Starting a Background Check Service: Starter Guide

Starting a Background Check Service with Realistic Steps

Picture this. A small company hires someone without checking their background. A few months later, they regret it.

You hear the story and think, “If they had the right information up front, they could have avoided all this.” That is the space a background check service fills.

Before you rush ahead, step back and look at the bigger picture. Owning any business means risk, long hours, and full responsibility.

You are the one who makes sure the work gets done, clients are happy, and the bills are paid. That is a big shift if you are used to a steady job and regular pay.

It helps to walk through some key points to consider before starting your business. Ask yourself if you are ready to deal with problems, delays, and difficult decisions. In this line of work, you are dealing with sensitive information, legal rules, and people’s lives. You want to know you are up for that.

Passion matters more than most people think. When things get tough, passion keeps you looking for answers instead of exits. If you are only starting a business because you hate your job or you feel trapped financially, that fuel does not last.

Take time to think about how passion affects your business and the role it will play for you.

Also consider whether you are moving toward something or running away from something.

• Do you like research, details, and rules?
• Are you comfortable working behind the scenes and letting your clients be the visible ones?
• Are you willing to trade predictable pay for uncertainty while you build something of your own?

If you are not sure, talk to business owners who run background check or screening companies in other cities where you will not compete. Many will share what a normal week looks like, how they found clients, and what they would do differently.

Use a process like the one in this guide to getting a real inside look at a business before you start, and only speak with owners outside your target market so you are not a future rival.

What a Background Check Service Really Does

A background check service gathers and reports information that helps clients make decisions about people. Most clients are employers, staffing agencies, landlords, or organizations that work with vulnerable groups.

They rely on your reports to decide whether to hire, place, rent to, or trust someone with access or responsibility.

Your service pulls information from lawful sources and puts it into a clear report. Depending on what you offer, this might include identity verification, criminal record searches, employment and education checks, driving records, or credit reports for certain uses.

For some clients, you also verify licenses, certifications, or sanctions.

Think of your business as a research and reporting service built on rules. You are not judging people. You are organizing information so your client can make a decision within the law. The better you understand those rules and your client’s needs, the more useful your reports will be.

• Common services you might offer
  • Identity verification using legal sources and approved vendors.
  • Criminal record searches at the county, state, and national database level where allowed.
  • Sex offender registry checks and sanctions or watchlist searches.
  • Employment and education verification with past employers and schools.
  • Professional license and credential verification.
  • Driving record checks for driving or delivery positions.
  • Tenant screening for landlords and property managers.
  • Special due diligence reports on executives, investors, or key partners.
• Typical customers
  • Small and mid-sized employers across many industries.
  • Staffing and recruitment agencies that screen job applicants.
  • Landlords and property management companies screening tenants.
  • Nonprofits, schools, and care providers working with vulnerable people.
  • Banks, financial firms, and investors needing deeper research.
• Basic business models
  • Direct business-to-business reports for employers, agencies, and landlords.
  • White-label services integrated into human resource or property software.
  • Specialized research for high-level due diligence work.
  • A combination of automated checks with manual research for tricky cases.

Pros and Cons of a Background Check Service

Every business has advantages and drawbacks. A background check service is no different. Looking at both sides now helps you avoid surprises later. It also helps you decide whether this work fits your strengths and interests.

One advantage is that this line of work can often start small. Many services begin with a home office or small space, a computer, and contracts with data providers. You are not stocking shelves or running a busy showroom. You are working with information and systems.

The challenges are real as well. You operate under laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state consumer reporting rules.

Mistakes can create real problems for the people in your reports and for your clients. You must be ready to handle detailed procedures and keep up with legal changes.

• Pros
  • Can be started on a small scale by one person and grown over time.
  • Service-based business with no physical inventory to manage.
  • Many tasks can be done from a home office, subject to local rules.
  • Potential for long-term relationships and recurring work from regular clients.
  • Scales with smart use of software and data providers rather than only adding staff.
• Cons
  • Complex legal and compliance requirements at the federal and state level.
  • High responsibility for accuracy and fair handling of personal data.
  • Dependence on third-party data sources and courts that may be slow or limited.
  • Need to protect sensitive information against misuse and breaches.
  • Ongoing effort required to keep up with law changes and best practices.

Solo Operation or Larger Team?

A background check service is usually a small or mid-sized operation at the start. Many people begin alone or with a partner, then add staff as order volume grows.

