How to Respond to Notary Job Requests That Waste Your Time (Scripts Included)
When you’re a new notary, it’s easy to feel like you should accept every job that comes your way. The phone rings, and you immediately want to say “yes.” After all, you don’t want to miss out on experience or income.
But here’s the problem: not every request is worth your time. Some jobs cost more in gas than you’ll ever make back. Some clients aren’t prepared and leave you waiting around with no way to complete the notarization. Others haggle so much that by the time you’re done negotiating, you’ve lost money and peace of mind.
Learning how to spot time-wasting requests and respond to them professionally is one of the most important skills you can develop as a notary. It protects your time, your energy, and your business reputation.
Here are five of the most common time-wasting requests notaries receive—and how to respond to each one without guilt.
1. The Lowball Offer
Every notary will face this. Someone wants your service, but they don’t want to pay your rate. They may even frame it as if they’re doing you a favor: “It’s just one document. Shouldn’t take you long.”
Scenario: A client asks you to notarize multiple documents, drive across town, and “help them out” for $20.
Why It Wastes Your Time: By the time you calculate travel, mileage, prep time, and the notarization itself, you’re making less than minimum wage. Accepting lowball jobs also sets the expectation that your services are negotiable.
How to Respond:
Politely state your minimum fee.
Example script:
“Thank you for reaching out. My minimum fee for mobile notary services is $___, which covers travel and notarization. If that works for you, I’d be happy to assist.”
For Your Knowledge (Not for Clients):
Use my Hourly Rate Calculator and Minimum Fee Worksheet to know your numbers. These tools give you confidence so you can quote without hesitation.
2. The “Too Far” Job
Some requests look fine until you plug the address into your GPS. Suddenly, what sounded like a quick job turns into hours of driving.
Scenario: A client from another county calls asking you to come out for “a quick notarization.”
Why It Wastes Your Time: Unless the fee justifies the travel, you’ll spend more time on the road than at the appointment. Long drives can lock up your entire day and prevent you from taking better-paying, closer jobs.
How to Respond:
Offer them an option to pay a travel fee or find someone closer.
Example script:
“I primarily serve clients within ___ miles of [your city]. For your location, my travel fee would be $___. If you’d prefer, I’d be glad to recommend a notary closer to you.”
This protects your time and leaves the choice with the client.
3. The “Unprepared Signer”
This is one of the most frustrating situations for notaries. You’ve done your part, but the client hasn’t done theirs.
Scenario: You arrive at the appointment only to discover the signer doesn’t have a valid ID, the paperwork isn’t filled out, or the required witnesses aren’t present.
Why It Wastes Your Time: You can’t complete the notarization, but you’ve already driven, spent time preparing, and reserved space on your calendar.
How to Respond:
Head this off with clear confirmation messages before the appointment.
Example confirmation text:
“To complete your notarization, please have a valid government-issued ID, all documents filled out but unsigned, and any required witnesses present at the appointment. If these aren’t ready, we’ll need to reschedule, and a trip fee will apply.”
By laying out the requirements, you protect your schedule and establish your authority as the professional guiding the process.
4. The “Too Many Texts” Request
Information-seeking clients are common. Some are genuinely curious, while others just want reassurance before booking. The problem is when answering endless questions replaces actually scheduling the job.
Scenario: A potential client asks dozens of questions over text about fees, timing, and exceptions—but never commits to an appointment.
Why It Wastes Your Time: You spend valuable energy providing free consulting while serious clients may be waiting for a reply.
How to Respond:
Keep the conversation short and move them toward action.
Example script:
“I’d love to help. My fee is $___, and I have availability on ___. Once you confirm, I’ll send you my booking link to finalize.”
This sets a boundary. They can either book or move on.
5. The “Last-Minute Emergency” That Isn’t
Urgent calls can sometimes be real, but often they’re exaggerated. Clients use the word “emergency” to get attention when they’re not actually ready.
Scenario: A client calls in a panic, saying they need you right now. You shift your day around, but when you follow up, they say they’re “still waiting on documents.”
Why It Wastes Your Time: You’ve rearranged your schedule for someone who didn’t value your time in the first place.
How to Respond:
Have a clear rush fee policy and require payment up front.
Example script:
“I do offer last-minute appointments. My emergency fee is $___ and is due upfront to confirm the appointment.”
This ensures that only serious clients book.
Why Boundaries Are Good for Business
Turning down jobs that don’t serve you isn’t unprofessional—it’s what makes your business sustainable. Every time you say no to a time-waster, you free up space for higher-quality clients who appreciate your expertise.
Boundaries also protect your energy. Notary work often involves tight timelines, detailed documents, and high-stakes situations. You can’t afford to waste your limited time on requests that don’t respect your value.
Think of it this way: every no creates room for a better yes.
Final Thoughts
Not every job request deserves your time. Some are distractions that drain your energy and profits. By spotting these common traps and learning to respond with professionalism, you can protect your schedule, set expectations, and build a business you’re proud of.
The best part? Once you get comfortable setting boundaries, you’ll notice that the quality of your clients improves—and your stress goes way down.
