You Found Someone Charging Half Our Price
I get it. You’re looking at prices for private investigators and you found someone charging $500 while everyone else is charging $2,000.
You’re thinking: “Why would I pay four times more for the same thing?”
Here’s the truth: it’s not the same thing. Not even close.
I’m a Houston private investigator who’s been doing this for years. And I can tell you exactly what happens when people hire the cheapest private investigator they can find.
They waste their money. Then they hire us anyway to do it right. And they’ve lost time, evidence, and the element of surprise.
Let me show you why the cheapest private investigator is actually the most expensive mistake you can make.
What You’re Actually Getting With the Cheapest Private Investigator
They’re Probably Not Even Licensed
In Texas, private investigators must be licensed by the state. That license requires training, background checks, insurance, and following legal standards according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The cheapest private investigator charging rock-bottom rates? Often unlicensed and breaking the law just by operating.
Here’s the problem:
Evidence gathered by the cheapest private investigator who’s unlicensed might not be admissible in court. It wasn’t obtained by a licensed professional following legal protocols.
Imagine this: You pay the cheapest private investigator for surveillance. You get photos of your spouse with someone else. You go to divorce court.
Your attorney looks at the evidence and says: “We can’t use this. The investigator wasn’t licensed.”
You just paid for evidence that’s worthless. And now your spouse knows you’re investigating, so they’ll be more careful.
That’s what happens when you hire the cheapest private investigator.
They’re Using Terrible Equipment
Professional surveillance needs professional equipment. Cameras that work in low light. GPS detection devices. Clear audio recording equipment. Vehicles that don’t stand out.
This equipment costs thousands. Real money.
The cheapest private investigator cuts corners here. They’re using:
- Smartphone cameras that can’t capture clear images from distance
- No proper detection equipment
- Obvious vehicles that get spotted immediately
- Consumer-grade gear that doesn’t work when it matters
The result?
Blurry photos that don’t prove anything. Missed evidence because the cheapest private investigator doesn’t have the right tools. Your subject realizes they’re being followed and changes behavior.
You’re paying the cheapest private investigator for investigation that doesn’t actually gather usable evidence.
They Have No Real Experience
Experienced investigators with solid track records don’t charge bottom-dollar rates. They charge what they’re worth because they know their expertise has value.
The cheapest private investigator is usually:
- Brand new with zero real experience
- Can’t get clients at normal rates because of poor reputation
- Working side gigs without proper training
What that means for you:
The cheapest private investigator doesn’t know how to do surveillance without being spotted. They don’t understand legal boundaries and might break laws gathering evidence. They don’t know what evidence actually holds up in court.
You end up with the cheapest private investigator learning on your dime while your case falls apart.
How the Cheapest Private Investigator Saves Money (By Screwing You)
Let me be direct about how the cheapest private investigator keeps prices low—by doing less work:
They Quit Early
The cheapest private investigator promises to follow someone. Then quits after two hours instead of staying all day.
They miss the crucial moment because they left early. You paid for surveillance that didn’t surveil.
They Skip the Hard Work
The cheapest private investigator doesn’t:
- Interview witnesses (takes time and skill)
- Dig into backgrounds (requires access to databases)
- Follow every lead (too much effort)
- Document everything properly (tedious work)
They take shortcuts exactly where you need thoroughness.
Their Reports Are Garbage
The cheapest private investigator provides:
- Photos without context
- Missing timestamps and locations
- Incomplete documentation
- Amateur-looking evidence that gets torn apart in court
Your attorney can’t use it. The judge won’t accept it. You wasted your money.
The Real Cost of Hiring the Cheapest Private Investigator
Here’s what the cheapest private investigator actually costs you:
In Divorce Cases
You hire the cheapest private investigator. They get weak evidence. Poor documentation. Your spouse’s attorney destroys it in court.
You save $500 on investigation.
You lose $50,000 in your settlement.
Do the math.
In Criminal Cases
You hire the cheapest private investigator for your defense. They provide incomplete evidence that doesn’t create reasonable doubt. They miss witnesses. They don’t challenge the prosecution’s case.
You save $1,000 on investigation.
You lose years of your freedom.
Was it worth it?
In Custody Cases
The cheapest private investigator gives you inadequate evidence. Poor documentation. Missing proof that would protect your children.
You save $800 on investigation.
You lose custody of your kids.
