I have always tried to explain how I work in hopes that I clear up misconceptions about what I do as a private investigator.
In many ways a private investigator is like a building contractor or many professional trades-people. I have regular clients, specialties and skill sets. When I am busy with regular clients, mostly lawyers, I am going to be reluctant to take time away to pursue new business. Like a busy contractor, I don’t want to take too much time away from regular business that is guaranteed to pay and to also bring repeat business.
Most private investigators making a living have regular clients. I estimate about 70-percent of my income comes from lawyers, law offices and the legal community. The work flow for anyone who is self-employed or has their own business can vary quite a bit. My point in writing this is to explain how I try to pick my private clients.
I would always rather spend 15 or 20 minutes on the phone to see if we are a match than to set up an in-person meeting but I am willing to meet in person if paid for the consultation. I know that some situations are sensitive, complex, etc and would be best explained face-to-face.
OUR SKILL SETS, WHAT WE DO WELL DAILY:
- Surveillance in domestic matters, insurance defense, workers’ compensation claims
- Locating and interviewing people
- Background checks in legal and other cases, locating public records
- Investigating fraud and identity theft
- Photography and video
- Activity checks and determining residency
- Difficult service of legal process
If there are areas outside my levels of expertise or if you need an investigation in another party of the country, I will try to refer you directly to another investigations professional.
HOW WE NEED TO MATCH:
- Can I realistically produce results? There are no guarantees but my reputation grows based on my results. I am often painfully honest in assessing situations.
- Matters of budget. I will quote you a retainer price.
- Deadlines. When do you need the information? I will tell you how long it will likely take.
- Temperament and personality. This doesn’t have to be exact but we should be able to communicate and work well together.
What I have always liked about my business is that it is especially results-driven and you are only as good as your last case. I do want to help most people but we both have to make sure we are a match.
