The 5 Most Common Ways Process Servers Charge You More Than Your Quote
For the most part, process service companies have competitive prices and rely on a number of tactics, including charging for gas mileage and additional delivery attempts, to turn those prices into bigger profit margins.
So while you’re looking around for a process server, you’re probably going to see similar prices. But dig a little deeper and you’ll begin to see what sets the good process servers from the risky.
To help you avoid getting caught in a situation where you owe more for add-ons and taking chances than you were originally quoted, here are 5 questions you should ask a process service company before giving them your money.
1. What do you charge for gas mileage?
There are about as many mileage schemes as there are process servers. The most common way process servers build up their fees is by charging for all, most or a specific amount of the gas money used in the delivery of your documents. In some cases, the first X amount of miles are free and you’re responsible for all the gas after that. Process service companies have also been known to charge up to twice as much for gas as you’d pay at the local gas station. Find process servers who do not charge for gas mileage or have a clearly- stated, flat fee you are comfortable with.
2. What do you charge for deliveries?
Another common “up sell” is charging for “additional” deliveries. You’d think that paying to have something delivered would include having that thing delivered, but for many process servers, this is not the case. If the target is not at home, work or the address you supplied when they process server arrives, they will return and try again – for a fee. Sometimes it takes half a dozen attempts to successfully serve someone with paperwork. Find out how many delivery attempts are included in your fee and how much is charged for each additional delivery.
3. What do you charge for database queries?
Tracking down a target for delivery isn’t always cut and dry. For any number of reasons, a target may not want to be found, has outdated information or is simply on an irregular schedule. In these cases, process service companies use database queries of the DMV, tax bureaus and others to secure the most recent data possible. Unless you’re completely positive the contact information you supply about your target is up-to-date and accurate, ask how much you’ll be charged for these database queries.
4. What do you charge for mailings?
Sometimes a target is located, but they are out of the county, state or even the country. In these cases, process servers will drive to them when possible, and attempt to deliver the documents through the mail (either to the target or to a local process server) if not. Depending on what needs to be mailed and how far, these fees can really start to add up. Work with process servers who go the extra mile to complete their deliveries and don’t charge you for doing it.
5. What do you charge for proof of delivery?
Do you really think you should be charged for proof of delivery? Unfortunately, a high percentage of process service companies actually charge you for an affidavit of service. Look for process servers who stand behind their work and proudly provide you with proof of their completed delivery.
In addition to these add-ons, process servers can cost you even more money in the long run by not following California and federal laws governing the process service industry. Using an uninsured process server could put you in legal jeopardy and make you liable for any damages they’ve caused and using an unlicensed process server could make your court order invalid.
All process servers should be licensed and insured and include most or all of the above items in their fee, but it’s up to you to make sure.
Avoid hidden fees. Ask these questions and pay only what you are quoted.
San Bernardino Processs Servers
If you need a process server in San Bernardino, CA, look no further. JPL Process Service delivers sensitive medical and legal documents on time, every time. In addition to our concierge services for local attorneys, our process servers provide safe and secure delivery for your needs in:
- Family law
- Unlawful detainers
- Civil cases
- Small claims
- Blueprints
- Court filings
- Subpoena preparation
- Attorney services
- Document imaging
- Litigation copying
- Medical x-rays
- Escrow documents
- Time-sensitive deliveries
Our court runners go to the San Bernardino Superior Court at 351 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415 several times a day and are armed with extensive training and the latest technology to find individuals throughout the city of San Bernardino and the Inland Empire.
As the state’s 18th largest city, San Bernardino is home to over 205,000 people, many who might not want to be found. With JPL Process Service, not only do we find them for you, our competitive flat-rate pricing includes:
- 6 attempts – if we don’t find them at first, we try, try again
- Gas and mileage; gas prices are insane but you won’t be picking up the tab
- Any necessary mailings – we can even track down out of state targets
- An affidavit of service – proof of delivery for your peace of mind
In addition, all JPL Process Service process servers are licensed, registered and bonded with the National Association of Process Servers and the State of California.
Check out our no hassle, flat rate pricing guide for more information. You can also contact us here or give us a call at 866.754.0520.
Who Needs A Process Server?
Why You Might Need a Process Server and Not Even Know It
Who Needs A Process Server?
People in all walks of life use process servers to handle and deliver their valuable legal, medical and real estate documents.
For some, it’s about safety. Who wants to deliver documents to a potentially hostile target?
For others, it’s about ease. Who wants to or spend time tracking other people down, driving all over town?
And some just prefer the security of having their urgent and/or confidential matters delivered in person instead of the mail.
Whether it’s for safety, ease or security, individuals and professionals of all sorts use process servers on a regular basis, including:
Law Offices & Attorneys – Lawyers of all disciplines rely on process servers to file claims, deliver subpoenas and find witnesses.
Pharmacies – Pharmacists use process servers to send and receive prescription orders from physicians to keep their customers’ health matters confidential.
Engineering Firms – Engineers hire process servers to ensure safe delivery of blueprints, proposals and grant requests.
Investment Advisors – Financial consultants regularly employ process servers to pick up and deliver their clients’ financial documents.
Accountants – CPA’s also need process service to pick up and deliver financial documents for their clients.
