In general, tracking fees for private investigation agencies are calculated based on the time spent on the case. However, no one can predict exactly how long a surveillance investigation will take in one day.

Unlike hourly-based service industries, private detectives or investigators do not always have daily assignments and cannot typically handle multiple investigations on the same day. Every case is unique and carries its own set of risks, with varying times and locations for the target’s activities.

Therefore, short-term or one-time surveillance investigations usually have a minimum fee, often covering at least four hours of tracking time.

For a one-off or urgent tracking investigation, regardless of how long the surveillance lasts, the charge is based on a minimum four-hour service. This includes a private investigator equipped with the necessary surveillance gear and a case manager reporting live updates. In total, two staff members are assigned to assist in the investigation.

In fact, if a private investigation agency were to exclusively handle short-term surveillance cases or temporary assignments, it would not be able to cover operating costs. The highest expenses for an investigation agency are personnel costs and advertising fees.

However, personnel costs cannot be easily minimized. The investigators handling your case need to be experienced, and their basic pay plus bonuses (based on task completion) act as incentives for them to successfully carry out your request.

Case Study: A One-Time Tracking Investigation

A client once requested a one-time tracking investigation for her husband, who had traveled from Taipei to Kaohsiung for a business trip. The client suspected that he might meet with a former female colleague and wanted to confirm whether they were engaging in an intimate relationship. The client urgently requested the agency to send an investigator to his scheduled hotel in Kaohsiung to monitor whether the husband would meet this woman. The investigation was set for eight hours.

The investigator began surveillance at 12:00 PM at the designated hotel. By approximately 3:40 PM, the client’s husband checked in alone. After informing the client, the client unexpectedly requested the investigator to withdraw early, and the remaining two hours of surveillance should be rescheduled for the following morning, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused!

The original order was for an 8-hour tracking investigation on the same day, and any services for the following day would require a new calculation. This would include a minimum four-hour tracking fee.

If it had been a short-term investigation lasting several days, the investigator might have agreed to reschedule tracking time during the investigation period. However, for one-day, temporary assignments, it is not feasible to simply transfer hours to the following day, as the time spent on traveling to and from the location, as well as fuel costs, must also be accounted for.

Tracking Fees: What’s Included?

In addition to the investigator’s hourly rate, tracking fees may include the following expenses, all reimbursed based on actual costs:

• Transportation costs for following the target using public transport, motorbike, or car
• Entrance fees for following the target into various locations
• Parking fees
• Other necessary incidentals
• Report creation costs for compiling investigation findings

Conclusion: Tracking Fees are Hourly-Based

Tracking fees are calculated on an hourly basis, and each investigation is charged with a minimum four-hour commitment.

For cases where the surveillance spans a longer period to yield results, estimating the total cost of the investigation can be challenging. We recommend contacting Lex Solution Investigations directly for a consultation. You can discuss a specific investigation plan and request a written quote, which clearly outlines both the fee structure and the scope of work involved.