The Right Tools for the Right Job

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.