SF Bay Area private investigator with no compromises. We secure your case with zero paper files and minimal encrypted digital records. Soon after completion all data is deleted.

Licensed, certified, bureau approved

Licensed Private Investigator #23712, board and bureau approved, guaranteeing legal and ethical investigations every time.

Transparent-reasonable pricing

Private investigator that doesn't overcharge like others. We offer transparent, upfront pricing. View our rates or explore our DIY options.

No data dump like the other guys

Many clients tell us other PIs just handed them reports filled with useless data. We don’t do data dumps.

What our Bay Area clients think.

We've helped over 3,750 people. Read more about reviews.

I just wanted to tell you that Steve is absolutely wonderful. I'll give him more than 5 stars if I could. He was professional and fast finding the crooks in one day!

Linda H.

I thank you for your outstanding work for our company. We will be back should we need further assistance.

Dan M.

Although hiring for such a service is not pleasant, they took the sting our of it with excellent communication.

Noah P.

Thank you so much. I appreciate your quick response and professionalism.

A. C.

How much does a private investigator cost?

SF Bay Area private investigator that saves you money. We price each search, investigation, cybersecurity case based on its specifics. Our services fall into three categories: flat-rate services, retainer-based services for complex matters, and fixed fees for consultations like privacy or blackmail prevention.

Research Investigation Fees

From $416

From our office flat fee research includes, but not limited to: a background check, license plate lookups, asset searches, locating people, cell phone data extraction, process service of legal papers, and other work. Most of our prices are from $216 and go to $1500 for each task you choose. These services are great for the DIY investigator.

Let's have a consultation

Field Investigation Fees

From $1250

Field investigation fees start at $1250. This is for more complex matters that require us to work away from our office in the field. This could include surveillance, cybersecurity, technology forensics, obtaining witness statements, complex stings, workplace investigations, and other more complicated matters.

Share your matter confidentially

Looking to hire a detective in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Consumers Guide To Hiring a Bay Area P.I.

Ethical behavior is the basis for hiring a license private investigator. Optimize your experience with Spade & Archer:

Verify our license number 23712 by visiting the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services site.
Watch out for private investigators who have fake reviews.
We charge flat rate fees. Not unethical billable hours.
Ways we save you money with our office space.
Don't hire private investigators that are not in the SF Bay Area. You'll get ripped off!
Watch out for private investigator data dumps and con man prices.
Understand the legalities of hiring a licensed Bay Area private investigator.
Know the 5 ways a process server may lie to you.
Be informed of the essentials of hiring a private detective.

Get an honest experience

Archer of Spade & Archer - Detective Agency

Take a moment to get in touch

Why hire Spade & Archer.

Complimentary consultation.

Let's see if we're a good fit. Call us at (707) 908-8226 and let's take a few minutes to see how we can help. We offer more in-depth phone consultations for just $105.

Real SF Bay Area detectives.

While others put liptstick on a pig and pretend to be local, we really are the "private investigator near me" you have searched for. Based out of Napa, we serve the entire Bay Area.

Pay for results, not billable hours.

Our boutique private investigation agency is different. In most cases, we will bill for the project, not hours. With hours, you never know when your case will end. Perhaps, it ends when you're out of money. In contrast, we have clear up front all-inclusive pricing so you know what you're getting.

Boutique private investigator, not a big company.

We believe that small businesses make the world go round. The experience between private investigator and client should be closely guarded and kept safe, unlike dealing with admins, case managers, and hi-tech software.