Introduction
Are you looking to start a small business from the comfort of your home? Starting a home-based fingerprinting business could be an excellent opportunity for you.
This six-part series will guide you through setting up and running a successful fingerprinting service from your home. This first article will explore the basics of starting a home-based fingerprinting business.
Setting Up Your Home Office
When running a home-based fingerprinting business, you have a few options. You can meet your clients at their location, work from a virtual office, or conduct business operations from your home.
No matter which option you choose, safety should be a top priority.
Ensure you have someone present during client meetings, implement safety precautions, and avoid walk-ins by scheduling appointments.
Using Live Scan and Ink Card Fingerprinting
As a fingerprinting business, you can offer two primary fingerprinting services: Live Scan and Ink Card Fingerprinting.
Live scan involves electronically capturing fingerprints, while ink card fingerprinting uses traditional ink and paper. Since both methods have benefits and applications, being familiar with both is essential.
Adapting to COVID-19
The ongoing concerns of COVID-19 and its variants have undoubtedly presented challenges for the general population and businesses worldwide.
When operating a home-based fingerprinting business, you should adapt your practices to ensure the safety of both yourself and your clients.
Encourage online scheduling to avoid walk-ins (especially at your house), offer contactless payment options, and equip yourself with security measures such as video surveillance and intercom systems. You don’t really know the underlying health issues an applicant may have.
Protecting Your Personal Information
When establishing your online presence, protecting your personal information is crucial.
Use services that allow you to block your home address and consider using a virtual office address instead. This ensures your privacy remains intact, preventing unwanted visitors or potential burglaries.
Creating a Professional Website
A professional, well-optimized website is essential to attract potential clients and build credibility. When registering a domain name, be cautious about sharing your address.
Utilize services that protect your personal information while maintaining a solid online presence. A well-designed website will enable potential clients to find you quickly and learn about your services.
Operating from Your Home
If you choose to have clients come directly to your home for fingerprinting, ensure you have a designated and secure area for conducting your services. Some business owners use their garage or a small office near the entrance.
Additionally, consider outdoor options like setting up a table in your front yard providing natural light while maintaining client privacy.
Prioritizing Safety Precautions
Maintaining a safe environment during the fingerprinting process is crucial.
One important safety measure is positioning a fan behind you and the client. This will ensure fresh air flows in front, pushing any potential contaminants away from you and the client.
Avoid having the fan blow directly into both faces, as this may lead to discomfort.
Conclusion
Starting a home-based fingerprinting business offers the opportunity to turn your passion for fingerprinting into a profitable venture.
You can create a successful home-based fingerprinting business by following safety protocols, adapting to the current landscape, protecting your personal information, and creating a professional online presence.
Stay tuned for the upcoming articles in this series, where we will go further into the ins and outs of running a home-based fingerprinting business. Safety and professionalism go hand in hand when establishing and maintaining your business.
And if you want to start your own home-based fingerprinting business or more information on the topic. We encourage you to contact the National Live Scan Association® (NLSA).
As a member of the NLSA, you will gain access to valuable resources, training programs, and support to help you succeed in the industry. To join the NLSA and learn more about our programs, visit our website at NationalLiveScan.org.
Remember to subscribe to our magazine at LiveScanMagazine.com for even more insights and industry updates. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at (888) 498-4234. We look forward to helping you on your journey to starting your own fingerprinting business.
FAQ Section
1. Can I run a fingerprint business from my home?
Answer: Many states permit ink card fingerprinting services from home-based businesses. However, requirements can vary by state for Live Scan fingerprinting, where electronic transmission is needed for background checks.
We recommend checking with the state’s governing agency for clarity regarding using Live Scan services at your home.
2. How can I ensure the safety of my home-based fingerprinting business?
Answer: It is crucial to prioritize safety for yourself, your family, and your clients. Have someone else present during client meetings and implement safety precautions in emergencies. Avoid walk-ins and have clients schedule appointments in advance.
3. Is it necessary to collect payment online for my fingerprinting services?
Answer: Collecting payment online helps minimize physical transactions and is more secure for both parties. It also eliminates the need for handling cash on-site.
4. Should I disclose my home address to clients before they book an appointment?
Answer: It is recommended to provide the address only after clients have paid and confirmed their appointment. This ensures that only genuine arrangements are made and helps maintain privacy and security.
5. Can my personal address be protected when registering a domain name for my website?
Answer: You can utilize services blocking your personal information when registering a domain name. This helps maintain privacy and prevents anyone from quickly accessing your address through domain lookup tools.
6. What precautions should I take if clients come to my home for fingerprinting?
Answer: It is advisable to have a designated area specifically for fingerprinting, such as a garage or a small office near the entrance.
Additionally, setting up a fan behind the technician helps maintain airflow. It reduces the risk of breath or air circulation between the technician and the client.
7. How can I adapt my home-based fingerprinting business to the challenges posed by COVID-19?
Answer: Implement safety measures such as scheduling appointments, collecting payments online, and minimizing physical transactions.
Stay updated with local guidelines and regulations related to COVID-19 to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself, YOUR FAMILY, and your clients.
8. Can I run a home-based fingerprinting business without experience or training?
Answer: While it is possible to start a home-based fingerprinting business without prior experience or training, it is highly recommended to undergo proper and certified training to ensure the accuracy and professionalism of your services.
The National Live Scan Association® has virtual and in-person NLSA Advantage™ Certification programs, and obtaining a certification will give you a competitive edge in the industry.
9. What equipment do I need to start a home-based fingerprinting business?
Answer: To start a home-based fingerprinting business, you will need essential fingerprinting equipment, such as fingerprint ink cards or approved and certified Live Scan equipment, to include other essential materials and tools for office management and to capture an applicant’s fingerprints.