You can handle research, reports, and client contact yourself in the beginning, as long as you stay within the law and keep quality high.

This type of business does not usually need investors on day one. Most new owners use savings, a small loan, or part-time work to cover early costs. You still need to plan your finances carefully, but you are not building a factory or a large retail store.

As you grow, you might hire staff to handle research, client service, or compliance. You might also bring in partners or outside funding if you want to expand into more states or add complex services.

You can learn many skills, and you can always hire professionals to handle tasks you do not enjoy, such as accounting, legal work, or complex technology.

• Decide if you will start as a one-person business or with a small team.
• Think about when you might need help with research, client service, or compliance.
• Look at guidance on how and when to hire so you do not overload yourself or hire too early.
• Consider building a team of advisors such as a lawyer, accountant, and insurance agent using ideas from building a team of professional advisors.

Research Demand and Profit Potential

Before you spend money on software and equipment, you need to know if there is enough demand in your market. You want enough work to cover your expenses, pay yourself, and leave a profit.

That means looking at both demand and competition.

Start by looking at how many employers, staffing agencies, and landlords are active in your area. Then look at how they screen people today. Some may already work with national screening companies.

Others may rely on simple checks or do nothing at all. Both groups can be opportunities if you can offer something better or more personal.

Do not guess. Use simple research methods. Check job listings to see how often employers mention background checks. Talk to non-competing owners in other regions about what they charge and how much volume they need each month.

Study the basics of supply and demand for small business so you understand how pricing and competition affect your plans.

• Estimate how many potential clients exist within your target industries and region.
• Study competing background check services and what they offer.
• Check if your prices can cover data provider fees, overhead, and your own pay.
• Use a guide on pricing your services to avoid charging too little or too much.

Plan Your Services, Packages, and Pricing

Once you see demand and competition, decide exactly what you will sell. Clear packages make it easier for clients to understand what they are buying and what each report includes. They also help you standardize your work so you can manage quality.

Start simple. Offer a few core packages, then add extras for special cases. Each package should list what checks are included and when it is appropriate to use.

Make sure your packages and pricing align with the rules for permissible purpose, consent, and use of consumer reports.

Take time to put these ideas into writing. Even if you are not asking for a loan, a structured plan based on a resource such as how to write a business plan will keep you focused and help you spot gaps before they cost you money.

• Define service packages such as:
  • Basic employment screen (identity and criminal where allowed).
  • Standard employment screen (criminal, employment and education checks).
  • Tenant screen (identity, rental history, allowed credit checks).
  • Driving role package (driving record plus safety-related checks).
  • Executive due diligence package with deeper research.
• Set clear rules about when each package is used and what client consent is needed.
• Decide how you will handle add-ons, rush orders, or special research requests.
• Align your fees with your costs and the value you provide, using your pricing work.

Equipment, Software, and Workspace

This business runs on secure technology and a reliable workspace. You will use a computer, specialized background screening software, and access to data providers. You also need tools to protect personal information and keep your work organized.

You can work from a home office or small commercial space, as long as your local zoning allows it. However, note that most major data providers and credit bureaus require a separate commercial location and physical inspection to grant access to sensitive data. You do not want sensitive information visible or accessible to family members, visitors, or anyone who is not authorized.

Make a detailed list of what you need and get rough prices for each item. A guide on estimating startup costs can help you build a complete picture. Your list and your choices will shape how much money you need before you open.

• Computers and networking
  • Business-grade laptop or desktop computer with enough memory and speed for your software.
  • Monitor, keyboard, and mouse for comfortable daily use.
  • Secure internet connection with a modern router and firewall.
  • Encrypted external drive or other backup system.
• Core software and tools
  • Office software for documents, spreadsheets, and PDF files.
  • Secure email and encryption tools for sensitive messages.
  • Electronic signature service for agreements and consent forms.
  • Customer tracking or customer relationship management software.
• Background screening platforms and data providers
  • Screening platform that handles orders, results, and audit trails.
  • Criminal record data sources and court access where allowed by law.
  • Credit reporting access through approved channels for eligible uses.
  • Driving record access through approved vendors or state systems.
  • Employment and education verification tools where available.
  • Sanctions and watchlist tools for regulated industries.
• Security and privacy tools
  • Anti-malware and antivirus protection on all devices.
  • Full-disk encryption on computers and storage devices.
  • Password manager and strong password policies.
  • Multi-factor authentication on all sensitive systems.
  • Cross-cut shredder and lockable cabinets for paper records.
• Communication and office setup
  • Business phone line or internet-based phone service.
  • Video meeting software for client calls.
  • Desk, ergonomic chair, and basic storage.
  • Printer and scanner, if your clients still use paper forms.
• Optional fingerprinting equipment
  • Live scan fingerprint device and software approved by your state, if you plan to add fingerprinting services.
  • Dedicated workstation and secure connection to state systems, if required.

