Make $20K+ profit part time serving legal papers as a process server
| Asking Price: | $32,500 |
| Gross Revenue: | $24,500 |
| Cash Flow: | $20,755 |
| Established Year: | 2006 |
18 year old process serving business run solely by the owner, no employees, low
Learn how to be a process server and make full time money or supplement your day job. The benefits of being a professional process server are many. The current owner is retiring and moving out of state, creating an amazing opportunity built on 18 years of momentum serving Traverse City.
What is Process Serving?
The goal of a process server is to deliver documents to people named in legal action. Process servers are unbiased third parties whose job is to deliver legal documents. By notifying all parties of the legal actions against them or their required obligations, the parties can act promptly and appear before the court in response to the legal proceeding. This helps maintain fairness and equity in the legal system – people have the opportunity and sufficient time to defend themselves or respond to a legal action or court order. Examples of legal papers served include subpoenas, complaints, summons, writs, probation orders, divorce papers, child support papers, and other legal documents.
Benefits of Being a Process Server
One of the easiest paths for a self-employed entrepreneur
Low overhead - all you need is a car, gas, cell phone, a computer and printer
Flexible schedule - you decide when and how much to work
No education required
No licensing or registration requirements in Michigan
Supplement your day job or other business/es
No employees needed
No rent to pay for your business
No franchise fees
Requirements to be Considered
The role of process servers is important because serving legal papers the wrong way can affect the timeline and outcome of legal proceedings.
Available evenings when most people are home
Responsive to clients by phone and email (law firms and process serving companies)
Legally competent adult over 18 years old
Not be a party to the legal case
You must learn the craft (many without training come and go)
Able to learn the Michigan Rules of Civil Procedure
Professional, assertive, and empathetic approach
Able to provide proof of funds to support the asking price
Available to take over within 30 days
What are the challenges in this business?
Some challenges include finding recipients, uncooperative recipients, language barriers, and time constraints. The key is to learn from an experienced mentor like the Seller and remain professional while ensuring legal documents are delivered.
Do I need insurance?
Business insurance is recommended for any business. The Seller carries E&O insurance (process servers must fill out proof of service forms) and general business insurance. Together, the Seller pays approximately $600 annually for insurance.
Is a legal or law enforcement background required?
The Seller does not have any law enforcement experience. He is a previous owner of printing and 1-hour photo businesses. That said, a background or interest in law could be useful in this role.
Who is the ideal person to take over this business?
Great candidates for this business could be those looking to supplement their income, those with time in the evenings and weekends, someone organized and responsive to emails and phone calls, someone who is retired or semi-retired, someone with another business or day job. People with local evening delivery or driving jobs may have a synergy with this business.
Is it difficult delivering bad news?
“I take the nicest possible approach and treat people with respect.”.
Is a uniform, vest, or badge required?
“I dress to blend in, casual with sneakers and able to move. Some process servers like to be more formal but I don’t believe standing out is the way to go.”
Is the job dangerous?
The job has risks but can be reasonably safe depending on geography and your approach. In this job, you cannot be timid or aggressive. Just be respectful and assertive.
