From books to movies to television, the life of a private investigator gets portrayed as adventurous, dangerous, and glamorous. The truth is the job of a private eye involves many duties and responsibilities that appear fun but are of the utmost importance to your clients. People come to private detectives regarding some of the most serious matters they've ever encountered, from finding missing loved ones to confirming suspicions of marital infidelity. An inability to take it seriously will result in business failure.
With that said, starting a private detective service is a feasible business opportunity for those with the skills and resources required. But before diving headfirst into the private eye business, it's essential to know what it takes to do so successfully.
Here are seven tips for those thinking about starting their own private investigation service:
Know the law
The laws governing and regulating private investigators vary from state to state. Some jurisdictions require extensive experience and expertise, while others barely ask for more than a registration fee. However, like with most business entities, all private eye services are expected to be fully licensed and insured. Check all applicable laws before moving forward with plans to open a private detective service.
Take courses
Whether required by law or not, those lacking basic investigative instincts and self-defense skills should take one or more accredited courses on these and similarly relevant subjects. Doing so prepares you for the delicate nature of P.I. work while also equipping you with the means to defend yourself in the event of a violent confrontation. Make a point to pass with flying colors - not only does this mean you've successfully mastered the material, but it also signals to clients that you're a serious professional.
Practice makes perfect
Avoid having your first case be your first go at covert surveillance and investigative research. Instead, get the permission of one or more friends or family members to perform a trial run or two on them. All this boils down to is seeing if you can successfully tail them at some point during the day without them noticing. Since nobody wants their privacy invaded - whether innocently or not - set clear boundaries before going forward. If done correctly, this form of practice amounts to a harmless game of cat and mouse.
Invest in quality equipment
This is where things start getting serious. That's because you'll be spending several thousand dollars on the equipment required to run a successful private detective agency. The list of essentials includes everything from an evidence locker to high-end video surveillance equipment. Depending on the laws in your state, GPS trackers and audio recording devices may also be necessary. Lastly, depending on the nature of the investigation, private detectives may need to be armed. This means handguns and other deadly weapons, which don't come cheap. However, the right tools are essential for getting the job done right.
Price competitively
Odds are you aren't the only private eye in town. If you're starting the business now, the competition has been around for years - possibly decades - requiring competitive pricing to lure clients your way. Start by researching the other private detective agencies in your region and finding out how much they charge. Crunch the numbers and find a way to match their price - undercut it if possible - and let that be your starting price range. Over time, you may be able to raise your prices, but doing so from the get-go will make it difficult to acquire a starter list of clientele.
Hire the right people
Many private detective agencies start as one person working alone but eventually expand into small businesses with multiple staff members. With this in mind, it's essential to hire the right people. From administrative assistants to fellow investigators, make sure to run background checks on all new hires. While having a background in law enforcement tends to be the gold standard, military and security experience should also be considered.
Use inconspicuous vehicles
The majority of the time spent in the field as a private eye is spent behind the wheel of a car. You're either on a stakeout, performing surveillance, tailing someone around town, or driving to-and-from various locations. Regardless of the situation, you need an inconspicuous-looking vehicle to avoid detection. Early-model minivans and sedans with dull paint colors - such as beige and gray - are considered the best options. However, since you don't want the check engine light to come on in the middle of a tail, the performance and durability of the car must also be taken into account. Scheduled maintenance is also crucial in ensuring your vehicle doesn't break down.
While the life of a private eye may not be as flashy and thrilling as it seems in fiction, starting a private detective service is a practical option for those with the skills and resources required to get the job done right. With that said, starting a business is always a challenging prospect. With the correct planning and preparation, you'll soon be providing clients with the answers they so desperately seek - and making a good living along the way!
