There is very little you can do without the
right equipment these days. Now, if you
have all the modern “toys”, such as smart phones or a laptop and a wireless
printer, that would be the optimum way to go if you are starting on your own
without an office, or any employees, as once you start getting a book of
clients, you will most likely be on the road throughout most of the day, and
the wireless technology that is top of the line is the best way to go.
I have even heard of some servers who operate
using a motorcycle, a notebook computer, a wireless printer, and a cell
phone. They are completely mobile, can
go anywhere cheaply and don’t have to stop anywhere to pick up their
assignments in most instances. You could
receive contact from a client who already has the court documents in their
office, and you can tell them to scan and email the court documents to
you. You print out the court documents,
and then go right away to serve them.
Now, that doesn’t mean that’s all you need to have a fully functioning
business, as at some point you might have someone who still needs to fax
something to you, or you may need to copy some documents, or you may need to
scan documents yourself. So, having this additional equipment may be necessary
at some point. But still, as the technology advances, and it
is advancing at a rapid pace, it is becoming increasingly easy to quickly and
efficiently execute process throughout the country. So, always remember, if you can afford it,
technology is our friend. Repeat this
mantra, “technology is our friend.”
Of course, it is not necessary to have
everything up front when first starting out.
Our company began with a single desktop computer, a printer, a fax
machine, a cellular phone, a traditional phone, and a functioning
automobile. That was it in the
beginning. But some people think it is
necessary to buy every new toy out there and to get the latest and greatest
technology. And I agree, as I have
learned that technology is our friend. There’s
nothing wrong with all the “bells and whistles” if you can afford it. In fact, the most up-to-date computer
technology would be wise to invest in as given the rapid pace at which
computers become obsolete (usually within three years or less), buying the
newest thing is the best thing to do.
But, even though technology is our friend, if
you are just starting out, have a limited amount of finances, or if you have bad
credit (something I suggest you repair if you are going operate a business), then
just start with the bare minimum and take what you can get just to be able to
function. Then later, when you begin to
achieve a level of revenue from the company that allows you to upgrade, or you
are required because of the volume of work being received, then that’s when you
should assess the need to acquire better systems (management software) and
equipment to operate the business.
If you have no funds
to start with, then work with what you have.
And process serving is one of those professions where you could get
along without all the “bells and whistles”.
Although it would be difficult, you could probably operate as a process
server, without any equipment whatsoever, actually, with the exception of a
functioning phone and a moving motor vehicle.
Yes, if you cannot afford even a computer, you could operate a process
serving business … at least in the beginning.
It would be difficult and you would not be very competitive, but you
could get moving and start obtaining clients, start serving papers, and start
making money. So, there are no excuses.
Now, provided you have
some funds, here is the suggested bare
minimum equipment items you should have if you want to have a business in
process serving that will bring in clients, look professional, operate
competitively, and complete assignments efficiently:
Any computer with internet access
A printer – preferably laser black and white
Fax machine
Cell phone
Desktop copier
A functioning, preferably fuel efficient, vehicle
Basic office supplies – paper, envelopes, staples/stapler, paperclips,
pens
Here’s the equipment you should
have once you really get going and want to run with or ahead of the pack:
Wifi – to receive assignments or contact by email while you are on the
road
Portable printers – to print assignments in your car as you go
Cell phone - iPhones/Blackberry/smart phone
Copier
A functioning, very fuel efficient, vehicle
Conventional phone line or even an internet phone
A seriously big desk space
Fax machine
Postage meter
Business Cards
Office supplies - paper, envelopes, paperclips, staples, staplers,
toner, folders, pens, mailing labels, whiteout, adhesive tape, etc.
High speed scanner
Forms to use for various office tasks – faxing, correspondence, field
sheets, maps
Field equipment – binoculars, flashlight, clipboard, pens, note pad,
water bottle, contact cards, vehicle phone charger
There are many other
articles and items of equipment and supplies that you might need at one time or
another, and the above lists are certainly not all-inclusive, but this should
be enough to get you up and running, keep you profitable and competitive, and
start you on down the road to running a respectable process serving company.
