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jscamardi@sbcglobal.net
Illinois
8 Posts |
 Posted - 09/13/2009 : 3:21:23 PM
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| I favor 123 Notary best of All I believe the folks here are much nicer! |
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Renee
Michigan
351 Posts |
Posted - 02/10/2009 : 03:59:05 AM
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I don't think it's an either/or choice for us (which "vs." implies), as the two listing sites are pretty much a given in this industry.
The forums - I wish there was a greater understanding of how a forum works and what it ultimately does. The primary function of a forum, it's FIRST reason for existing and the reason for the site owners to endure the added headaches a forum often creates is to BUILD PAGE RANK. That's really OUR best gain as well. The greater the page rank, the greater chance we get jobs. So ultimately, we (the site owners and us, the NSA's) all have the same goals.
By USING a forum, we help the site gain (or remain) in ranking and that helps us get jobs. Now, that said, there are many ways in which to use a forum - but the first priority should be to USE it. Post, respond, talk about our work so the words of our trade get plastered all over cyberspace.
I try to use them all, regularly - first, because I understand the relationship of an active forum and JOBS. What follows that down the list of reasons is because, since I work alone, I just like to talk shop with people. It keeps me from being totally isolated in my day. I'd be thrilled to see this forum become as active as the other, because it helps us ALL to keep these two industry leaders head-to-head in competition. Their success is our success is their success ... or is it "forum follows function follows forum ..." |
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CopperheadVA
Virginia
217 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2009 : 10:29:08 AM
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Both sites produce work calls resulting in income for me - I pay for a premium spot here on 123Notary and I also pay for Premier Membership on NotRot. I visit both forums, but I much prefer the format of NotRot - it's much less cumbersome than the format of this and all other chat forums that I've participated in.
CopperheadVA
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clkhere
California
1 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2009 : 09:37:09 AM
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Hi. I work in California, and have gotten more referrals from 123notary than any other site. Besides, Carmen and Jeremy have always been super helpful to me when I've needed them. I love this site! Carla
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LeapFrog
Idaho
35 Posts |
Posted - 12/25/2008 : 10:03:45 AM
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I totally agree with you, Vince. My comments refer to the NotRot people who get so vocal with other seasoned members. Sometimes it seems that no matter the subject or question, some people will climb up one side and down the other of the poster.
It's just not necessary to be so mean sometimes. Remember what Thumper's Mom said...
(If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all)
Chris |
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vince
Kansas
223 Posts |
Posted - 12/24/2008 : 07:29:23 AM
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This may be a controversial thing to say, but the attitude difference is likely because of frustration. Many of the posters on Notary Rotary have been closing loans for many, many years. They have seen huge changes in the industry. The fees received at the beginning of this decade are not what they are now and yet expenses have increased. That is largely due to the increased competition for jobs. Some of the competition comes from persons that may only be able to “do notaries” in the evenings and weekends, because they have full time jobs that are not fully supporting them. Some of the competition are other folks that are supplementing income. These folks are trained through various methods, the largest being a national association of notaries that is located in California.
That Association published a fee schedule that they said was the minimum fees companies should expect to be paid. Those fees were less than 25% of what persons were earning at the time. When seasoned Notaries later asked why this schedule was so low and had not been increased as costs continued to escalate, they were advised that the fee was designed for newly trained folks that needed a lot of help and did not in any way reflect the customary fee that seasoned notaries could expect. However, new notaries were promised “big” money similar to the income received in the late 1990's while at the same time fees were dropping like a rock. Many signing services that help “newbies” enter the business take more than half the notary fee leading many title companies to believe that all notaries will accept lower level “training fees” designed to get them into the business. Those fees are not enough to support a professional’s cost of doing business, but they do take jobs away from seasoned personnel, and typically pan out to be less than minimum wage. That is why you will usually be asked what your cost of doing business is as a start to how much you should charge for a fee.
So, some might think this is simply good competition by having a huge stream of persons entering the a business with a hopeful future, but the seasoned folks have now been re-entering the regular workforce because many of the good paying jobs are gone.
Some say that this is similar to what has happened to the auto industry with foreign competitors coming in with non-union jobs that pay less than what the big three were paying. Unfortunately, that analogy breaks apart quickly as the foreign manufacturers are paying over three to four times minimum wages with full benefit packages. There is simply a free market. There will be no bailout.
