Service Link Lowering Notary Fees

I have been reading for several weeks that Service Link, a national document signing company, has been calling notaries asking them to lower their fees in order to stay in their database. I had not received that call until today...

Brittany calls to tell me that they are requesting that I lower my fee to $45 for overnight and $55 for edocs and if I did not lower my fees then I couldn't expect to receive any future calls and that a "ton" of notaries had already accepted this new lower fee. Well, I proceeded to tell her that I could not be a part of that "ton" so I was not accepting their new lower fee schedule and thanked her time before I got off the phone.

Just last week I received an edoc signing from Service Link for $90 so $45 would be an exact 50% pay cut! I do not know who can live off a 50% pay cut but I can not. It is really sad that while these companies still make millions they are attacking the easiest target, the independent notary. I have not made $50 for a loan signing since I first became a notary 7 years ago and I refuse to go backward. 

If all notaries said no then Service Link would have no choice but to stop their bullying and pay us what we're worth! I will find another line of work before I accept these kind rates.

AAN - Serving Notaries Nationwide

When you are a professional it is always smart to join a professional association that represents your field. Associations enable you to network, keep you up to date with changes in your industry and they help you promote your business. One class act notary association is the American Association of Notaries.

The AAN began in 1994 offering memberships to Texas notaries but quickly became a full-service company, assisting notaries with the application, appointment, and bonding processes, and offering a wide range of quality notary seals, supplies, and products.

They offer education, advocacy, service and membership. You can also sign up for a free monthly newsletter.

Good Notary Advice

Notary Tips is a PDF prepared by the State of New Mexico for their notaries but it offers useful information for all notaries nationwide. It lists basic reminders on how to perform a notarization and how to avoid practicing UPL (unauthorized practice of law). A great print out to refer to.

Successful Notary Tip #13 - Don't Overthink the Job

The job of a notary is to mitigate fraud by verifying the identity of the signer and by acting as an impartial witness to the signing of the document (s). The job of a notary is not too get overly involved in the process by reading the document, asking the signers inappropriate questions like why they are signing the document or what the document is being used for or to give their opinion regarding the document. The most we should be doing is reviewing the document for completeness.

The more responsibility to you take for the document, the more responsibility you assume. In the case you are ever called into court you will have answer for what you know and I would prefer to only answer questions about my part as the notary.

A notary's job is important but we are not attorneys nor do we receive their salary or their headaches so don't over think the job. Have fun as it is never a dull day as a notary because no two days are ever the same.

2011 Loan Rescission Calendar

Loan rescission calendars are helpful to figure out the 3-day right to cancel period for borrowers refinancing their home. There are several versions available online but I personally like the one at Notary Rotary.

You can also view the loan rescission calendars at Notary Classes, PPDocs and North County Title.

New Long Beach Notary Profile

I just added my profile to Thumbtack.com! They are looking for new service professionals so register today.