Money matters, but the truth is priceless. That sounds like a good tagline for any business. However, there is a point to be made that you get what you pay for, or rather expect the quality of your experience to be reflected in the quantity of cash you have to dole out.
So one’s first inclination when looking for a private investigator is to shop around. But what criteria should you be looking for?
The first thought in this vetting process is to make sure that you’re dealing with a professional. Someone that is licensed and therefore recognizes the laws and practices associated with the investigation.
Now, once you’ve found a pro, what separates the one you should hire to the ones you should pass on? Well how do you learn about something? Seek out an expert. Find someone who specializes and has experience with the specific type of case you need to be addressed or solved.
In this situation, a jack of all trades but a master of none is not what you’re looking for; because you already know the questions you need to be answered, seek out the specialist.
Okay, now as we narrow down the potential pool, the next question is how much should you pay and what type of payment system should we use?
That depends on the nature of the task at hand: is it simple, short, and sweet like a background check (in which case a flat rate makes sense)? An hourly rate may seem appealing, especially if that rate is low. However, the crucial flaw in that structure is that it incentives extending the duration of the job. The quicker the situation is resolved, the sooner one can move forward so time is of the essence.
In any event, it’s best to look into those that will be looking into things for you, so that you can understand their background and methods and forge a level of trust.
You don’t want any private investigator, you want the one that best fits your needs and expectations. So instead of picking a name out of a hat, do some investigating.