So, some of the seasoned persons are not eager to help persons enter a field that lowers the standard and the wages for those that are already there. Some of these folks honestly express their impatience and frustration by taking on the “newbie” that is expecting to have everything handed to them. A great deal of helpful information is available on postings for those that take a moment on how to use the search engine of the website. Nearly every question can be answered. But instead, a “newbie” will simply announce themselves and say things like: “Hi, my name is ___ and I’m now certified. How much should I charge people to “do notaries?” Or: “the section for me says the document was reviewed by ___. What do I put in that spot?” And so on. So, if a Notary wants to learn, perhaps they need to develop a little thicker skin, spend a lot of time learning before they start asking questions, take decent training courses and become thoroughly familiar with the documents before they ask for help.
Well, hope that explains my opinion of why things are the way they are. For the Notary that takes the time to learn all of this information, will you help every person that intends to take your job - or only the ones that do so with class? Most seasoned persons are looking for another that they can refer some of their business to when times are good. Will it go to the respectful learner, or to the “tell me now everything I need to take your job now crowd?” Notary Rotary persons are simply more vocal as they have known each other for many years.
Both 123Notary and Notary Rotary, and one or two others, offer good material to those that want to become a respectful learner and are seriously interested in becoming a professional loan signing agent. And both offer very good resources in very different formats.
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LeapFrog
Idaho
35 Posts |
Posted - 12/14/2008 : 11:47:17 AM
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Yes, Jeremy, NotRot does have amazing and useful resources. Between 123Notary and NotRot, I can always find good, pertinent information.
However, the posters on NotRot can be very mean and cruel. And it's not necessary.
123Notary is my forum of choice!
Chris |
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jbelmont
California
1036 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2008 : 2:58:05 PM
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I like Vince's last comment, however, how can I share the growth we have had? We continue to get more sophisticated, but the market continues to get smaller. We are like a large fish who keeps getting larger in a lake that keeps getting smaller.
However, I keep learning new techniques for notaries to get ahead, so if notaries need mentoring advice from me, I am only an email away.
Notary Rotary is amazing in that their resource materials are so vast. Their forum has so much information. 123's forum is catching up a bit with notary rotary, but in these slow times its hard to get momentum. I found that when I really spend time myself developing discussion topics, that really helps significantly.
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vince
Kansas
223 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2008 : 3:59:55 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by jbelmont
Times are slow on all the directories. Notary work is harder and harder to come by. When notaries ask us which directories are the most effective, we mention our directory - 123notary, as well as our competitor notary rotary, and there are a few other good ones too. Many directories and yellow pages are ranking well in google's search results, but I don't know how effective they are.
Notary Rotary continues to do a great job with the format they have. Competition is good and 123notary has been making wonderful strides with marketing and features available to both Notaries and Vendors. Perhaps Jeremy could share the amount of growth he's had over the last couple of years. |
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jbelmont
California
1036 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2008 : 2:43:05 PM
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Times are slow on all the directories. Notary work is harder and harder to come by. When notaries ask us which directories are the most effective, we mention our directory - 123notary, as well as our competitor notary rotary, and there are a few other good ones too. Many directories and yellow pages are ranking well in google's search results, but I don't know how effective they are.
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inotarize
Alabama
30 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2008 : 3:49:29 PM
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One of the things I have learned is that a site that may be good for me, here in Alabama, may not be good for someone in New York. So I take that in consideration before I pay to have my profile listed. If it is free, I don't worry about it. I just build my profile.
The three sites that work best for me so far are: 123notary, NotaryRotary and SigningAgent.com.
I will continue to renew these memberships - at least for the next 12 months.
Michelle L. Riley
Huntsville Mobile Notary - We Come To You!
http://www.huntsvillemobilenotary.com |
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apaloosa
12 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2008 : 7:08:50 PM
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I have a free listing on Notary Rotary - about 1/2 my biz comes from them!
Apaloosa |
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Prosigner
California
24 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2007 : 12:36:08 AM
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I have ordered the free cards from Giggleprint. Yes, they do have their slogan on the back/bottom of the card. For "give aways" they are fine. I liked the selection for templates too; a lot of cute ones. For the better quality cards, I'm going to try your FX suggestion, Joan.
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joanbergst
California
289 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2007 : 4:30:49 PM
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Kelly,
Do these business cards have giggleaprint.com on the back of their cards that vistaprint.com has on their free business cards?
I will definitely check out this new website for business cards. Thanks for the info.
Joan Bergstrom
24/7 To Riverside & San Bernardino Counties.
