My standard research fee is $30 per hour. This includes a free consult either by phone or by email so that I can better understand where you are in your research, what you've tried (if anything), and what your research goals are. Along with the consult, I will do some preliminary searching, and then provide you with an estimate for your research project. If you choose to accept the estimate, a non-refundable 50% retainer is required to engage my services. Upon receipt of the retainer, I will complete a research plan for you and email it to you. Upon your agreement, I will then proceed with the research project. I will also periodically email brief updates to you concerning your research project. However, these will be brief so that the majority of time that you are paying for is going towards researching and reporting.
At the completion of all the research and reporting, but before the reports are sent to you, the remainder of the balance and any out-of-pocket expenses that have been incurred (e.g., document fees, copies, etc.) must be paid in full. Upon receipt of the full balance, your research reports will be emailed to you.
The following is what you can typically expect from me once research is completed and the full balance has been paid:
- A documented report describing my findings and the basis for my conclusions;
- Copies of relevant documents (e.g., birth certificates, death certificates, etc.) with full source citation;
- A research calendar that provides a detailed listing of research hours spent;
- Recommendations for further research;
- Photos, if found, with full source citation; and
- Applicable pedigree charts and family group sheets with full source citation. In lieu of pedigree charts and family group sheets digitally emailed to you, research results can be entered into your already-existing online family tree. If you would like both, an additional fee will apply.
When you are paying for research services, you are paying for the time it takes to research, not for the results. I wish I could tell you for sure that I'm going to be able to find everything you want, and it's going to be exactly how you want it to be, but I simply cannot. To maximize your satisfaction with the final research project, I consult and do some preliminary searching before providing an estimate. I love researching and finding answers, but I am not a fortune teller. Further, I cannot guarantee the results, but I can guarantee that my research methods and my reporting of all findings will be in line with the standards set forth by the Association of Professional Genealogists and The Board for Certification of Genealogists.
Research Packages
Research Plans $99
Maybe you don't know where to start looking or how to start looking. Or maybe you've started looking, and you're stuck with a bunch of leaves all around you. And you're thinking, "Are these leaves even mine?" Then a Research Plan might be what you're looking for to get you going in the right direction. A Research Plan package is designed for one (1) main surname and includes the following:
- Assessing your research and your research problem;
- Developing a research plan for you; and
- An actual Research Plan emailed to you that details exactly what you need to do next and suggestions on how to start.
This package includes all of the research steps and reports outlined above in Standard Research and 10 hours of research and reporting time.
Cedar Research Package $499 + out-of-pocket expenses
This package includes all of the research steps and reports outlined above in Standard Research and 20 hours of research and reporting time.
Oak Research Package $749 + out-of-pocket expenses
This package includes all of the research steps and reports outlined above in Standard Research and 30 hours of research and reporting time.
Pine Research Package $999 + out-of-pocket expenses
This package includes all of the research steps and reports outlined above in Standard Research and 40 hours of research and reporting time.
Mesquite Research Package $1499 + out-of-pocket expenses
This package includes all of the research steps and reports outlined above in Standard Research and 60 hours of research and reporting time.
Gift Certificates
I can't think of anything more unique and more personal than giving the gift of family. If you're not sure exactly what type of research to give, then give a gift certificate.
Tree Pruning Package $179
Have you started a family tree on Ancestry.com that needs some pruning? This package includes the following for up to 5 generations starting from the "Home" person, or an ancestor that you designate:
- Assessment of your current family tree;
- Correct duplicate children/siblings, double listings of facts, etc.;
- Linking your media (photos and/or documents) that you have already scanned to not only the correct people but to the correct facts; and
- Emailing a report to you of recommendations for further research.
How to Purchase
Simply fill out my Research Request Form. Once I receive it, I will go over it and contact you. It's that simple.
All payments are handled through PayPal. You do not have to sign up at PayPal to use this payment method. Once we decide on how to proceed with your research project, I will email you an invoice that has a link to PayPal where you can complete the transaction.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:
Email: CMPointer@gmail.com ~ Anytime
Phone: 281-610-1084 ~ Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, CST
Skype: Monday-Friday, By Appointment Only
