Is the Cost of a Professional Background Check Company Worth It?

it is “how much is this going to cost me”. Background screening companies know that often hiring managers are at the mercy of their company budget when it comes to things like professionally screening potential employees and try to accommodate that with their fees. Here is some information concerning the cost of background checks for a company as well as if they are worth it...or not.

What Makes Up the Cost?

Though all screeners are different, in most cases, a professional background check company will charge by volume and the type of services offered. For those that charge based on volume, the more you order, the less expensive your invoice will be. When it comes to the type of services, each service, like verification of past employment or contacting references, may have a different "a la carte" price. You will probably also be able to get a package deal which will likely be less expensive than picking and choosing certain services.

Comparing Apples to Apples?

You may think that you can easily compare one background check company to another and compare prices. Unfortunately that isn't the case. It is very important to remember that not all screeners are made the same nor do all screeners offer the same services. A fly by night internet background screener who is not accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) is likely going to be less expensive than a company who is accredited by the NAPBS and other services. The reason they are less expensive is that they don't have to meet the higher standards that are set up by the NAPBS and other organizations. However, you can't be sure that the information you are getting is completely accurate.

Can't I Just Do it Myself?

Many employers have the false idea that they can perform background checks on their own. Though you can certainly do some aspects of a background screening on your own, like calling and speaking to references, other parts of the background screening process, like checking on criminal records, won't be so easy. Background screening companies have better access to this information and can obtain the information much more quickly than others. Additionally, for verifications of education or past employment, you may not be able to access the information at all unless you go through a clearing house. Background screening companies have this access and unless you are going to pay, you won't be able to get it in any other way.

Is the Price Worth It?

Only you can really determine if the cost of hiring a background screening company is worth it, but when you hire a good one, you can be sure that you are getting the most accurate information and staying within the confines of the law. Unless you have a background in screening and employment law yourself, it will likely be in your best interest to hire a screening company. After all, a background check is going to be a lot less expensive than a lawsuit for doing a background check incorrectly.