anytime soon.
How about a new category for pay problems.
If a notary is awaiting payment past 60 days, you could post name of company and the # of days and I am not in favor of going on and on about the company. It's just a heads up. 2 text fields (1) 25 digit space for name and (1) 3 digit space for # of days
Since I see the future (2008) bleak for many. I personally don't want to continually bash companies that I find were good in the past but are having difficulties now. Though I would like a heads up of those struggling to pay.



How to avoid broken appointments (if possible!!)

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bones67

Washington
30 Posts

Posted - 10/31/2007 :  3:58:00 PM  Show Profile  Visit bones67's Homepage  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by lasigner

Normally, I would say run to a computer and check the forums for feedback.
However, in these trying times, I doubt that you can be absolute about any company. HERE IS JUST A THOUGHT
I am trying to be patient here, because everyone is having a hard time, and I don't see it getting better anytime soon.
How about a new category for pay problems.
If a notary is awaiting payment past 60 days, you could post name of company and the # of days and I am not in favor of going on and on about the company. It's just a heads up. 2 text fields (1) 25 digit space for name and (1) 3 digit space for # of days
Since I see the future (2008) bleak for many. I personally don't want to continually bash companies that I find were good in the past but are having difficulties now. Though I would like a heads up of those struggling to pay.



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Lee-AR

Arkansas
678 Posts

Posted - 10/31/2007 :  09:44:35 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
That is a very good idea, LAsigner. Just co. name & how many days out. When a rash of 'em are seen for one co.--well, it's probably pretty safe to assume they have a payment problem.
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anotary7

22 Posts

Posted - 10/31/2007 :  04:10:53 AM  Show Profile  Visit anotary7's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I agree with these ideas although you cannot count on the BBB. I know since I reported a company and weeks later it was not posted on the BBB.

Host of Notary Talk World
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jbelmont

California
3106 Posts

Posted - 10/18/2007 :  6:27:56 PM  Show Profile  Visit jbelmont's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I really like the fact that many people replied to this critical issue. All of the responses were excellent. Carmen's comment is very important. I talked to her in detail about it several weeks ago. Calling them for references SCARES off the bad signing companies. Since many of the companies who call you will be unknown to you, asking for references is a valuable sorting method and doesn't take too much time. Looking the companies up on BBB, or notary boards is very important too. Use as many methods as possible. Screening should be a process that you perfect so you become like a well greased ( or inked seal as the case may be ) machine in terms of how quickly, efficiently and effectively you can screen companies.
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lasigner

6 Posts

Posted - 10/18/2007 :  03:28:29 AM  Show Profile  Visit lasigner's Homepage  Reply with Quote
In addition to slow-pay issues, there may be a rise on new signing companies, (Maybe / maybe not) I am seeing posts on "give me feedback on AYZ Co." with no replies.

This is another thing I personally want to be stay away from.

At this time, I don't know if I can afford to trust the companies that no one has heard of.

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lasigner

6 Posts

Posted - 10/18/2007 :  02:42:00 AM  Show Profile  Visit lasigner's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Normally, I would say run to a computer and check the forums for feedback.
However, in these trying times, I doubt that you can be absolute about any company. HERE IS JUST A THOUGHT
I am trying to be patient here, because everyone is having a hard time, and I don't see it getting better anytime soon.
How about a new category for pay problems.
If a notary is awaiting payment past 60 days, you could post name of company and the # of days and I am not in favor of going on and on about the company. It's just a heads up. 2 text fields (1) 25 digit space for name and (1) 3 digit space for # of days
Since I see the future (2008) bleak for many. I personally don't want to continually bash companies that I find were good in the past but are having difficulties now. Though I would like a heads up of those struggling to pay.

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Kelly

California
105 Posts

Posted - 10/17/2007 :  11:22:35 PM  Show Profile  Visit Kelly's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Step 1: I try to check my personal "no no" list when I recieve the call.

Step 2. If they're not on my list or I can't check, my reply is that since we're both "new" to each other, I'm hoping that our first experience will be a positive one. I kindly indicate that I realize everyone is a stranger at first, but my business model requires everything we discuss, including our agreed upon fee, to be in writing; I also tell the scheduler that once my first signing is paid, I'd be happy to continue the relationship.

This way, if I get burned, it's only for one signing and a small amount, not hundreds and hundreds of dollars (like I read about all the time!)

Step 3. I check my list if I haven't already and/or I get on-line and conduct searches on all the popular/reliable boards to see what's up.

Note: I have found that I've made an error and have called back the ss and indicated that I'd have to give the job back due to my imformation. When the info is true, they never give a hassel -- that's how you know you were smart to turn the work away.

Kelly Robertson
http://www.LoanSigner101.com






Kelly Robertson, California Notary Education Instructor
One-of-a-Kind, "How To" Workshops for New Notaries & Signing Agents @ http://www.LoanSigner101.com
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crtowles

California
553 Posts

Posted - 10/17/2007 :  3:34:18 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
To add to Renees list;

5. How about asking for three notary references so that you can track there previous payment history.

Carmen
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Renee

Michigan
549 Posts

Posted - 10/16/2007 :  10:54:57 PM  Show Profile  Visit Renee's Homepage  Reply with Quote
1. Stay current w/ industry news by reading ALL the forums, and learning what to take with a grain of salt

2. Ask or REQUIRE to be named on the Hud, depending on the perceived risk

3. ACT LIKE A BUSINESS & CREDITOR: Insist on having a job commitment, insist on names/phone/ADDRESS, provide an immediate and concise INVOICE, and pay heed to red flags like e-mails that are free web-based (yahoo, aol, etc), no VERIFIABLE street address, etc. Suspect anyone who has something to hide ...

4. CHARGE professional fees that attract reputable companies and turn away disreputable ones in the FIRST place.



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jbelmont

California
3106 Posts

Posted - 10/16/2007 :  08:33:09 AM  Show Profile  Visit jbelmont's Homepage  Reply with Quote
What are the best ways to protect yourself from bad signing companies? Please list as many quality ideas as possible.
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