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How much does a private investigator cost?

Private investigator prices with Spade & Archer are always fair and transparent. You should never hire a private investigator who plays pricing games. We believe that upfront pricing on some of our most popular services is being honest. 

How much does a private investigator cost? Sam Spade™

So, how much is a private investigator?

We do our best to save you money. We price each investigative, cybersecurity, blackmail, or security case based on its specifics. Our services fall into three categories: flat-rate services, retainer-based services for complex matters, and fixed fees for consultations like privacy or blackmail prevention.

Office investigation fees

$216 +

From our office flat fee research includes, but not limited to: a background check, license plate lookups, asset searches, locating people, cell phone data extraction, process service of legal papers, and other work. Most of our fees start at $216 and go to $1500 for each task you choose. These services are great for the DIY investigator.

Field investigation fees

$1250 +

Field investigation fees start at $1250. This is for more complex matters that require us to work away from our office in the field. This could include surveillance, cybersecurity, technology forensics, complex stings, workplace investigations, and other more complicated matters. 

How it works.

1. Call or message us

Start by reaching out to us using the link below. Share your situation, and we'll review it confidentially. Only one person will see your inquiry and contact you.

2. Confidential consultation

Let's discuss your situation confidentially. We offer a free 10-minute consultation to understand your needs and provide a personalized quote. If your matter requires further in-depth analysis, we offer a one-time consultation fee of $105 for 45 minutes.

3. Become our client

As a Spade & Archer® client, you're our top priority. We're committed to providing exceptional service.

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You'll receive a simple e-signature agreement to review and sign electronically via SMS or email. A copy will be sent to your email.

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We'll send you a secure payment link. Your card details are never shared, and your payment is processed by our trusted payment partner.

4. Obtain your results

We may reach out with additional questions during our work. If not, rest assured we're actively working on your case. Depending on the complexity and our agreement, we'll provide our report in one of these ways:

  • Phone call (free)

  • Concise email report (free)

  • SMS text message (free)

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For more formal reports, there may be additional fees beyond our standard agreement.

YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Our Bay Area private investigator will call you the same day, for a  consultation. If you prefer no call, please tell us in the comment section. Your information is never shared.

Discreet & confidential services

SF Bay Area private investigator with no compromises. We secure your case with zero paper files and minimal encrypted digital records. Soon after completion all data is deleted.

Licensed, certified, bureau approved

Licensed Private Investigator #23712, board and bureau approved, guaranteeing legal and ethical investigations every time.

Transparent-reasonable pricing

Private investigator that doesn't overcharge like others. We offer transparent, upfront pricing. View our rates or explore our DIY options.

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No data dump like the other guys

Many clients tell us other PIs just handed them reports filled with useless data. We don’t do data dumps.

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Wow!

"I thought I needed a PI, but after talking to Steve I realized I didn't and probably saved a couple thousand dollars. Thanks for that!"

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- Marcos B.

Questions? We have answers.

  • How much does a background check cost?
    We custom tailor each background check to the needs of the matter at hand. You can count on a background check starting at $416 for a good point of reference. However, depending on what you require, many cost around $1250 and into the many thousands of dollars, again, depending on what your mission is and what is important to know.
  • What does a background investigation cost?
    Background investigations are more in-depth and can focus on a certain area, be broad in nature or go very deep. Background investigations start at $1250.00
  • What's the differnece in a background check/investigation and criminal history?
    Criminal history investigations can be part of a background check/investigation. They can also be a stand alone service you choose to hire us for. Criminal history checks start at $400 where a basic background check starts at $600.
  • How long does a background check/investigation take?
    Depending upon the information you desire, a background check can be completed the same day. This is especially true of criminal history checks that use our proprietary sources to see if the Subject of investigation has a criminal history in the State and Counties we have access to. Some take longer, this is solely dependent upon how deep you wish to go. Some background investigations can take a month, but this is generally the case when we are interviewing people during the background investigation.
  • Will the person know I am conducting a criminal history check?
    Nope. No one will ever know, unless you tell them.
  • How much does a criminal history check cost?
    Prices start at $416. A lot will depend upon how deep the criminal check needs to go. For example, has the person lived in 27 counties across the U.S.? If so, then it can get more expensive than $416. This will also largely depend on whether we need to get the source documents from the courthouse they reside in. This will add significant costs.
  • Is the background check/investigation discreet?
    100% yes. There is nothing that leaves a trail on discreet background inquiries. However, some types of background investigations need the subject's permission to go into various areas of their life or if making financial inquiries. We will advise you ahead of time if that is the case so you can decide if this is what you want.
  • Why use you for criminal history over those cheap sites online?
    Because they're crap. They are not private investigators and they do not have access to the proprietary data we have. Plus there is no one working on your case. It's nothing more than a data dump. Sometimes there is accurate information. But do you really want to trust your decision to a cheap, unreliable data dump? Of course not! We have a lot to say about these online sources, but read more in our blog articles.
  • Do you conduct nationwide criminal checks?
    It is very misleading when private investigators talk about "nationwide" criminal history investigations. There are many nuances to this investigation, including which counting is reporting current data, what State has access to what information, etc. It's complex and best explained when you consult with us. Suffice it to say, there is no way we can just plug someones identifiers in and spit out a nationwide record, there are nuances to know and understand. Sometimes, records are not available unless we send someone to that particular courthouse.
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