Can You Go Too Far When Advertising Your Services?

SITUATION: Hoping to increase your Notary business, you decide to advertise in newspapers and in the Yellow Pages. But to stand out from the other ads, you decide to publish a statement guaranteed to attract attention; something like, "I guarantee the lowest prices you've ever seen, or I'll set my hair on fire!" or "I will notarize anywhere, anytime — and even dress as your favorite cartoon character!" Is that OK?

ANSWER: Although this is not expressly illegal, the National Notary Association strongly recommends that you refrain from using any outrageous slogans or statements, because such acts lower the dignity and professionalism of the Notary Public office. Article I-D-I of The Notary Public Code Of Professional Responsibility states that Notaries "shall not advertise notarial services in an undignified or excessively commercial manner." Bizarre or outlandish statements in a notarial ad treat the Notary office in such a manner and should be avoided.