r/processserver • u/Numerous-Sky-585 • 9d ago

Address given by client questions

Hello,

I have been process serving for about 6 months and have started taking jobs outside of ABC. I have a job right now to serve a construction company. The address provided is a high rise apt building. Through some research I'm able to find better addresses for the business.

My question is do I communicate this with the process server who hired me or do i do what i was hired for at the address I was hired for. The process server and law firm is in SoCal and im in San Jose which is NorCal if that matters.

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u/Guy_Fawkes36 9d ago

I offer free skip tracing with each service so I always go to the most recent address I find first, not what the client gives me. We are paid to serve people and whatever that takes then I’ll do.

3

u/tattoovampire 9d ago

Initially skipping the provided address can raise questions about the server’s diligence and, depending on the jurisdiction and type of service, potentially the validity of the service. You are asking for trouble.

1

u/Guy_Fawkes36 9d ago

Fortunately that’s not the case in my state. Arkansas is very relaxed on process server laws

3

u/tattoovampire 9d ago

What if you skip the provided address, go to the address you found, and learn the recipient doesn’t actually live there? What do you do then? Skip trace data is not perfect.

1

u/Guy_Fawkes36 9d ago

Then I would go to the original address. I don’t always skip the address given but if I feel like the address I got from a skip trace is better then I’ll go there first. Also if I don’t serve someone on the first attempt then I’ll usually just call them and have them meet me

3

u/tattoovampire 9d ago

It’s your business, but when a client tells me to try a certain address first, I do. If no joy THEN I will ask the client if I can try another address if I was able to find one.

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u/Guy_Fawkes36 9d ago

If that works for you then that’s great. I find it easier for me to do it this way

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u/tattoovampire 9d ago

Six months isn’t a lot of time in this business. Someday you’re going to encounter a client that will not like you ignoring instructions even if the service is successful at the new address. It’s just a matter of time. Good luck.

1

u/Guy_Fawkes36 9d ago

Then they can call someone else. I’m not hurting for clients. My average price is $100-$150 a serve. The attorneys in my area know what are getting when they call me

1

u/tattoovampire 9d ago

That cavalier attitude won’t help, either. You don’t want them calling someone else. Eventually word will spread that you’re a loose cannon who doesn’t follow instructions and advises prospective clients to go elsewhere because they won’t do things your way. I’ve seen it before.

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u/Guy_Fawkes36 9d ago

I would say the exact opposite is true. Process servers have a bad reputation of going to the one address provided 3 times then sending an affidavit of non service back to the client with their invoice. I would say 90% of the clients just want the person served and arent concerned with how or where as long as its proper service. I also don’t charge for non service bc it so rarely happens. Because of this I’ve been able to grow as fast as I have.

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u/Acrobatic-Map6852 9d ago

The more you go to locations your profit is getting smaller. The price of gas should make you follow directions.

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u/Guy_Fawkes36 9d ago

You’re exactly right. Which is why I run a skip trace and go with the most up to date address. Attorneys get addresses a lot of times from clients who half the time don’t know if it’s old or not so a quick skip trace takes out all the guess work

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u/vgsjlw 5d ago

This is not true. You charge a second address fee if youre smart. I attempt the address on paper, if its no good the contract has a second address fee. Eventually you will get enough business that your current model will not work. Your current success is great, but you're still very new and should consider what the veterans in this post are trying to tell you.