Legal, Compliance, and Registration Basics

Because you handle personal data, legal and compliance work is not optional. You want to set up your business the right way from the beginning.

That includes your legal structure, federal and state registrations, and compliance with consumer reporting rules.

Many small businesses start as sole proprietorships by default, then move to a limited liability company (LLC) as they grow. An LLC can offer liability protection and a more formal structure, but it also comes with filing and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure, speak with a lawyer or accountant.

The details differ by state and city, so use a high-level guide such as how to register a business and then confirm each step with your Secretary of State, state tax department, and local municipality. Do not guess at local rules. They are usually clear once you know where to look.

• Typical registration steps
  • Choose your structure (sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation) with professional advice if needed.
  • Check name availability and register your business name, using guidance from selecting a business name.
  • Apply for a federal tax identification number with the Internal Revenue Service if required.
  • Register with your state tax agency for any required business or employer accounts.
  • Check with your city or county for a general business license and home-based business rules.
  • Confirm if you need a Certificate of Occupancy for a commercial office.
  • Look into private investigator or fingerprint vendor licensing if your state treats your services that way.
• Compliance and risk management
  • Learn the basics of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state consumer reporting laws.
  • Set up procedures for consent forms, disclosures, and adverse action notices.
  • Create written policies for data security, accuracy, and handling disputes.
  • Review your insurance needs using a guide on business insurance and talk to an insurance professional.

Create Your Business Plan and Set Up Your Money

A written business plan does not need to be fancy, but it does need to be clear. It keeps you focused on your market, services, pricing, and numbers. Without it, you are guessing. With it, you have a simple way to check if you are on track.

Include your target customers, services, pricing, equipment list, marketing ideas, and financial projections. Use a resource like how to write a business plan as a model. Even if no one else sees your plan, it is worth the effort.

Next, handle your money systems. Open a business bank account so you keep business and personal funds separate. Decide how you will accept payments and how you will track income and expenses. If you need extra funds to get started, a guide on getting a business loan can help you understand your options.

• Write a simple business plan covering your market, services, pricing, and costs.
• Estimate startup costs using your equipment and software list and the startup cost guide.
• Open a business bank account and set up basic bookkeeping with professional help if needed.
• Decide if you will use savings, a loan, or another source to cover early cash needs.

Branding, Identity, and Website

Your clients may never visit your office, but they will visit your website, see your reports, and read your emails. That means your brand still matters. It should look reliable, professional, and consistent across everything you put in front of clients.

Start with a clear, easy-to-pronounce name and matching domain.

Consider the image you want to project: trust, accuracy, and compliance. Once the name is set, build a simple visual identity that you can use on your website, business cards, and documents.

You do not need a complicated site. You do need a clear one that explains what you do, who you serve, and how you protect data. A guide on planning and building a small business website can help you think through structure, content, and features step by step.

• Choose a business name and secure a domain and matching email addresses.
• Develop a basic logo and visual style, using ideas from building a corporate identity package.
• Create simple business cards using guidance from what to know about business cards.
• Plan website content and layout using the website planning guide, then build or hire a professional to build it.

Skills, Daily Work, and a Day in the Life

It helps to know what your life will look like after your launch. Much of your day will be focused on requests from clients and the research those requests require. You will spend a lot of time at a computer, reading records, and communicating by email and phone.

You need to be comfortable with details, deadlines, and rules. You also need to explain findings in plain language, both in written reports and when clients call with questions.

If any of these skills are weak, you can learn them or hire staff or contractors later.

Think about whether this daily rhythm fits you. Use a guide that helps you avoid common startup mistakes so you build a realistic picture, not an idealized one.

