Notaries often ask, “Why do I have to pay to get signings?” It’s a fair question, but it’s essential to understand that signings are part of a business. Much like any service-based industry, there are costs involved at every step of the process, and notaries, just like signing companies, are in business to make money, not to provide free services.
Let’s put it into perspective: when you enter the loan signing business, your goal is to earn substantial fees—$100, $150, or even $250 per signing. These are earnings that you expect because you offer a valuable service, and you have financial responsibilities like everyone else. You likely have a family to support, bills to pay, and business expenses such as supplies, insurance, and education to keep your notary business running smoothly. No one expects you to work for free, so why should signing companies or platforms?
Think of it this way: Eating is a basic human need, something we all have to do every day. But we don’t ask, “Why do I have to pay for my food?” Just as restaurants and grocery stores have operating expenses like rent, utilities, and wages, so too do signing platforms and companies. They need to cover their costs, and providing you with access to signing opportunities is a service they offer in exchange for a fee. This is their business model, just as your business model is providing loan signing services for a fee.
The notary signing industry involves multiple parties—lenders, title companies, and signing services—working together to facilitate smooth transactions for borrowers. When borrowers pay for notary services as part of their loan process, they don’t question why they’re paying $200 for the service; it’s simply part of the cost. Similarly, when you, as a notary, seek out signings, the platforms and signing companies you rely on are offering a service by connecting you with opportunities.
These platforms don’t operate for free. They have office spaces to rent, employees to pay, utilities to keep the lights on, and technology to maintain. Without paying for these services, the infrastructure that connects notaries to signings wouldn’t exist.
In conclusion, the signing business is just that—a business. While you expect to be paid for your work as a notary, those offering you the chance to find signings need to cover their costs too. It’s not about paying for the “privilege” of getting signings; it’s about understanding the economic reality of running a business. Just as you wouldn’t work for free, neither can the platforms and services that help you find clients and grow your business.
Next time you wonder, “Why do I have to pay for signings?” remember that you’re part of an ecosystem where everyone is striving to earn a living—and paying for the tools to help you succeed is a necessary investment in your business.
By Hannah Chen