Hustle
Let’s go on a journey.
Yesterday, I needed one document notarized. I went to four places before it was complete.
1. Branch Office of International Ship/Copy/Print Service
A new office with a helpful looking gentleman. They were my first choice as they advertised this service on their website and they are close to my office.
Me: “Hi, do you have notary public services?”
Him: “Oh, we stopped offering that earlier this year. You can try ***** Bank down the way or ***** Bank across the street, they may have it.”
Takeaway - It’s not profitable for us but we’ll at least point you somewhere else (which I really did appreciate).
2. Branch Office of Large Bank
It is a new office, looks nice, everyone smiles.
Me: “Hi, do you all have notary public services?”
Her: “Hmm, umm, oohh, yess, umm, but, yes she’s out for lunch and will be back in 30 mins.”
Takeaway - We charge a $2 fee per document; it’s not profitable for us to have more than one person as a notary.
3. Branch Office of Other Large Bank
It is a an old office, looks Government-y.
Me: “Hi, do you all have notary public services.”
Him: “Absolutely sir! You have an account with us, right?”
Me: “No.”
Him: “Oh, I’m sorry, we only offer that for members.”
Me (inside my head): “It’s a stamp on a piece of paper.”
Me (to the gentleman): “Even for a fee? I’d be willing to pay a fee.”
Him: “I’m sorry sir, we only offer that if you have an account. There is a print/shipping service in the corner of this mall if you’d like to try them.”
Takeaway - We’d rather pressure you into being a member than to have you actually appreciate us and draw you away from your current bank with our awesomeness. (I did appreciate the suggestion for another place, though.)
4. Small Two-Person Business in Corner of Strip Mall
This place sells EVERYTHING. Bras, shoes, pants, lotto tickets, international music, CD/DVD rentals, calling cards, print services,EVERYTHING. And it is a hole in the wall.
Me: “Do you all have Notary Public Services?”
Her: “Yes.”
She sits down, pulls out her book, takes my piece of paper, asks for my ID, reviews, signs the paper and fills out her registry.
Me, without being prompted: “Thank you! How much will that be?”
Her: “$5.”
Me, happily: “Here ya go!”
Takeaway - They are in business to make money. Not to have rules or bureaucracy or to be snobs. If you need something, and you’ll pay for it, they will get. It. Done.
Guess which one of these four business models is my favorite?
