Recently, I heard an influencer say in their video that unless the client’s instructions specifically say to use a FedEx or UPS location, they just go ahead and drop the package in a dropbox.

And while I understood the point they were trying to make, I do not agree with it. I also do not think that is the message we should be sending to notaries and signing agents.

Sometimes, this business is not just about doing exactly what the instructions say. Sometimes, it is about following best practices. Sometimes, it is about doing what you know is the right thing to do.

As notaries and signing agents, we are often entrusted with documents that contain a signer’s personal, financial, and confidential information. That is a serious responsibility. Because of that, we should always be thinking about how to protect the package, protect the signer, and protect ourselves.

If a staffed FedEx or UPS location is available, that should always be your first choice.

Why? Because handing the package directly to a carrier employee and receiving a receipt creates a clearer chain of custody. You now have proof of where you dropped the package, when you dropped it, and that it was accepted by the carrier. Once that package is scanned in and receipted, responsibility for the delivery begins to shift to the carrier. That matters.

That receipt can make all the difference if there is ever a question about whether the package was dropped, whether it was dropped on time, or what happened after it left your possession. It is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from unnecessary liability.

A dropbox is different.

When you use a dropbox, there is usually no receipt. There is often no immediate proof that you made the drop. And we all know that dropboxes are not always picked up on time. During busy times of year, especially around the holidays, there can also be delays, theft, or even break-ins. So while a dropbox may be convenient, convenience should not be the deciding factor when more secure options are available.

Now, to be clear, there are absolutely situations where a dropbox is the only realistic option. Some areas do not have a nearby staffed FedEx or UPS location. In those cases, you do what you need to do. But even then, extra precautions should be taken.

If a dropbox is your only option, let the client know. Drop the package as close to pickup time as possible. Document the drop with a photo or video. Do everything you can to show that you handled the package responsibly and securely.

That is very different from choosing a dropbox simply because the instructions did not specifically say otherwise.

This is where professionalism comes in. Best practices are not always spelled out in a confirmation order or client instruction sheet. Sometimes, professionalism means going beyond the bare minimum. It means using judgment. It means making the decision that reduces risk, even when no one specifically told you to do it that way.

At the end of the day, our job is not just to get the package out. Our job is to handle sensitive documents with care and to use the most secure method available whenever possible.

So yes, I heard what the influencer said in the video. But in my opinion, if you have access to a staffed FedEx or UPS location, that should always be your first choice. Not because the instructions told you to. Because it is the best practice.