Q. How does billing work?
A. SIG works similar to most attorneys. We charge an upfront retainer and bill the retainer. If you are continuing a case, you may have to add additional funds to your retainer.

Q. Do you offer payment plans?
A. No. We work off of pre-paid retainers.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. SIG accepts: Cash; Check (personal checks must clear to begin case); Visa/MasterCard. Other forms of payment may be accepted, pending verification with the owner.

Q. How much does "it" cost?
A. This is the most common question we receive. There is no short/easy answer for cases that involve work other than a background check, locate, etc. The reason is every case is unique. There are obvious similarities in some cases, but we are investigating people, not in adamant objects. As you can imagine, we have worked cases from less than $1500, and some have been worked into 6 figures on cases that involved businesses, or that required over 1,000 hours. SIG stays diligent to keeping within a budget.

Q. When or how often can we speak regarding my case?
A. As stated earlier in the FAQ, every case is different. Generally speaking, you could expect to hear from a SIG Representative, or an Automated SIG Evidence Notification, once a day to once a week, pending your case. We do not try to spend an exorbitant amount of time on the phone as it takes away from your case and others. We do like to have open communication with clients, and understand not everyone can discuss their case during typical "business hours".

We do reserve the right to invoice when a client calls repeatedly, or responding to client emails. Generally speaking this happens with clients who require higher than average amounts of time from a SIG Representative. It is not a standard practice, but some clients who require extra attention may be invoiced. *PLEASE CHECK YOUR TERMS AND AGREEMENT RETAINER.

Q. How do I reach your firm?
A. Call offices at: (616) 466-4274 or Toll-Free at: (877) 566-4274. Listen to the menu. Push the appropriate number for Client Representative, New Cases, or for an Investigator on Call. *If we do not answer, please leave a message for the Client Representative.
SIG provides up to a 30 minute No Charge Consultation.

Q. Does a PI need to be licensed?
A. Yes. According to Michigan State law, a person or firm doing investigations must be licensed and bonded.

Q. When I hire SIG, is it confidential? If so, how do I know?
A. SIG's services are 100% confidential. We are required by law to keep material confidential. Our contract also contains a confidentially clause.

Q. Can SIG tap a phone? Even if I own it?
A. No. It is against Federal Law to tap any phone without a warrant.

Q. Are results guaranteed?
A. Results can never be "guaranteed." We do guarantee to obtain the correct information for you while keeping your overhead in check. You have our Signature on it!

Q. Which steps do I need to take to start using SIG?
A. After a free 15 minute consultation, we will send you a Confidential Investigative Service Contract or a Background Check Contract. After completing the contract, return it with the agreed retainer and we will schedule your case. Pending the case load, you may have your case started in as little as 48 hours (check for earlier availability). We do not accept cases via email. SIG requires either a face-to-face meeting at our office or undisclosed location or telephone conversation.

Q. How long does it take to get results from a Background Check?
A. As little as 4 hours. Pending which Background Check you chose and SIG's case load, sometimes up to 48-72 hours. Most are completed within 24 hours.

Q. What do I do after the investigation?
A. SIG will assist you with any questions. If you are unsure of your next step, there are several knowledgeable attorneys who can assist you with legal advice and representation. If your attorney has any questions regarding your case, you can give them written permission to discuss it with our investigators.