Still think cheap is better?
The Pattern Is Clear
The money you save hiring the cheapest private investigator costs you exponentially more in outcomes.
What Professional Investigation Actually Includes
When you hire a professional instead of the cheapest private investigator, here’s what you’re paying for:
Proper Licensing and Insurance
- Legal protection
- Admissible evidence
- Professional standards
- Not the smartphone camera the cheapest private investigator uses
Real Equipment
- Cameras that work in any lighting
- GPS detection technology
- Clear audio recording devices
- Professional-grade tools, not what the cheapest private investigator cobbles together
Actual Experience
- Years of surveillance without being detected
- Understanding what evidence courts need
- Skills the cheapest private investigator doesn’t have
- Knowledge that comes from doing this professionally
Thorough Investigation
- Full surveillance hours, not the two hours the cheapest private investigator works
- Complete documentation
- Multiple angles of evidence
- Professional reports your attorney can actually use
Legal Knowledge
- Understanding legal boundaries
- Gathering evidence that holds up in court
- Expertise the cheapest private investigator lacks
- Testimony that survives cross-examination
That’s what you’re actually paying for. Not just someone following your spouse around for an afternoon like the cheapest private investigator does.
Red Flags You’ve Found the Cheapest Private Investigator
Here’s how to know you’re looking at the cheapest private investigator who cuts corners:
They Can’t Provide a License Number
Every licensed Texas PI has one. If the cheapest private investigator won’t give it to you immediately, they’re not licensed.
Verify it with the Texas DPS. Takes two minutes. Do it.
They Promise Specific Results
The cheapest private investigator says: “We’ll catch them cheating” or “We’ll definitely clear you.”
Professionals don’t promise outcomes. They promise thorough investigation. Anybody guaranteeing results is lying.
They Offer Same-Day Service
The cheapest private investigator says they can start today with no consultation.
Professional investigation requires planning. Instant service means rushed, poor-quality work.
They’re Vague About Their Process
The cheapest private investigator won’t explain what they’ll actually do or how they’ll gather evidence.
Professionals walk you through their process. Vague answers mean they don’t have a real process.
Their Price Is 50% Below Everyone Else
Some price variation is normal. But when the cheapest private investigator is drastically cheaper than every competitor, they’re cutting major corners.
According to the National Association of Legal Investigators, proper investigation requires specific protocols and standards that cheap operators don’t follow.
What You Should Actually Pay
Look, I know investigation isn’t cheap. But here’s what professional rates look like in Texas—not the cheapest private investigator rates:
Surveillance Investigation: $75-150/hour
(Not the $25/hour the cheapest private investigator charges)
Background Checks: $200-800
(Not the $50 the cheapest private investigator offers)
GPS Tracker Detection: $300-800
(Equipment the cheapest private investigator doesn’t even own)
Asset Search: $500-2,500
(Research the cheapest private investigator won’t do)
Missing Person Investigation: $1,000-5,000+
(Time the cheapest private investigator won’t invest)
Criminal Defense Investigation: $1,500-10,000+
(Expertise the cheapest private investigator lacks)
Yes, these are higher than the cheapest private investigator. But they reflect:
- Licensed professionals with real credentials
- Equipment that actually works
- Investigation that gathers real evidence
- Documentation that holds up in court
Check out our criminal defense investigation services and infidelity investigation services for what professional rates actually deliver.
Questions to Ask Instead of “Who’s Cheapest?”
When you’re calling investigators, ask these instead of looking for the cheapest private investigator:
“Are You Licensed in Texas? What’s Your License Number?”
The cheapest private investigator often can’t answer this or gets defensive.
Licensed professionals give you their number immediately. Then you verify it with the state.
“What’s Included in Your Rate?”
The cheapest private investigator leaves out crucial services. “Surveillance” might mean two hours of following someone, not comprehensive investigation.
Get specifics about what you’re actually paying for.
“What Experience Do You Have With Cases Like Mine?”
The cheapest private investigator usually has minimal experience or none at all.
Professionals can discuss similar cases, approaches, and realistic expectations.
“How Do You Ensure Evidence Is Admissible in Court?”
The cheapest private investigator doesn’t understand legal standards or why they matter.
Professionals explain documentation protocols, legal requirements, and court testimony procedures.
“What Happens If You Don’t Find Anything?”
Honest answer: you pay for investigation time regardless of outcome.