• Core skills you or your team need
  • Ability to read and understand court records and other official documents.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Comfort with privacy and data security practices.
  • Clear writing skills for client reports.
  • Basic business skills such as budgeting and simple financial tracking.
• Typical daily activities
  • Reviewing new orders and checking that client requests are allowed by law.
  • Confirming that the correct consent and disclosures are in place.
  • Running searches through approved data sources and court systems.
  • Calling or emailing schools, employers, and references to verify information.
  • Reviewing results, checking possible record matches, and resolving questions.
  • Preparing and sending final reports through a secure system.
  • Handling questions from clients and requests for reinvestigation from individuals in your reports.
• A simple “day in the life” example
  • Morning: Check overnight orders, start time-sensitive checks, answer urgent emails.
  • Midday: Work on complex verifications and make calls to employers or schools.
  • Afternoon: Review and finalize reports, handle any disputes or corrections, plan for the next day.

Step-by-Step: Launching Your Background Check Service

You now have the pieces. This is where you put them in order. Use these steps as a guide. You can adjust them to your situation, but follow the general flow so you do not skip something important.

Remember that you do not have to do everything alone. Professional help is available for legal, accounting, branding, and website work. Your job is to make sure the right work gets done correctly, even if someone else does part of it.

Read through the steps first, then go back and work them in order, checking off each one as you finish it.

1. Decide if business ownership, and this industry in particular, fits you, using the passion and inside-look resources.
2. Research demand, competition, and profit potential in your target region and industries.
3. Define your services, packages, and pricing structure.
4. Decide whether you will start solo or with partners or staff.
5. Select a legal structure and confirm registration steps with your Secretary of State and local municipality.
6. Write a basic business plan and estimate your startup costs.
7. Secure funding and open your business bank account.
8. Choose your business name and secure your domain and social accounts.
9. Make a complete list of equipment, software, and subscriptions you need.
10. Set up your workspace, whether at home or in a small office, in line with local rules.
11. Contract with screening platforms and data providers and set up your accounts.
12. Create written procedures for consent, reports, disputes, and data security.
13. Set up your brand identity, website, and basic marketing materials.
14. Purchase needed insurance with help from a business insurance professional.
15. Run test orders to practice your full process from request to final report.
16. Prepare simple contracts, invoices, and payment options.
17. Reach out to your first target clients and begin taking real orders.

Pre-Launch Checklist and Final Thoughts

Before you open your doors, take time to run a final check. You want your systems, legal steps, and marketing basics in place. That way, when the first client calls, you can focus on doing great work instead of scrambling to set up accounts or forms.

Gather your lists, your plan, and your notes. Walk through a pretend order from start to finish. Notice where you feel uncertain or stuck. Those are the areas where you may want professional advice or more practice.

Remember, this business is built on trust. Trust from your clients that you will deliver accurate, lawful information. Trust from individuals that you will handle their data fairly and securely. Every step you take before launch should support that trust.

• Pre-launch readiness check
  • All registrations and licenses in place, as confirmed with the proper agencies.
  • Equipment, software, and security tools tested and working.
  • Service packages, pricing, and terms documented and clear.
  • Standard contracts, consent forms, and report templates ready to use.
  • Website live with clear descriptions of your services and contact details.
  • Basic marketing plan ready, including how you will contact your first prospects.
  • Support team lined up for legal, accounting, and insurance questions.
• Spreading the word
  • Reach out to local employers, staffing agencies, and property managers who fit your target profile.
  • Share sample report formats and explain your process and legal approach.
  • Consider a simple launch campaign using ideas from grand opening strategies, even if your “grand opening” is online.

101 Tips for Running Your Background Check Service

These tips give you practical ways to run, improve, and protect your background check service. You will not use every idea right away, and that is fine. Pick a few that fit your stage, apply them carefully, and return to the list whenever you are ready for the next step.

As a first-time owner, your goal is not perfection on day one. Focus on building safe, lawful habits, learning from experience, and adjusting as you discover what works best for you and your clients.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Write down why you want to run a background check service so you can see if you are chasing a long-term goal or escaping a short-term problem.
2. Decide which segment you will focus on first, such as employment screening, tenant screening, volunteer checks, or executive due diligence.
3. Talk with owners of background check services in other regions so you can get honest insight without competing for the same clients.
4. Make sure you are comfortable handling sensitive personal information and following strict rules before you commit to this industry.
5. Read basic explanations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and related rules so you know what it means to act as a consumer reporting agency.
6. Check whether your state treats some background check work as private investigation and whether that triggers extra licensing or bonding.
7. List the major employer, staffing, and property management markets in your region and estimate how often they might need screening.
8. Choose a business structure with help from a professional so your legal and tax situation matches your goals and risk tolerance.
9. Build a simple financial model that estimates how many reports you must complete each month to cover costs and pay yourself.
10. Review your technology skills and decide what you can learn quickly and what you will need from paid vendors or experts.
11. Evaluate how much time, savings, and family support you have so you know how long you can operate before the business must support you.
12. Choose whether you will work from home or a separate office and confirm zoning, privacy, and business license rules for that choice.

