An Anderson private investigator can provide discreet and competent services in various situations, such as evidence needed for child custody or background checks on a potential employee. When considering hiring a PI, one of the first issues you need to know is how much you have to pay.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some of the most important factors that influence the fee charged by a private investigator. You can contact us today for a free consultation.
The Type of Services You Need
PIs can help individuals and businesses with various types of cases, with different degrees of complexity. Some of these services involve accessing privileged information and obtaining evidence that is admissible in court. Examples of such services involve:
- Forensic accounting during divorce procedures
- Parent investigations in child custody cases
- Identifying employee fraud and theft.
Thus, the more complex the type of service you need, the higher the fee will be.
The Investigator’s Experience
An Anderson private investigator has to undergo specialized training and certification. Also, over the years, a PI develops experience and a network of contacts helping them solve the most difficult cases.
As you know, you always get what you pay for. Thus, if you want a professional PI who delivers the promised results, you need to consider paying a fair fee for their services.
Make sure you check if any potential candidate is licensed as a private investigator. An unlicensed PI may obtain information illegally, which could cause you legal troubles.
Additional Expenses Incurred during the Service
To obtain the information you need, private investigators have to travel, pay for access to information, and incur legal fees. You will be billed for all of these additional costs:
- Flights and car rentals
- Accommodation
- Toll fees
- Administrative costs
- Court appearances.
A reputable PI will send you all the relevant bills and receipts so that you have a clear and transparent idea of what you have to pay.
In very complex and difficult cases, private investigators may charge an additional fee if they have to put themselves in danger in order to complete the mission they were hired for.
The Location Where the PI Operates
As you know, living costs and business operating costs differ from place to place. In smaller towns and boroughs, business taxes and related costs are lower than in large cities.
Thus, a private investigator fee will reflect these aspects.
Is It Worthwhile Hiring a PI?
As you start adding up costs, you may wonder whether you should go ahead and hire a private investigator or find other ways to solve your problem. Many people are convinced they can get the information or proof they need by themselves.
However, it would be best if you considered the following aspects:
- An investigation can take days or weeks – can you really afford to miss work so much time?
- You do not have the expertise required to identify all the helpful sources of information
- Even if you know what to look for, your actions may be breaking the law if you are not a licensed PI.
A classic example in this respect is breaking into your spouse’s mobile phone to prove adultery. This is illegal and any evidence you may obtain will not be admissible in court.
Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Anderson Private Investigator!
Whenever you need clear answers, Upstate Private Investigators can help you obtain them legally and discreetly. We have experience working in divorce and child custody cases and in commercial fraud investigations, among others.
You will get a clear estimate and all the bills justifying our additional expenses. We are honest and thorough. Call us now at 864-671-4040 to schedule your free consultation!