You should start a process server business.
It’s better than working for someone else, and it doesn’t take much to get things going.
In fact, I bankrolled my business for less than $100 and made a profit after my second serve.
And while I can’t guarantee you’ll have the same results, I can give you a blueprint to follow when starting your own process server business.
Legal Requirements for a Process Server Business
Most states don’t regulate process servers. But before you can start a business you’ll need to check the legal requirements in your area to see if a certification or license is required to become a process server.
To make things easier, I’ve compiled a listing of process server laws and resources by state.
A Business on Your Phone
One of the things I love most about the process server business is that the overhead is so minimal.
You don’t need a fancy office, receptionist, retail space, or the expensive equipment that can bury most small businesses before they even get started.
In fact, you can pretty much run this business from your smartphone.
Add a good process server app and a portable scanner and you’re ready to hit the road.
You will, however, need coffee.
Lots of coffee.
But seriously, I actually caution new process servers about getting too wrapped up in equipment, office supplies, etc.
You’re better off spending the money to market your business and grow your client list.
Only then, when you’re making a profit, should you consider investing in the goodies and extras to help you run your business.
How Do Process Servers Get Clients?
The single biggest challenge when learning how to start a process server business is finding good clients.
Anyone can register a business, but it’s the ability to grind out the work everyday, finding new clients and working with the ones you have, that takes a process server business from just an idea to reality.
The are basically two ways to find clients for your process server business:
- Proactively seek new clients by visiting or calling law firms, self-help legal centers, mortgage lenders, rental agencies, and any other place that might require the services of a good process server. I recommend making your visits in person, with a good process server marketing letter in hand. In fact, if I had to start over in a new town and build a business from scratch, the first thing I would do is print up some business cards and start pounding the pavement.
- But if you hate selling, and the thought of visiting law offices in person makes your palms sweat, you can take a different approach to finding clients by building a website.
How to Start a Process Server Business in Seven Steps:
- Research how to become a process server in your state and complete the requirements (if any).
- Build a website to highlight your services and persuade clients that you’re the right process server to handle their cases.
- Order a stack of shiny business cards (be sure to include your new website’s address).
- Customize a marketing letter to distribute to attorneys and other potential clients.
- Visit law firms in your area, introduce yourself, and ask for work.
- Over-deliver on your first serve so they’ll give you more cases going forward.
- Ask for referrals and continue growing your business.
Follow these steps and you’ll build a real business that will outlive the fads and quick trends.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do
Of course, the most important thing you can do is deliver quality work each time you complete a serve. Make your clients happy and they’ll refer you to their professional connections.
Develop a reputation as the best process server in town and your business can’t help but grow.