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How much does a private investigator cost?

We pride ourselves on having upfront pricing so you consider our transparency first. You should never hire a private investigator who plays pricing games. We believe that upfront pricing on some of our most popular services is being honest. 

How it works.

1. Call or message us

The first step is to reach out.  Simply use our form you will find at the link below. Share what you can about your situation, and let us internally review it. Only one person sees your inquiry, and only one person will contact you. 

2. Confidential consultation

We will have a discreet conversation about your challenge. We offer a complimentary discovery call that usually only takes 10 minutes of your time. During this time we will take a few minutes to understand your needs. Then discuss what we'd charge to handle the matter. From there you can hire us. If we go beyond that, and if your matter needs a deep dive, w charge only $105 for a telephone consultation for 30-45 minutes.

3. Become our client

When you become a Spade & Archer® client, you become an important part of our day. We are grateful to serve you.

 

You will be provided with an easy Terms & Conditions Agreement that you will e-sign, either on your phone or via email. A copy will automatically be emailed to you.

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Then you will be emailed or text a payment link to make your payment. We never see your card details and this is processed by our payment processing agent.

4. Obtain your results

During our work for you, we may contact you with additional questions. If we don't, not to worry. Each case is different, but be sure we are on it. Once we have completed it, depending on the complexity and our arrangement, we will report to you in one of several ways:

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  • Verbally via the phone (free)

  • Email report - simple and to the point (free)

  • A SMS text message (free)

  • In some cases clients option for a formal report, and we charge fees in addition to your T&C Agreement fees.

Free case evaluation

Wow!

"I thought I needed a PI, but after talking to Steve I realized I didn't and probably saved a couple thousand dollars. Thanks for that!"

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- Marcos B.

So, how much is a private investigator?

We price each investigative, cybersecurity, blackmail, or security 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.

À la carte research and investigation flat fee.

$416 +

Flat fee is to help our client know what they're paying and what they will receive. This is good for background check, license plate lookups, asset searches, locating people, cell phone data and other work we do from our office. This is work from our offices only. Most of our fees start at $416 and go to $1800 for each item you choose.

Investigation and security retainer.

$2500 +

Our retainer program is for more complex matters. This could include surveillance, cybersecurity, technology forensics, complex stings, workplace investigations, and other more complicated matters. With the retainer, there is also hourly fees, even though we try to stay as much as possible away from the unethical billable hour, in some cases it is necessary,

Questions? We have answers.

  • How much does a background check cost?
    We custom tailor each background check to the needs of the matter at hand. You can count on a background check starting at $416 for a good point of reference.
  • What does a background investigation cost?
    Background investigations are more in-depth and can focus on a certain area, be broad in nature or go very deep. Background investigations start at $1250.00
  • What's the differnece in a background check/investigation and criminal history?
    Criminal history investigations can be part of a background check/investigation. They can also be a stand alone service you choose to hire us for. Criminal history checks start at $400 where a basic background check starts at $600.
  • How long does a background check/investigation take?
    Depending upon the information you desire, a background check can be completed the same day. Some take longer, this is solely dependent upon how deep you wish to go. Some background investigations can take a month, but this is generally the case when we are interviewing people during the background investigation.
  • Is the background check/investigation discreet?
    100% yes. There is nothing that leaves a trail on discreet background inquiries. However, some types of background investigations need the subject's permission to go into various areas of their life or if making financial inquiries. We will advise you ahead of time if that is the case so you can decide if this is what you want.
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