Supplies:
There are really not that many supplies that you will need, but these are the supplies that I use and keep on hand. That includes business cards – you will definitely need some of those. It seems like there is always a Business Card printing deal to be had somewhere, so just keep your eyes open. I got a deal at VistaPrint.com, designed and printed 500 Business Cards at a good price.
Recommendation #1: After you design your Business Card, press pause. Wait a day or 2 to make sure that the look and feel is exactly what you want. You don’t want to pay to print 500 cards only to realize 2 seconds after you approve them that you hate them or realize they are missing information. Consider taking a screenshot or picture and share with a friend or 2 and get their feedback before you give that final approval to print.
Ideally, your Business Card should have your Business Name, Your Name, note the fact that you are a Notary Signing Agent and how to get ahold of you, phone number and email address. If you are a Member of NNA, it includes their permission to use their NNA Member Logo. This logo carries a lot of weight as NNA is a well-known and well-respected organization in your new industry.
Supplies I Keep on Hand:
2 cases of Letter-size paper (8 ½ X 11) – as a great rule of thumb, when you crack open that 2nd case, go buy another one – you will use a lot of Letter-sized paper.
1 case of Legal-size paper (8 ½ X 14) – as a great rule of thumb, when you crack open that last ream, go buy another case – you won’t use a lot, so a case of Legal-size paper will last you a lot longer than the Letter-size.
Blue Pens (almost everything has to be signed in blue ink these days) – I buy BIC blue stick pens in boxes of 240 on Amazon.com.
Black Pens (only a few, because there are times…) stick pens are fine.
1 Can of Air – I eventually upgraded to a rechargeable electronics vacuum / blower. Works like a charm.
1 Stapler with a box of Staples
Large Paper Clips – no small paper clips, please. I hate small paper clips. I have large hands and small paperclips are nearly useless to me. Don’t even get me started on plastic paperclips – they are simply gauche and should be banned.
Binder Clips – Small
Binder Clips – Medium
1 box of Manilla Envelopes – 10 X 13 (optional)
1 box of Manilla Envelopes – 10 X 15 (optional)
A good, comfortable blue pen for you – you will need it – keep several on hand.
2 Letter trays (or more) 1 for Upcoming Signings and 1 for Completed and Waiting to be Paid Signings.
Sticky Note arrows or Sign Here notes – when you first start, you may need these to help you remember where folks have to sign. As you gain experience, you can do away with them if you want.
A good briefcase / messenger bag / satchel / tote bag – whatever you plan to show up toting your stuff in. Remember to keep it professional. Don’t feel like you can’t make it personal, you can have 20 bags and change them out to match your outfit or just one in basic black. Whatever works for you.
Recommendation #2: Avoid anything with logos or writing that might offend. Consider that you never know who your Signer might be, who they might support or what side of a social or political issue they might find themselves on. You are there to get signatures, not make a statement – political or otherwise.
Supplies that you may need later:
1 black refill ink – for your Notary stamp. I use the roll-on refill from Office Depot to occasionally freshen up my Notary stamp pad.
1 pack of Notary Stamp refill pads – your pad will eventually wear down and need to be replaced.
My idea of organized it not likely your idea of organized. These lists are just what I think it takes to get started and a couple of items you may want eventually. Edit as you see fit.
Recommendation #3: Keep an eye out for sales on office supplies. You will be amazed what you can find and how much money you can save sometimes.
In the forums, there is a thread talking about a Notary that found cases of Letter paper at Costco (I think) for $11.xx each, basically just over $1 for each ream. If memory serves, she bought 10 cases – a great deal if you have the money and the space. I was pointed to a grocery store weekly ad by a friend that had up to 8 reams of Letter paper on sale with Shopper Card for $2.49 per ream – usually, even on sale, a case of Letter-size paper around here will cost $40 or $4 per ream or more. It is good to have friends. I ended up with 56 reams of paper. And, when a local bank branch was closing, they were giving away all variety of office supplies, including Legal-sized paper. I walked away with 32 reams of Legal sized paper, for free. Don’t forget that when an Office Supply store closes, they will discount everything. I stocked up on a bunch of stuff for 70% off last year and shouldn’t need any supplies for some time. Just a heads up, when not on sale, a 10 ream case of paper could run you $80 to $100.
Email Address:
About your email address. You need a professional email address. You can spend a few bucks and get FirstName@YourCompanyName.com or something similar or just use Gmail or Yahoo. The custom email address is better, but a good, professional appearing Gmail or Yahoo email address will suffice.
Do not use your personal email. While llamarescue@email.com or HotDadBod1@aol.com may give you warm fuzzies, it is simply bad form and no one wants to see that on your Business Card.
Workspace / Office:
You don’t have to have a designated Workspace or Office, but it helps. Especially, if you want to write off any expenses on your taxes relating to a “Home Office” and don’t forget, you will regularly be dealing with sensitive information and no one but you should have access to it…not even a spouse, significant other, loved one or your Mother. In fact, it is especially frowned upon to even consider asking your spouse or significant other to log into your work email and print documents for you while you’re busy away from your computer. While having a designated workspace is preferred, having a place to put away and lock up sensitive papers will definitely help, if you don’t.
TX Notary Guy 
Leave a comment