Hiring an investigator: scope and costs
An investigation needs a clearly bounded commission. Define the question to clarify, information already available and intended outcome. A sound offer explains work, limitations and documentation without promising a particular investigative result.
Define the investigation objective first
Document research, tracing a person and reviewing a workplace incident require different approaches. Initially describe the objective in general terms. Names, whereabouts and personal documents can be discussed later in a targeted confidential exchange.
A commission should answer a specific question rather than collect unlimited private information. Before work starts, clarify appropriate enquiries, necessary documents and excluded methods.
Check lawfulness before the commission
Hiring an investigator does not authorise every form of data collection or observation. Data protection, personality rights and rules relevant to the case must be considered. Employees have particular protections. Have uncertain commissions legally reviewed before action.
Requirements vary by canton and field. Special rules for social insurance observation do not provide general permission for private commissions. Ask about the authorisation and experience needed for your particular case.
Define the scope of work
Start with a feasibility assessment. Then define the area, possible time windows, staffing and documentation. A cross-border commission needs separate arrangements for local rules, partners and travel; it differs from local research.
Distinguish hourly rates from total cost
A low hourly rate may apply to each investigator. Several staff then increase the cost. Travel time, mileage, supplements and reporting may be additional, while other offers include them. Compare expected total cost rather than the advertised base rate.
| Cost item | Clarify |
|---|---|
| Working hours | Per person or for the whole team? |
| Minimum charge | Minimum duration or fixed work blocks? |
| Extra charges | Show travel, supplements, report and VAT. |
Agree progress updates and cost control
Agree a bounded initial commission and explicit approval for extensions. A spending ceiling is useful only when included items and the procedure at the limit are clear. Also specify cancellation and early termination charges.
| Agreement | Value for comparison |
|---|---|
| Approval for further work | No unlimited continuation without approval. |
| Progress updates | Discuss progress and additional needs early. |
| Termination and billing | Identify completed work and any charges. |
What makes documentation useful
A useful report distinguishes observed facts from assessments. Agree format, included material and a final discussion. For proceedings, coordinate requirements with your legal adviser. A commercial promise does not establish admissibility in an individual case.
Confidential exchange rather than sensitive initial details
An initial enquiry can state the subject, a short factual question and general region. Later clarify recipients, protection and deletion of data. Photos, identity documents and health details do not belong in this initial general description.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to explain the entire case in the form?
No. A short objective without names or sensitive details is enough initially. Discuss further information with the selected firm.
What does a private investigator cost?
Scope, staffing and additional charges determine the total. A single published hourly rate is not a general Swiss market price.
Can an investigator observe anything?
No. A private commission does not remove legal limits or personality rights. Proposed measures must be checked before action.
Is a particular result guaranteed?
An offer can specify work and documentation without guaranteeing that a suspicion is confirmed. Agree what happens if no useful result emerges.
Is a report automatically admissible in court?
No. Collection, content and proceedings matter. Clarify requirements with a suitable legal professional.
Can I start with a feasibility assessment?
Yes. A bounded initial discussion can define scope, legal checks and costs before a wider commission.
