- Click on Thomas Martin for the complete bio
- Latest Posts
- More info here
Former federal agent. Professional private investigator.
Thomas G. Martin is a highly decorated former BNDD/DEA agent with the US Department of Justice and president of the country’s leading PI agency, Martin Investigative Services. He has been involved in numerous criminal cases that garnered national attention, including many unsolved crimes and cold cases.
Today Martin oversees 22 investigators, many former Federal agents from the DEA, FBI, IRS, and Secret Service.
He and his network of agents provide unparalleled private and corporate investigation services, bug sweeps, background checks, fraud investigations, missing persons, and surveillance.
What is the Cost Involved When Hiring a Private Investigator
So, you’ve decided to hire a private investigator, but you don’t know about pi charges. Fear not, for this article is full of useful information about the costs involved when hiring a private investigator.
Whether you want to do a background check on someone close to you or an employee, get some evidence, or reveal the truth about a specific situation, it is important to understand private investigator rates.
Typically, private investigators provide a broad scope of services, each with a specific price. Here, we will explain the variables that determine the cost of hiring a PI and give you a few pointers to help you make the right choice.
The Private Investigator’s Experience
If the private investigator is a seasoned individual and has many years invested in the investigation sector, they are more likely to cost more than new PIs.
For example, a private investigator who has over 15 years’ experience working as an investigator will cost more than one with 3 to 5 years’ experience. Moreover, private detectives who specialize in a certain discipline will definitely cost more than unspecialized PIs.
How Much Will a Private Investigator Charge to Follow Someone for a Week
Expect to pay around $5000 for a full week of PI services. That comes to around $125 per hour in a 40-hour week of work. The actual figure can vary depending on the scope of work and the specific complexities of the case. In more expensive cities where the cost of living is generally high, expect to pay slightly more for PI services, keeping in mind they may also charge for gas and hotel stays. Whether you are paying an hourly rate or a flat fee, many PIs will require a down payment which is a small percentage of the total fee paid in advance to secure their services.
Type of Investigation
The intricacy and type of investigation considerably affect the price. Simple jobs like finding a missing person or performing background checks will cost less than more difficult work or prolonged undercover jobs. The longer and more complex the investigation, the more money it will cost you.
Jurisdiction & Location
The other factors that affect the cost of hiring a private investigator are location and jurisdiction. This mostly covers where the private detective will be working from and where they are based.
For the PIs in the urban areas, they will charge more compared to those who reside in rural areas. What’s more, if the PI has to travel as they investigate, travel expenses and time can make it more expensive.
Gear & Tools Required
Private detectives use a wide range of tools and gear to do their work. The utilization of high-tech gear, including surveillance equipment, specialized software, or GPS trackers, can increase the overall charges. If your case calls for the use of such advanced tools, the charges will be reflected in the final price.
The Private Investigator’s Experience
If the private investigator is a seasoned individual and has many years invested in the investigation sector, they are more likely to cost more than new PIs.
For example, a private investigator who has over 15 years’ experience working as an investigator will cost more than one with 3 to 5 years’ experience. Moreover, private detectives who specialize in a certain discipline will definitely cost more than unspecialized PIs.
Fixed charges Vs. Hourly Rates
PIs normally charge a fixed or hourly rate. Oftentimes, they ask for a fixed rate, precisely for easy and predictable cases that won’t take long to solve. On the other hand, they ask for hourly charges for more complex jobs. These two payment options have different pros and cons, as you’ll see.
Fixed rates can help you prepare financially because you know the final fee upfront. These rates do not come with additional charges, but, if the case is solved within a shorter period than expected you might feel exploited financially.
When it comes to hourly rates, these are more flexible since you’ll pay for the number of working hours. However, one downside of this payment method is that it’s rather challenging to estimate the total cost of the entire investigation beforehand.
Retainer Charges
Private detectives ask for an upfront payment before they begin working, and this is what’s known as a retainer fee. This fee covers the charges required to commence the investigation.
When the investigation is done, the PI can offer you a refund of the untouched funds. On the other hand, if they use all the money before they’re done, some private investigators can start a monthly billing system.
In Conclusion
So, how much is a private investigator? There are a handful of factors that dictate the cost of a private investigator, including:
- The experience of the PI.
- The type of investigation.
- The jurisdiction & location.
- The gears & tools required.
- The investigation duration.
Also, make sure to ask about the payment method, so you can choose the most flexible one for you!
Investigation Duration
Finally, the period of the investigation will dictate the cost. A PI who works for several days or weeks will charge more than one who completes their task within 24 hours. Some private detectives charge on an hourly basis while others give you a fixed fee.
Note that the longer your case takes, the higher the chances of getting additional charges.
Billing Options for Private Detectives
Now that we’ve covered the factors that impact the cost involved in hiring a private investigator, let’s delve into the billing options involved.