Doctors – People in the medical field often use process service to pick up and deliver x-rays and other medical documents.
Film Studios – Production companies hire process servers to hand-deliver film proofs and contracts.
Escrow & Title Companies – Those in just about every area of real estate look to process servers to pick up and deliver escrow and title documents, as well as leases and other rental contracts.
Collection Agencies – Consumer collections agencies use process servers to identify targets and deliver orders of payment, which are also used by small businesses and others to collect on debts, as well.
It’s not just professionals. Many types of individuals may find themselves in need of a process server at some point in life. Divorce papers, small claims papers and eviction notices are all items process servers deliver on a regular basis.
If you need your important legal, medical and real estate documents delivered safely, easily, securely and on time, you might need a process server and not even know it.
Corona Process Servers
If you need a process server in Corona, CA, look no further. JPL Process Service delivers sensitive medical and legal documents on time, every time. In addition to our concierge services for local attorneys, our process servers provide safe and secure delivery for your needs in:
- Family law
- Unlawful detainers
- Civil cases
- Small claims
- Blueprints
- Court filings
- Subpoena preparation
- Attorney services
- Document imaging
- Litigation copying
- Medical x-rays
- Escrow documents
- Time-sensitive deliveries
Our court runners go to the Corona Superior Court at 505 S. Buena Vista, Corona, CA 92882 several times a day and are armed with extensive training and the latest technology to find individuals throughout the city of Corona.
As one of the state’s largest cities, Corona is home to over 145,000 people, many who might not want to be found. With JPL Process Service, not only do we find them for you, our competitive flat-rate pricing includes:
- 6 attempts – if we don’t find them at first, we try, try again
- Gas and mileage; gas prices are insane but you won’t be picking up the tab
- Any necessary mailings – we can even track down out of state targets
- An affidavit of service – proof of delivery for your peace of mind
In addition, all JPL Process Service process servers are licensed, registered and bonded with the National Association of Process Servers and the State of California.
Check out our no hassle, flat rate pricing guide for more information. You can also contact us here or give us a call at 866.754.0520.
11 Qualities to Look for Before Hiring A Process Server
How To Find The Best Process Server For Your Needs
Most process servers are a dime a dozen and lack many (and sometimes all!) of the qualities you should demand of the person you hire to handle and deliver your important legal and medical documents.
Think about it…can you really afford to trust just anyone with your legally-binding, time-sensitive materials?
No matter you choose, price will probably be a factor in your decision, but make sure you’re getting the most for your money. If the process servers you’re thinking about using lack any of these traits, it could end up costing you much more than the few dollars you saved by choosing them in the first place.
While price checking process servers in your area, use this qualification checklist to find the best process services for your needs.
1. Find Hard To Locate Targets – You’d be surprised how many process service companies keep your money, even after failing to locate a target because they moved or are aren’t using a current address. Would you rather pay once and make sure your documents are delivered or save a few bucks and hope you don’t have to pay again?
2. Proper Technology – Sure a cell phone and a car are all you really need to get started in process service, but if those aren’t reliable, how reliable can you really be? Dedicated process servers include global positioning technology, surveillance equipment and easy-to-use documentation software to increase their successes.
3. Gas Mileage – Making money back on delivery is an old trick in the retail business, but many service industries are plagued by companies lowballing prices and making them up on inflated gas mileage. Be sure the process server you choose provides a flat rate for gas, or even better, free gas mileage.
4. Insured – Just like driving a car without insurance, you can get away with process serving without insurance for awhile, but eventually you’re going to get caught and end up costing the client much more than they were in for. All process servers are legally required to be insured for a reason.
5. Licensed – Much like insurance, a process server license is something that many will get away with for awhile, but puts everyone involved at risk. Process server licenses aren’t difficult to acquire, but they are required by California law and shows some credibility and commitment.
6. Persistent – People are busier than ever, meaning that they aren’t always where they’re supposed to be. A good process server understands this fact and is persistent about making contact with their target. And they do it for no extra cost.
7. Quick Thinking – Thinking fast is easily one of the best traits of a good process server. The stories the average process server could tell you would keep you entertained for hours. Quick thinking process servers update and execute their plans on a moment notice to make sure the joke isn’t on you.
8. Calmness – One of the biggest liabilities in process service is how the process server handles his or her temper and emotions while out in the field. Driving and identification mistakes made out of haste are costly and push back deadlines.
9. Customer Service Policy – In many cases, the prompt and secure delivery of your documents puts your reputation on the line. Do you want a process server with no clue about proper behavior on your account or a process server who understands they are representing you at all time?
10. Information – Successful process servers always have access to a stream of updated information regarding the target, their residential and employment addresses and personal habits. They also have the tools to gather more information that is likely to lead to delivery of your documents.
11. Knowledgeable – In addition to the information and data they need to identify and serve targets, good process servers are also knowledgeable about the target’s industry, the process service industry and the latest in surveillance and identification techniques.
As you can see, a lot more goes into successfully serving your paperwork on time than just having a cell phone and an automobile. Let’s face it, process delivery isn’t pizza delivery. Demand more from your process server.
Feel free to use this checklist while price comparing and this form to request our free quote, along with answers to any questions you might have about the list above or your process service needs.
