Things You'll Need:
- Mobile phone, Fax, Laptop/PC, Stationary, Website and Bank Account
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Step 1
If you enlist on a good course it should provide you with relevant information and guidance on how to do this. Besides, starting up your own Private Investigation Agency isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Think about this for a second or two…
All you need is a phone, this can be a mobile phone and doesn’t necessarily have to be a land line. You will need a computer and a printer (most of us have one of these!)
Some stationary and a website. In addition you may need a camera and a camcorder depending on what it is you are going to specialise in. In addition you will need your DPA Number (UK) from the ICO site. -
Step 2
You will also need Personal Indemnity Insurance for up to around £500,000, this costs around £200 per year. John Marsh is a good company to use as you can pay monthly.
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Step 3
Personally, I would become totally focused on the method of “Process Serving” at first, as any Private Investigator will tell you this is the “bread and butter” money of the industry. Again, don’t be daunted, once you have carried out a couple it will become easier and there are many forums around that will help you and guide you in the right direction.
The key to Process Serving is getting it right, each and every time. If you get it wrong it could have disastrous effects on future business with that client. -
Step 4
So how do you get work as a Process Server. Easy really, get your stationary made up first, this has to be profesional and on good quality paper.
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Step 5
Get a website created, make your own or enlist someone to do this for you.
TIP – It pays to get a good professional website and hosting as this will act as your gateway. If you present a crap site what is this saying about you and your business? -
Step 6
Write a good letter, it doesn’t have to be an essay, just start by simply saying “May I introduce my company…”
Go on to say a few lines about your company and what you offer, for example; Process Serving, Tracing Enquiries and so on.
Then, just finish off with “I await your instructions…”
Don’t make it sound desperate but do emphasise your professionalism, discretion and enlist any memberships you hold such as networking groups, WAPI, ABI etc. Also include your DPA number if you haven’t already got one you will need one. Click here to go to the ICO web site -
Step 7
For success, you will need to send off to all the solicitors in your chosen area, you can do this cheaply by using this site. It creates a database for you to download and mail merge with your letter.
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Step 8
Once you have sent your letters out, leave it a week or two then follow them up with a phone call. This sounds costly, especially if you have sent out 300-400 letters but think of everyone as a potential client that could earn you £90, then another £90 if you do a good job!
Its obvious to say that you Will not gain all those customers/clients but if we worked on 1/10 that gives you around 30-40 clients. Slowly but surely they will start sending you work and with that many clients on your books you should be doing OK! – It goes without saying that many of these solicitors will already have a PI doing their work for them, however, what happens when he/she is busy, on holiday, unreliable, messes up etc, etc. There is always an opportunity somewhere! -
Step 9
Remember this; If you sent a nice professional letter, backed up by a good looking website and business card, followed by a phone call, would this make your presence stronger than the other PI who has just started up that simply sent an email or letter without a card or follow up!!! Hmmmmm!
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Step 10
So, there you have it. You WILL find it difficult to get into a Private Investigation Agency to get experience, however, you may consider starting one yourself and “why not?”
For more info go to - http://www.seagalinvestigations.co.uk
Comments
Rosepedal said
on 8/14/2009 I'm currently taking Criminal Justice courses. I was leaning toward the Private Eye section. This information is great for me. I just need to research it here in the US
theprivateeye said
on 8/13/2009 Thank you all guys. http://www.seagalinvestigations.co.uk
neka27 said
on 8/13/2009 Wonderful article babe. 5* and a rec
fitzcents said
on 8/13/2009 Nice to have a PI to read his industry. Thanks! 5*, rec, and a sub too!
cygnetbrown said
on 8/13/2009 Well written article. I'm sure that the idea can be replicated here in the US without too much additional research. This is a good article for drawing business toward your PI business as well.