Is there a demand for this service?

Yes, Insurance Agents, Estate Planners and Attorneys highly recommend that owners of insured property have a complete and up-to-date home inventory.  You will also gain business customers whose accountants need your services to inventory business assets for Tax, Insurance and Business Ownership Transfer purposes.

Fact: Filing a claim can be one of the most frustrating processes following a Fire, Storm Damage or other Major Disaster.  Delays in the claims process are the number one complaint of insurance customers.  To help avoid problems, it is critical for customers to be prepared to provide the information their insurance company needs to quickly and fairly settle their claim - A complete Home Inventory will alleviate most of the problems in the claims process, especially if completed by an impartial Third Party Home Inventory Service. 

Is it difficult to get started?

No, in fact we make it easy for you.  We provide all the required documentation to register your business in your locality (United States, Canada, and elsewhere).  All you need to do is follow easy step-by-step instructions provided in our Home Inventory Business Start-up Kit to start-up and operate your Home Inventory Service.

What about start-up costs?

This service is low-cost, both to start and maintain. There are no hidden costs or inventory requirements. You can start this service from your home with very low overhead. Your costs will be the business start-up kit, which you will earn back with your first paying customer and some small printing and marketing costs as you get the word out about your new service.

What equipment do I need?

A digital camera and a camcorder.  A desktop or laptop computer with printer and disc writer are strongly recommended.  A portable scanner is helpful if you intend on providing document scanning services.

Can I work from home?

This business can be run successfully from either home or office, wherever you feel most comfortable.  You will need to visit your customer's home to record their inventory.

How much time will I have to devote to this business?

How much time you devote to the business depends on how much money you wish to make. Obviously, the more time you spend, the more money you can make. You could spend 10-15 hours a week and make a good part-time income, or work 40 hours or more and earn excellent full-time money.

Can I Still Provide This Service And Work My Current Job?

The hours required for this business are flexible enough to allow you to continue your current job at the same time. You will set your own hours by scheduling your appointments according to your availability.  Many start out on a part time basis and work into a full time basis.

Do I need to be licensed?

Operating a Home Inventory Service DOES NOT require any special licensing or certifications.  A very few communities may require an ordinary business license.  Check with your City or County Hall.

Do I need to be bonded?

As with any business that provides a service inside their customer's home, we do strongly advise you become bonded.  We do provide complete instructions and examples.  The cost is minimal and provides your customer with peace of mind that they are working with a reputable provider of Home Inventory Services.  Plus, being bonded gives you a competitive advantage because you can assure your customers they are protected.  Many service suppliers utilize their bond as a marketing tool and make prominent mention of it in their advertisements and literature.

More information is available on our Forum.

How do I Price my Services?

We provide complete easy to follow pricing guidelines and formulas for you to calculate pricing for your services in the Home Inventory Business Start up Kit.  Pricing factors for your services will include the size of the home, the amount of time to inventory the home and a few other incidentals.  You will be able to make adjustments according to your market area.  The national average works out to $100 per hour. 

What type of support do you offer?

We offer personalized on-going support, just call us toll free 800-631-7022 during business hours:

(Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time Zone except Holidays) or send us an e-mail.  In addition, we do offer a Home Inventory Professional Forum for you to share your experiences, insights and news with other Home Inventory Service Professionals.

Should I get the Jewelry and Collectible Props Set?

We highly recommend the Jewelry and Collectible Prop Set to quickly and efficiently organize and photograph small items: otherwise you will be left to improvise which is not a professional approach.  Your customer will be expecting you to be prepared for all their valuables, large or small.

The prop set is a collection of props and stands we have found useful for jewelry, artwork, china and other small, difficult to photograph items.  It also includes a reversible backdrop which enables you to focus your photography on the item free from distracting backgrounds and patterns.

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