What Successful Background Check Service Owners Do

13. Treat compliance and data protection as core parts of the business, not side issues to handle only when problems appear.
14. Keep written procedures for every step of the process, from receiving an order to handling disputes, and update them regularly.
15. Invest in training for themselves and their team on how to read court records, public data, and official documents accurately.
16. Pick one or two industries to specialize in so they become known as the go-to experts for those types of clients.
17. Track key numbers such as average turnaround time, dispute rates, correction rates, and client retention so decisions are based on facts.
18. Maintain relationships with more than one data provider so they are not stuck if a single supplier has outages or changes terms.
19. Build long-term relationships with legal and compliance advisors who understand consumer reporting and employment rules.
20. Review consent forms, disclosures, and adverse action letters on a regular schedule so they stay aligned with current laws.
21. Document how major decisions are made when interpreting complex records so they can explain and defend their reports later.
22. Encourage staff to bring up potential errors or concerns quickly and reward honest reporting instead of hiding problems.
23. Block time each week to step back from daily tasks and work on strategy, process improvement, and long-term planning.
24. Participate in at least one recognized industry group or event so they can compare their practices with accepted standards.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

25. Write standard operating procedures for each type of report so every order follows a predictable series of steps.
26. Use a case or order management system to track every request instead of relying on email threads and manual lists.
27. Set up role-based permissions in your systems so employees only see the data they need to complete their work.
28. Define standard timelines for each type of search and share them with staff so they can plan their workday.
29. Use checklists for employment verification, education checks, and references so key questions are never forgotten.
30. Schedule blocks of uninterrupted time for difficult research tasks so you can stay focused and avoid avoidable errors.
31. Document a clear process for onboarding new clients that includes verifying their identity and permissible purpose.
32. Write simple role descriptions for each job in your business so people know what they are accountable for.
33. Cross-train staff so more than one person can perform critical functions like report review, system administration, and client support.
34. Establish a daily routine for confirming which reports are due, which are delayed, and which have been delivered.
35. Set up secure remote work procedures, including encrypted devices and strong authentication for anyone working off-site.
36. Align staffing levels with known busy periods, such as large hiring seasons, so workload does not overwhelm your team.
37. Use external professionals for specialized tasks like payroll, complex accounting, or advanced technology when that is more efficient.
38. Compare vendor invoices with your internal order counts to catch billing differences and control costs.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

39. Understand that many background check services are treated as consumer reporting agencies and must follow Fair Credit Reporting Act rules.
40. Know that federal guidance expects you to have written procedures for accuracy, consent, disclosures, and adverse action steps.
41. Recognize that some state and local laws limit when employers can ask about or use criminal records in hiring decisions.
42. Remember that your costs are heavily influenced by data provider fees, court access charges, and specialized licensing costs.
43. Expect report volume to rise and fall with hiring cycles, property rental seasons, and changes in the job market.
44. Accept that legal risk comes from both your clients and the people in your reports if information is wrong or used incorrectly.
45. Use published industry standards and best practice guides as reference points for how robust your procedures should be.
46. Stay aware of how new technology, including automated decision tools, is still subject to existing consumer reporting rules.
47. Understand that your work may be reviewed in legal disputes even when you did not make the final decision about a person.
48. Plan for the impact of more sealed, expunged, or restricted records, which may change which data you can legally report.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

49. Define your ideal client profile in detail so you know exactly which companies and roles to focus your outreach on.
50. Build a simple website that clearly describes what you do, who you serve, and why you take accuracy and compliance seriously.
51. Develop short case examples, without revealing identities, that show how timely and accurate reports helped your clients.
52. Reach out to human resource consultants, staffing agencies, and payroll companies that often refer clients for screening services.
53. Join local business groups where business owners and managers meet so you can build relationships before you ever discuss pricing.
54. Offer new clients a trial phase with a limited number of reports so they can test your process with lower risk.
55. Write and share simple educational pieces that explain how background checks work and what rights individuals have.
56. Make it easy for potential clients to contact you through a clear phone number and a straightforward request form.
57. Ask long-term clients for permission to use brief testimonials that highlight reliability, clarity, and professionalism.
58. Use consistent branding elements on your website, reports, invoices, and email signatures to build recognition.
59. Track which marketing channels, such as events, referrals, or online search, bring you the most profitable clients.
60. Tailor your message to one or two target industries at a time so your examples and language match their world.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

