Efficiency (Customer Service) through Technology

When starting out there are three very basic bits of technology you need to run your process service business - a computer, a cell phone, and a fuel-efficient, reliable vehicle.  Those three things in today's world are mandatory to run this type of business.

We've talked about technology in previous posts, but what about using some of the other great bits of technology and software out there that will enhance your efficiency and give you more time to serve more papers, and also helps to give value and better customer service to your clients?  Let's look at it from this perspective.

First off, there are a few process server software management tools available on the market that are convenient, inexpensive, and add considerable value to your services.  Case Manager and Process Servers Toolbox tend to be the most highly used.  Both provide excellent software to keep track of your assignments, create affidavits of service, invoicing, and other administrative tools unique to serving papers.  Some of these programs also have built in to them the ability to integrate GPS proof that you actually did serve a paper at a service address at the time you did it, which in states like New York has become a requirement of the law to show such evidence.  These software management tools also have the ability to allow your clients to check the status of their paper's service by logging in to your account without them having to call or email you, thus saving time and providing convenience for the client.  And when a paper is served the software can send out an automatic notification to the client as well.

A website is another great bit of the internet that can be quite handy.  Depending on your budget your website could vary from being a simple electronic brochure of all your services, all the way to an active site that does much of the same client notification as the software management tools offer.

Another great way to improve customer service through technology which is low cost and a great convenience to your client is allowing for credit card payments.  You can go with the old fashioned way of taking credit card payments using a card reader or you can set up a Paypal account.  Either allows the client a great convenience, especially when pre-payment might be required for a rush service.  Process serving is a service related business, so making things more convenient, especially when it comes to payment options is always a great way to add value.

Lastly, high-speed scanners are becoming a must.  As fax machines slowly fade into the past, and speed of delivery becomes more and more a driving factor, having a high-speed scanner comes in handy.  With relative ease and great speed you can scan and email service documents to another process server in another state instantly, thereby cutting out the necessity to overnight deliver your documents for service through a subcontracted process server.  Through this method, you can offer your clients process service anywhere on the planet simply by going through you rather than them having to search for another server on their own in another state.

Even if you're starting out, these are great bits of communication technology to consider.  They provide convenience for the client and allow you to work faster, more efficiently, while at same time giving your company that professional look and feel when a client comes a calling.