If the cheapest private investigator promises refunds for not finding what you want, they’re lying. Investigation isn’t results-guaranteed.
Focus on getting good investigation, not finding the cheapest private investigator.
When “Expensive” Investigation Is Actually Cheaper
Let me show you the real math:
Scenario 1: Hiring the Cheapest Private Investigator
- Pay $500 for the cheapest private investigator
- Get blurry photos that don’t prove anything
- Evidence isn’t admissible in court
- Have to hire professional investigator anyway
- Subject now knows someone’s watching, changes behavior
- Total cost: $500 + $2,000 + lost advantage = $3,000+ and worse outcome
Scenario 2: Professional Investigation From the Start
- Pay $2,000 for licensed professional investigator
- Get clear documentation and proper evidence
- Evidence holds up in court
- Get the outcome you need
- Total cost: $2,000
Professional investigation is literally cheaper than hiring the cheapest private investigator who fails.
Real Stories: When Cheap Backfired
The Divorce That Cost $50,000
Woman caught her husband cheating. Hired the cheapest private investigator she could find for $500.
He got blurry photos from his phone. No proper documentation. No timestamps. No context.
Her attorney couldn’t use any of it. Husband’s attorney tore it apart. She got a terrible settlement because she had no admissible evidence.
She saved $500 hiring the cheapest private investigator. She lost $50,000 in the settlement compared to what she would have gotten with real evidence.
The Criminal Case That Went Wrong
Man facing assault charges hired the cheapest private investigator for his defense. $800 instead of the $3,000 professional investigators quoted.
The cheapest private investigator:
- Didn’t find the alternate camera angle that proved innocence
- Didn’t interview witnesses properly
- Provided incomplete reports
- Couldn’t testify effectively
The man took a plea deal. If he’d hired professionals from the start, they would have found evidence to clear him completely.
He saved $2,200 hiring the cheapest private investigator. He lost his freedom instead.
The Custody Battle Lost
Father trying to prove his ex was unfit. Hired the cheapest private investigator to document her behavior.
The cheapest private investigator:
- Did minimal surveillance
- Missed crucial incidents
- Provided poor documentation
- Evidence didn’t hold up in court
He lost custody. Professional investigation would have documented what he needed to protect his kids.
He saved $1,000 hiring the cheapest private investigator. He lost custody of his children.
What We Tell People Who Say We’re Too Expensive
I hear it sometimes. People call, get our rates, say they found the cheapest private investigator charging less.
Here’s what I tell them:
We’re not competing on price. We’re competing on results.
If you want the cheapest private investigator who’ll do the minimum to collect a paycheck, yes, you can find someone cheaper.
If you want investigation that actually works—evidence that matters, documentation that holds up in court, results that change outcomes—that’s what we provide.
We’re licensed. We’re insured. We use professional equipment. We have decades of experience. We know what evidence courts need. We follow legal protocols.
That’s not the cheapest private investigator option. But it’s the option that actually solves your problem.
Your marriage and financial future in divorce.
Your freedom in criminal cases.
Your children in custody battles.
These aren’t situations where the cheapest private investigator approach is acceptable.
The Bottom Line on the Cheapest Private Investigator
You’re hiring an investigator because something important is at stake.
The cheapest private investigator cuts corners exactly where you can’t afford shortcuts. They risk your case, your evidence, your outcomes.
Professional investigation costs more upfront than the cheapest private investigator. But it actually works. It gathers real evidence. It protects your interests.
Don’t hire the cheapest private investigator you can find.
Hire the best investigator you can afford. Your case deserves investigation that actually investigates.
We Can Help (Not as the Cheapest Private Investigator, But as the Right One)
Look, I’m not going to tell you we’re the cheapest private investigator in Houston. We’re not.
But we’re licensed, experienced professionals who get results that hold up in court.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients get evidence that actually mattered. Evidence that changed their divorce settlements. Evidence that cleared them of false charges. Evidence that protected their children.
If you want the cheapest private investigator, we’re not your people.
If you want investigation that actually works, call us.
Call Now: 832-404-3400
Email: getanswers@piterrance.com
Visit: www.piterrance.com
Licensed. Professional. Results that matter.
Because when evidence determines your future, the cheapest private investigator isn’t worth it.
Check out our surveillance investigation services to see what professional investigation actually includes.