61. Begin each new client relationship by explaining your role, the limits of your reports, and how legal responsibilities are shared.
62. Give clients plain-language summaries of their obligations so they do not assume you are giving legal advice.
63. Write reports in clear, direct language so non-lawyers can understand what each item means for their decisions.
64. Set honest expectations about how long different types of searches usually take and what can delay them.
65. Explain in advance how you handle unclear records or conflicting information so clients are not surprised later.
66. Schedule regular check-ins with high-value clients to discuss how well your reports are supporting their decisions.
67. Offer optional training sessions or recorded walk-throughs that show client staff how to read and use your reports correctly.
68. Notify clients promptly when legal or industry changes require adjustments to your reports or recommended practices.
69. Develop a simple plan for offering additional services to existing clients when their needs expand.
70. Recognize long-term relationships with occasional small gestures, like proactive process reviews or shared insights, to show appreciation.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

71. Write a short customer service policy that states how quickly you respond to emails, calls, and service requests.
72. Create a step-by-step process for handling consumer disputes and reinvestigation requests and make sure it is easy to follow.
73. Assign a specific contact for each major client so they always know who to call with questions or concerns.
74. Document every service promise you make, such as turnaround times or custom formatting, and review them with the client.
75. Use a ticket or case system to track service issues so nothing gets lost or forgotten.
76. Ask clients for feedback after key milestones, like the end of a hiring season or the first major project.
77. When something goes wrong, communicate clearly about what happened, how you fixed it, and what will be different next time.
78. Review customer service performance on a regular schedule and adjust staffing, training, or tools to close gaps.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

79. Run your business with digital records wherever practical so you reduce paper use, storage needs, and physical security risks.
80. Select software and data vendors with strong security practices and a history of stability so you are not constantly switching tools.
81. Define a data retention policy that specifies how long you keep each type of record and how you securely destroy it when it is no longer needed.
82. Standardize on a small set of core tools so training new staff becomes easier and daily work is more efficient.
83. Plan for hardware and software replacement on a schedule instead of waiting for systems to fail at critical moments.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

84. Subscribe to official updates from key federal agencies that regulate consumer reporting and employment practices.
85. Follow your state and local agencies for alerts on new background check, privacy, and fair hiring rules.
86. Join recognized industry associations or working groups so you can access training, guidelines, and peer discussions.
87. Set aside time each month to review regulatory updates and decide whether your procedures need to change.
88. Keep a central log of every legal or industry change you respond to and what adjustments you made.
89. Encourage each team member to complete a certain amount of training each year on topics related to their role.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

90. Review your order history by month so you understand when hiring waves or rental seasons may stretch your capacity.
91. Design flexible staffing plans that include cross-training and temporary help so you can respond quickly to sudden surges in work.
92. Pilot new automation or decision tools on a small group of reports and compare results before expanding their use.
93. Monitor how your competitors change their offerings, but only adopt ideas that fit your strategy and compliance standards.
94. Create a written plan for handling disruptions such as court closures, vendor outages, or natural disasters that affect record access.
95. Schedule periodic strategy reviews where you ask whether your current niche and pricing still fit the market you serve.

What Not to Do

96. Do not run a background check for employment, housing, or similar decisions without proper written consent when the law requires it.
97. Do not include sealed, expunged, or legally restricted records in reports when rules say they must not appear.
98. Do not claim that your reports alone decide who a client should hire or reject, because your role is to provide information, not make decisions.
99. Do not rush identity matching, because attaching the wrong record to a person can cause serious harm and legal trouble.
100. Do not ignore complaints or dispute letters from individuals, since delayed responses can escalate into regulatory or legal actions.
101. Do not copy complex policies from unknown sources without review; base your procedures on guidance from recognized authorities and adapt it to your business.

 

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Professional Background Screening Association, Thomson Reuters Legal, Internal Revenue Service, Administration for Children & Families