Reasonable Pay For An Unreasonable Request

As a mobile notary, I get this sort of thing occasionally:

A potential client calls (usually a mortgage broker or title company representative), needing a loan signing today in a town that's located two hours from me. Because of the lengthy drive involved, I tell him I'd have to charge him considerably extra to do the job, so I suggest that he can save some money by locating a notary situated closer to the destination city. He offers me a slightly increased fee, but not nearly enough to cover my added travel expense. I respectfully turn down the job, thanking him for his offer and letting him know that if he is unable to find another notary, I will be glad to get the job done for him, but at a higher pay rate.

This can be tricky. On the one hand, I don't like turning down jobs and turning away business. On the other, I have to make a reasonable profit for my efforts. What factors influence my decision in a situation like this?

For one thing, there's the client's attitude. If he comes across as rude, fast-talking, impersonal, and inconsiderate, my desire to work with him is diminished. If he isn't familiar with the geographical areas involved, I try to politely explain why I would have to receive greater compensation than he is offering. Then there are the actual dollar figures being discussed. If he starts relatively low and doesn't go appropriately higher (particularly once he is aware that I'll be driving four hours roundtrip), we probably are not going to agree on the fee.

However, if he recognizes that he is asking for quite a lot on very short notice, and if he understands the value of the service I am providing so that he can get his client properly signed before an impending closing date, he will offer to pay me fairly, and I'm glad to go out of my way to help.

Let me be clear: This is not all about money. Again, the client's attitude plays a key role. He's in a bind, and he's asking for my help, so the more pleasant his attitude, and the more willing he is to negotiate a fee that is reasonable for both of us, the more likely I am to work with him and accommodate his request.

Joel
http://www.drivenotary.com
http://www.sundancenotary.com