Anna75
Inquirer
Hello, I’m interested in hiring a private investigator and would like to know how your pricing works. Do you charge hourly or offer fixed rates, and what factors can influence the total cost of an investigation?
Answer from
Hello, and thank you for your inquiry regarding private investigation services.
The cost of investigative work can vary based on the type of service, complexity of the case, and resources required. Below is an overview of how pricing is typically structured and what factors influence the final cost.
Pricing Structure
Private investigation fees are usually calculated in one of two ways:
Hourly Rate: Generally between 30 EUR and 120 EUR per investigator, depending on experience level, equipment used, and operational demands.
Fixed Fee: For well-defined assignments, such as background checks or address verification, a pre-agreed flat rate may be applied.
Surveillance Operations (Live Monitoring of an Individual)
For physical surveillance—tracking an individual’s movements, behavior, or interactions—it is common to deploy at least two investigators. This ensures continuous coverage, reduces the risk of detection, and allows operational flexibility.
Costs typically include:
Hourly charges per investigator (including preparation and standby time),
Mileage or fuel reimbursement,
Use of specialized equipment such as high-resolution cameras, GPS trackers, and secure communication devices.
Extended or high-risk operations (overnight surveillance, international travel, or irregular hours) may increase overall costs.
Information-Based Investigations
For services not requiring fieldwork—such as locating a residence, verifying employment, uncovering hidden assets, or running background checks—a fixed fee model is common. Pricing depends on:
Availability and legality of information sources,
Complexity of the data-gathering process,
Jurisdictional restrictions (especially in cross-border cases).
Additional Factors Affecting Cost
Urgency: Expedited requests often incur premium charges,
Legal requirements: Cases requiring court-admissible evidence or testimony preparation,
Risk Level: Investigations involving organized crime, stalking, or violence,
Reporting and analysis: Time spent preparing comprehensive reports or consultations.
Typical Cost Range
A standard case usually starts at 2,000 EUR and can range upward depending on complexity. Multi-day surveillance, international investigations, or technical operations (such as counter-surveillance or cyber investigations) may significantly exceed this amount.
What You Can Expect
All services are performed in full compliance with legal and ethical standards,
Final deliverables typically include a detailed report supported by photo/video evidence, suitable for legal proceedings if required,
Client confidentiality and transparency remain our highest priorities.
Next Step
To provide an accurate quote tailored to your situation, we recommend an initial consultation (free of charge). During this session, we will review your objectives, assess the case parameters, and propose the most effective investigative strategy.
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