State Notary exam teacher for www.notaryclasses.com
www.joanbergstromnotarypublic.com
joan.bergstrom@yahoo.com
Cell: 951-522-4919
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Edited by - joanbergst on 07/08/2007 4:33:32 PM |
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Kelly
California
105 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 01:51:18 AM
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I know that Business Cards weren't a part of the original post, but before I forget, I want to pass along a recommendation that Rena Renagal gave me for cards: http://www.GigglePrint.com
I ordered their freebie 250 (just like vistaprint) and they are fantastic. I'll look for another place to post this!
Awesome Workshops at http://www.LoanSigner101.com
kelly
Kelly Robertson, California Notary Education Instructor
Practical Applicaton Workshops at www.LoanSigner101.com
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joanbergst
California
289 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2007 : 5:34:08 PM
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I think notaryrotary.com offered these free business cards a year ago and then never offered them again.
The last thing you need is to be advertising another company on your business card. www.vistaprint.com offers free cards but don't buy them and instead buy their premium cards at their great price. They have the best quality for the price available!
Check out www.greatfxbusinesscards.com to know all about how a business should print, exchange, and how to increase your business by a great business card.
Joan Bergstrom
24/7 To Riverside & San Bernardino Counties.
State Notary exam teacher for www.notaryclasses.com
www.joanbergstromnotarypublic.com
joan.bergstrom@yahoo.com
Cell: 951-522-4919
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GF_CA
61 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2007 : 3:51:00 PM
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| I have those cards too from notaryrotary and, yes, they were free. |
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Prosigner
California
24 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2007 : 04:50:45 AM
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| Oh My Gosh! I attended a mixer and met a guy from the hgh desert here in So Cali -- we exchanged business cards and he had one with Notary Rotary ALL OVER IT. Hellooooo, nothing like buying business cards from a company that is basically advertising themselves all over!!! I can't say his name because he's worried about retribution, but he says he is a regular poster on Notary Rotary and told me he got them because they were free so why not!??? "Afraid of Retribution"?? What's that about, OMG. |
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LindaH
Florida
731 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2007 : 03:31:45 AM
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Overlook some of the attitudes there and I've learned a great deal from some of the posters - there are some very knowledgeable people posting there.
Linda
www.gogetnotary.com/get/LindaH |
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dfye@mcttelecom.com
New Hampshire
665 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2007 : 01:38:52 AM
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I could not make much sense out of the forum at notaryrotary.com. I did see, however, lots of bad attitudes.
Legal Eagle Para Professional Services |
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LindaH
Florida
731 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2007 : 12:47:53 AM
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I belong to several websites - 123Notary, Notary Rotary and SigningAgent.com (the NNA website) have provided me the most business over the past year. Renewal time is just around the corner and many are going to fall by the wayside. I just recently (March, I think) joined Certified Signing Agents and, so far, no business from them.
Linda
www.gogetnotary.com/get/LindaH |
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joanbergst
California
289 Posts |
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Prosigner
California
24 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 2:12:09 PM
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JoanBergst - are you addressing your question to me or the other poster? I'm confused.. sorry! I see two posts quoted on yours.
I just got a spot on 123 and even though I'm 8th place, I'm still getting calls. Carmen is a doll!
In case you were addressing me, I like 123 - I don't like Notary Rot. Their chat board stinks. Too many people full of themselves.
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joanbergst
California
289 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2007 : 11:21:32 AM
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I'm a little confused about your post, do you get all your work from Notaryrotary.com or from 123notary.com?quote:
Originally posted by timgatewood
Yes, some of the forum posters there are very passionate and not very interested in logical arguments.
Even so, I am listed there and get an occasional call from it. I really like their Modern Journal of Notarial Events, as I have found it is the best journal for the way that I do signings -- especially when the docs happen to be one of those types listed in the boxes. It is as well put made as the NNA journals and more useful at a lower cost. So, I highly recommend their journal and their free listing.
I also like that they had the good sense not to reinvent the wheel by coming up with their own NSA book -- they sell the one from The Signing Registry by Kathy L. Poston.
Otherwise, if you can ignore the temptation to correct the lowbrows and the folks who refuse to think well of others, you can get some good info the forum there.
-- TimG_Memphis/TN
quote:
Originally posted by Prosigner
I've watched the chat board at Notary Rotary and am appalled at the offensive language. Obviously, it's not monitored and if it is, the owner does not care. I like the yahoo group and a few other boards much better and I wouldn't waste my money on such trash.
Notary Memphis
Serving Memphis & west Tenn.
Joan Bergstrom
24/7 To Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
Over 3500 Loan Signings
www.joanbergstromnotarypublic.com
joan.bergstrom@yahoo.com
Cell: 951-522-4919
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Edited by - joanbergst on 05/04/2007 11:22:15 AM |
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Shannon
California
278 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2007 : 12:05:15 PM
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Glad to see this 123 board lighting up again...no matter what the subject.....It has been very quiet around here.
