I need advice from seasoned Process Servers....

I recently got a signed order from a judge to serve civil process. I am bonded and insured. I made the mistake of not really doing a lot of research into the matter before taking these steps, which I know was irresponsible. I have yet to serve one paper, and I need some advice from process servers who have been in the business for a while. For the most part here in this county the majority of papers are served by the constables as well as a couple of seasoned professionals.

Where do I start? Should I do cold contacts, mass mailings, etc.? Do I undercut the competition? Any information would be appreciated. I would love to get this thing rolling to supplement my economically slow P.I. and Bail Bond business.

Thanks.

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Joshua P. Woodby
P.I./Surety Agent/Washington Co. TN Appointed Process Server
Owner, A Beagle Investigations and Process Service
TN P.I. License #6232, TN P.I. Company License #1496
Senior Agent, A Bail Away Bonding Company Inc.
T.A.P.B.A. Certification Always Current

There should be a 'price list' at the Circuit Court as to what is paid per service . . . put yourself together an introduction letter along with a 'price list' on a separate sheet and go visit some of your local attorneys. This intro letter should include your 'appointment' area
Good Luck! I started serving papers back in 2006 and tho it has been a bit slow at times out of nowhere it pays a bill.
Also carry your cards with you and when you happen to be speaking to an attorney just casually mention that you now serve papers and hand them your card. These are cards that CAN be handed out in Court unlike our BB cards.

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Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty, or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light, or look the world in the face .... Marcus Antonius

I AM Some Folks "KARMA" and A MODERATOR @ FRN

Cold contacts, mass mailings, advertising, etc is a good way to start. Keep following up until you start getting some business, then use that to leverage yourself into more business. DO NOT undercut your competitors. You are only shorting yourself in the long run, and will lose the business as soon as somebody cheaper comes along and does the same to you. Set your prices at a fair rate and what is normal for your area. You are in it to make money, just like everything else you do. Getting work doesn't make much sense if you're paying or losing more than you're making in gas and time.

If you provide quality work, your reputation will precede you.

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Kathy Blackshear
Blackshear Investigations
Blackshear Bail Bonds
Sales Associate, Prepaid Legal Services, Inc.
Walsenburg, CO

Proud Member of the AB Reject Club

She always says it so much better

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Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty, or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light, or look the world in the face .... Marcus Antonius

I AM Some Folks "KARMA" and A MODERATOR @ FRN

better to make professional alliances than enemies..who knows, 1 day you may need to collaborate on a case with 1 of your competitors. People who use others, manipulate others, cut throats, backstab etc. may be successful in the short run, but it always comes back around.."Karma, what goes around comes around."

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

"The taste of poor service far outlasts the initial taste of cheap price."
"Bad service is remembered, cheap price is forgotten."
"Most people will voice a complaint much faster than a compliment."
"Poor service and cheap price usually go hand in hand."

and of course............. "You usually get what you pay for..."

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Bill Marx, Sr.
"FREE STATE BAIL BONDS"
"FREE STATE INVESTIGATIONS"
DCJS: 99-176979
Cell: 434-294-0222

"Endeavor to Persevere" "Lone Watie"

"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that , comes from bad judgment" "Will Rogers"

What the above posters said.

Do not cut the rate. I used to charge the same as the constables and deputies, but quite some time back (when gas went up) I started charging $10 more. The attorneys don't seem to mind much as they get a quicker and more personalized service with a private server than just turning it over to a constable that will do the service when he can. The attorney will also usually pass the cost of the service on to their client, at least some of them here do.

Just keep beating the bushes until you find a few attorneys that see you do a quick, efficient job then they may start using you regularly. A few times I've had the return on the papers back in the attorney's office within 15 minutes. Other times, like when the subject is trying to duck service, it's taken several tries and several days.

That being said, like some other posts on here business has slowed way down in the last few months. The economic situations that are raising gas prices and food may also be affecting all other areas. I know that I'm not taking my usual Mexico vacation this year due to airfare prices, coupled with the slow down in my income and other expenses that I am incurring.

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Mike Hedrick
Simon Investigations, L.L.C.
Texas License #A14171
P.O. Box 6425
Paris, Texas 75461
903.784.2617