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Gadsden Investigations

U.S. Army Veteran | Licensed Private Investigator - AL Lic # 839

5 Basic Questions to Ask When Hiring a PI

Private Investigators can work for a variety of patrons: attorneys, human resource professionals, individuals, claims adjusters, and risk-minded corporations. They all hire private investigators to collect information.

Please don’t think that PIs work portrays any of the entertainment aspects that seen on TV. Movie and television shows do not accurately reflect the truth. But ironically, that’s what PIs do, the find the truth. They are factfinders often obtaining hard to get information for a fee.  

If you’re new to hiring a private investigator, you’ll want to ask a few questions.

Here are 5 basic questions you’ll want to ask when hiring a private investigator:

  1. ARE YOU LICENSED?

A license is the accepted standard for private investigators. It’s required by most states for a PI to hold an operating license. Have your PI submit a copy of their license or board-issued registration number before you hire them.

  1. IS MY INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL?

Privacy is paramount; discretion is irreplaceable. Can your prospective PI be discreet when conducting the investigation? PIs should be familiar with password protection, VPNs, two-step authentication, and more. Your initial consultation should be top secret.

  1. DO I NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT?

PIs need something in writing. Typical contracts come in the form of a letter of engagement or client agreement. Signing a contract guarantees both parties are in agreement to work together. Handshake agreements are nice for a PI’s current clients, but new clients take on a degree of uncertainty. Expect to sign on the dotted line.

  1. DOES YOUR PI HAVE AN ONLINE PRESENCE?

PIs are still business professionals although they often must work in the shadows. A businesses’ website is their neon sign and poor content and design show low standards. A social media presence displays thought leadership and expertise. Can you find your PI with a simple Google query? If not, run!

  1. HOW MUCH DOES A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR COST?

PIs don’t work for free. An upfront retainer covers startup costs. This might be a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on the locality, case type, and length. PIs can charge flat fees for each service, and others charge hourly rates. Expect to pay expenses like mileage, travel time, and lodging. Make sure you know how much your PI will charge before they begin. A key takeaway is that you get what you pay for – hiring a low-price PI can lead to low-quality results.

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