"A Quick Note"
WWW.AQUICKNOTE.NET |
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timgatewood
Tennessee
15 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2007 : 11:26:08 AM
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Yes, some of the forum posters there are very passionate and not very interested in logical arguments.
Even so, I am listed there and get an occasional call from it. I really like their Modern Journal of Notarial Events, as I have found it is the best journal for the way that I do signings -- especially when the docs happen to be one of those types listed in the boxes. It is as well put made as the NNA journals and more useful at a lower cost. So, I highly recommend their journal and their free listing.
I also like that they had the good sense not to reinvent the wheel by coming up with their own NSA book -- they sell the one from The Signing Registry by Kathy L. Poston.
Otherwise, if you can ignore the temptation to correct the lowbrows and the folks who refuse to think well of others, you can get some good info the forum there.
-- TimG_Memphis/TN
quote:
Originally posted by Prosigner
I've watched the chat board at Notary Rotary and am appalled at the offensive language. Obviously, it's not monitored and if it is, the owner does not care. I like the yahoo group and a few other boards much better and I wouldn't waste my money on such trash.
Notary Memphis
Serving Memphis & west Tenn. |
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Judith_NY
New York
3 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2007 : 06:28:09 AM
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I've had a free membership with NotRot for well over a year, and with the exception of the SS that "discovered" me a few years back, every single closing I've had since I retired came from that listing (I now get work from over 30 SSs and TCs, all of whom found me there, and I sure don't have any special listing or spot in the queue). In fact, I found NotaryRotary while doing a search for that original SS (found a message about them on the Forum). I've only been a member here for a short while, and frankly, I found THIS site only from a post on NotaryRotary. (I admit, I'm pretty lacksadaisical about proactively searching for notary sites, though. I haven't done any marketing at all - just taken what's come my way up 'til now.) I think it may just be a matter of location and competition. There isn't much near me (hear me breathe a sigh of relief!)
Judith |
Edited by - Judith_NY on 03/22/2007 06:29:54 AM |
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Prosigner
California
24 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2007 : 06:11:50 AM
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| I've watched the chat board at Notary Rotary and am appalled at the offensive language. Obviously, it's not monitored and if it is, the owner does not care. I like the yahoo group and a few other boards much better and I wouldn't waste my money on such trash. |
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Kelly
California
105 Posts |
Posted - 12/21/2006 : 9:02:33 PM
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I paid for a Premium Top Spot on NR for years and never, ever got a call that I know of. Definitely a complete waste of money.
Kelly Robertson
Canyon Lake, California |
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citynotary
2 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2006 : 12:15:02 PM
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| I currently work with a signing service that uses 123notary 99% of the time. I have to say that I have not gotten any calls myself from notary rotary, however, I have signed on for the free service and have only been on for a week or so. Any ideas as to how I can jump start my business?? I really would like to do this full time and am located on the border of los angeles and orange counties. Thanks!! |
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GF_CA
61 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 3:29:36 PM
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| I get 70% of my call from notary rotary, I'm a premier member in the first 3 position. I get 25% from 123 notary, only because I'm in #8 position, but I really like this site. I think that all the notary need to be register in this site. |
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6283
California
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2006 : 02:43:56 AM
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| Mike/Ca I am considering signing up with notary rotary as well.Where in California are you.I am in the bay area. |
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catmama47
25 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 09:17:53 AM
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I have a free membership with notaryrotary. To be honest, I have not had any response. I even e mailed the founder of the web site asking where listings 26 to ? were for the basic and premimum members. I have not had any response. Kinda makes you wonder?? Anyone out there who's paid for their listing and recieved any inquiries??
Catmama47 |
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catmama47
25 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2006 : 09:15:37 AM
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I have had great success with 123 Notary! I've gotten great response to my listing and I will be renewing my listing for 2007!
Catmama47 |
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Ruth Simons
29 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2006 : 03:23:11 AM
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| I can only remember a few calls that I have received from my listing with notaryrotary.com, but they have led into on-going business for me. |
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mike-ca
Nevada
10 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2004 : 03:19:06 AM
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I am a signing agent listed with the nna and notaryrotary and get far more calls on notaryrotary.
mike/ca |
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n/a
1 Posts |
Posted - 10/29/2004 : 1:06:27 PM
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I have had wonderful results with 123notary. I would have to say that 50% of my business does come from Notaryrotary.com.
Susan Marlowe |
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Dear Signing Agents,
123notary.com vs. Notaryrotary.com
