If you work in the background screening industry, you are acutely aware of how important it is to provide fast, accurate and complete data to your clients. Failing to do so can not only cost you repeat business but it could also place your business in legal jeopardy if the work you produce contains inaccuracies. So, what is a background check company to do to ensure they have the reach to deliver fast results and the knowledge to provide accurate and complete data?
The answer to that question is easy. Partner with a qualified wholesale screening provider that truly understands your business. The right wholesale screening partner will give you access to extensive industry expertise and the scale that every background check company needs to have while navigating the courts. Choosing the right partner means that you can ensure your clients orders will be promptly fulfilled in spite of the daily challenges imposed by the courts and that the data they receive is clear, thorough and accurate
Partnering with the right wholesale background screening firm is your best bet for getting the county or state data you need at a price that allows you to compete.
But, if you partner with the wrong company, it could cost you time, money, and, ultimately, business. Your clients need a partner that has the skills and reach to weed through and identify any abnormalities with prospective worker credentials and experience. They depend on your findings to make educated hiring decisions. As such, not receiving correct or holistic reporting from a wholesale public research provider can cost you loyal customers and do serious damage to your business’s reputation.
There is a plethora of wholesale background screening businesses that work with retail background check firms. However, be aware that each offers different service offerings and specialize in a particular niche. For example, some provide nationwide criminal record research by deploying and managing a network of runners. Other providers like File Finders are a niche area, on-site (boots on the ground and in the court, direct access court provider) criminal and civil provider and specializes in large areas like San Diego County. And, there are others that conduct wholesale education, employment and reference verification services.
Therefore, it is extremely important to truly vet your potential partner to ensure they offer the services that match your specific type of screening needs.
Once you have identified a potential wholesale screening partner that specializes in the service you require. There are some key traits that every wholesale provider should have:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliant
As a retail screening business, I’m sure you are aware of The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). As you know it is designed to protect the privacy of consumers and to guarantee that information supplied by consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) is as accurate as possible. All background screening agencies are required by law to comply.
If you report information about consumers to a CRA — like a wholesale screening provider does, you also have legal obligations under the FCRA’s Furnisher Rule. This rule specifically regulates how a furnisher of information is to handle disputes and inaccuracies when issues arise.Their responsibilities include:
- furnishing information that is accurate and complete, and
- investigating consumer disputes about the accuracy of information you provide.
If you don’t work with a compliant furnisher that acts expeditiously to resolve any issues resulting from reporting inaccuracy, it can have a cascading of negative effects including client dissatisfaction, applicant complaints and potentially a lawsuit for misreporting information.
- Thorough Screenings
If you want to hire a wholesale screening firm, be sure you are getting the results that you paid for. You want as many details as possible with regard to a candidate’s past so you can provide a detailed picture as to who he or she is and what type of employee that he or she would make for your client.
The perfect Wholesaler screening partner should have solid relationships with the courts and local court runners that personally track down all records needed from each courthouse, police station, agency, and credit bureau, providing you with the information you need.
- Quick Turnaround
It is super important that the wholesale screening business that you choose has a better than average turnaround time. Usually, your client will be hiring new recruits on a tight timeline, such as needing to replace a departing employee, or starting a brand new project. You don’t want to keep them waiting for results due to a slow response time from your data resource. For all these reasons, fast turnaround and reliable ETA’s are crucial.
- Accuracy
You must be sure that your chosen wholesale background screener provides information that is 100% complete and correct. If there are aspects that are inaccurate, then the information is not of much help to your customer when it comes to making an educated hiring decision. Inaccuracies can get you in a lot of trouble legally as well.
- Accreditation
It is probably in your best interest to seek out a wholesale screening agency that is a member of Public Record Retriever Network (PRRN) and/or the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). When a screener is a member of either one of these two accredited associations, it must follow stringent guidelines. The PBSA also keeps screeners in line with all new laws so you won’t have to worry about committing any violations in your reporting.
- Total Cost
If you are in charge of a retail background checking company, large or small, your budget is definitely something that you must consider. Remember that wholesale background screeners tend to offer bulk pricing to meet your immediate needs. Niche providers, for example single county and/or service specific providers are especially willing to offer superior pricing in most cases.
- Specialization in your Customers’ Fields
Try to find a wholesale background screening company that specifically serves your clients’ niches and is equipped to handle the demand of custom reporting. Industries such as transportation, food service, retail, or financial have very unique needs. Find a wholesale screening provider that will not nickle and dime costs. With a thorough industry-specific package, you can be sure that you will get all the relevant screenings, without paying for extraneous paperwork and research time that you don’t really need.
- Client Support
Most background screening businesses that are worth their salt offer customer support in the forms of email, phone, or other types of communication. You should go with the company that offers your preferred method of assistance.
- Advanced Technology of the Trade
Be sure you are working with a company that offers technologically advanced and online tools.
Electronic consent forms and online portals save precious time and ensure that information is offered privately and safely. A portal is also useful for reading reports and placing orders securely.
In conclusion, choosing a wholesale background screening company is a very important business decision for a retail background checker that should not be taken lightly. Using the specific criteria listed above, you should be able to find a company that is affordable and willing to work with you to get your work done quickly, thoroughly, and efficiently.
If you are currently searching for a wholesale screening partner you can count on, File Finders has been providing wholesale criminal, civil and public records research since 1995. They are fully insured with Errors and Omissions, Worker’s Compensation as well as General Liability. They offer quick sign up and have no monthly minimums requirements. They do the legwork so you don’t have to.