Justice on the Go:

Starting or Buying a Process Serving Business with a Smile

Well, well, well, look who's ready to serve some serious justice (and paperwork)! If you're considering starting or buying a process-serving business, you're not afraid of a little legal action - or at least not too much. You're the type of person who's not afraid to take on tough assignments, whether it's delivering subpoenas, summonses, or complaints. But let's be real, we know the real reason you're in this game - you just really love knocking on people's doors and making them answer for their crimes (or at least their parking tickets). So grab your clipboard, put on your best poker face, and prepare to serve up some sweet justice. And hey, if all else fails, you'll have some great stories to tell at dinner parties.

Q1: What is a process server business?

The United States Constitution declares, in the fourteenth amendment, that “no state may deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” So what is “due process of law”? It means that all legal procedures set by statute and court practice, including notice of rights, must be followed for each individual so that no prejudicial or unequal treatment will result.

 A process server’s main job is to track down and make sure they deliver or “serve” legal documents (summons, subpoenas, formal complaints, writs, etc.) to the defendant involved in a court case. Then they must provide proof these legal papers were served to the person who is required to appear in court. A process server must legally deliver these papers to the particular individual by following their state protocol. 

By purchasing a process server business for sale, not only will you be your boss and start seeing a profit after your first serve but you will also be helping to protect the rights of many citizens so they can get their due process of the law.

Q2: Why is the service of process important?

Service of process is crucial to anyone involved in a court case. The main reason is that it’s required by law. It is mandatory that each individual who is a part of the case be notified of the legal action taken against them.

 A process server must effectively deliver the court documents so that the party involved understands there have been legal proceedings filed against them. This ensures that the legal matter is heard by the court. If these papers are not delivered correctly and the person who was supposed to be served was never aware of them, then this might cause the court to throw away the case.

Q3: Who uses process servers?

When buying a process server business for sale, you’ll need to build your client base quickly after. Some many businesses and corporations would require the services of a process server. Besides “serving” legal papers to the people being sued, you’ll also be needed for other services such as filing court papers, delivering private documents, and finding witnesses. Businesses that will require your services are:

I. Accountants

II. Attorneys and Law Firms

III. Banks and Insurance Companies

IV. Collection Agencies

V. Doctors and Pharmacists

VI. Government Businesses(municipal, provincial, federal)

Q4: What makes a good process server?

There are a couple of attributes a successful process server should have if they want their business to thrive. If you plan on going into a process server business for sale, then the first thing you should do is research local training programs and learn effective ways to start a strong company. Having knowledge of local and state laws regarding process services is also very crucial because you don’t want to be the reason a lawsuit was thrown out of court due to your failure to improperly deliver the legal documents to the defendant.

Be persistent, patient, and prepared. Most importantly, be discreet and respect the receivers of these court papers because people want to keep their legal matters private from those around them. If you provide courteous and impeccable service, your clients will always rely on you to handle their affairs and they may even refer your business to their professional connections.

Q5: I can't afford to buy an established process-serving company for sale how do I want just start one?

There is nothing wrong with starting a business rather than buying one, it makes take more time but with smart marketing and a little patience you can do it!  Starting a process-serving company can be a challenging and rewarding endeavor. A process server is a professional who delivers legal documents such as subpoenas, summons, and complaints to the individuals or entities involved in legal proceedings. If you're interested in starting a process server business, here's a comprehensive guide on what you need to know:

I. Research and Planning

-Conduct market research to identify demand for process server services in your area

- Determine your target customers and the services you want to offer

- Develop a business plan that outlines your mission, goals, marketing strategies, pricing, and finances

- Obtain any necessary licenses or permits required to operate a process server business in your jurisdiction

II. Business Setup

- Choose a business name and register it with the appropriate agencies, you can use LegalZoom to help you get started, here is the link

- Obtain a tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

- Obtain business insurance to protect your business from potential lawsuits

- Set up a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate

- Purchase necessary equipment such as a reliable vehicle, a GPS device, and a cell phone

- Purchase legal forms and documents that you may need to serve individuals or entities

III. Marketing and Branding

- Create a professional website that showcases your services and expertise

- Build a strong social media presence to attract potential clients and build credibility, have you ever tried to sprout social? They are great for building a strong social media presents, you can create your free account here

- Attend legal conferences and events to network with potential clients

- Offer discounts or referral programs to encourage existing clients to refer new business

- Create a brand identity with a unique logo, color scheme, and brand messaging

IV.Managing Operations

- Develop a system for tracking and managing service requests and delivery status

- Set up a billing and invoicing system for your clients

- Establish standard operating procedures for serving legal documents and complying with relevant laws and regulations

- Build relationships with local law firms and attorneys to become a trusted partner for process serving services

- Hire additional process servers as your business grows and workload increases, you can find alot on monster.com by creating a post, they also have a free trial to signup! 

V. Legal Considerations

- Familiarize yourself with relevant laws and regulations in your jurisdiction related to process serving

- Keep accurate records of all services provided and any correspondence related to legal documents served

- Understand your responsibilities and limitations as a process server, including the importance of serving documents within the appropriate time frames

- Obtain legal advice and representation as needed to protect your business from potential legal liabilities

Starting a process server business from the ground up can be a challenging but rewarding journey. With careful planning, strategic marketing, and diligent operations management, and with the right tools like monday.com you can establish a successful and profitable business serving the legal needs of your clients.

Q6: How much does a process server charge? 

According to drlegalprocess.com, a process server’s rates for charging businesses or corporations for their services can range anywhere between $40-$200. The total price you charge will be based on the types of services you provide. Some companies may need you to deliver their documents on the same day so you would charge a higher fee to do so.

Also, the travel distance, the number of attempts you make, locating the individual who needs to be served, the type of documents you're delivering, and notary service fees are all different factors that can affect how much you charge an individual or business. The best way to add more earnings to your business is to possess the qualities which can make you an effective and successful process server.

So, if you're ready to dive into the exciting world of process serving, we wish you the best of luck! Whether you decide to start or buy a process server business for sale, You're embarking on a challenging and rewarding journey that requires determination, tenacity, and a good sense of humor.

As you start or buy your process serving business, remember to stay organized, stay professional, and always put your client's needs first. And of course, don't forget to enjoy the ride - after all, there's never a dull moment in this line of work. From serving papers to serving justice, we know you've got what it takes to succeed. So go out there and make us proud!

Check out these blogs if you have time! 

**What are some red flags when buying a business 

**How to buy a business with no money 

**What are the best routes to buy in 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The laws and regulations regarding business licenses may vary from state to state and are subject to change. It is important to contact your local state office to determine which licenses are required for any specific businesses. Additionally, please note that this article contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission from our affiliate partners or amazon links. If you are considering starting a business, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified lawyer, business broker, or professional in your area. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such.