RISING FUEL COSTS

Oh how I dread pulling into the gas station these days!! About 2 hours ago I fueled up for a trip to Lebec, CA and it cost me close to $40.00!! Being a process server means a lot of driving, and paying over $3.50 a gallon is upsetting. It's not uncommon for me to drive 300-500 miles in one day and having to fill up daily can get very expensive, very fast!! I try to combat the rising fuel costs by routing my stops as closely as possible, and keep my fingers crossed that I can knock out the majority of the serves on the first try. Getting a high volume of serves is key in this profession. With a stack of work to hit North, East, South, or West, you can justify these crazy high gas prices. When you're able to bill out upwards of $1,000.00 for a days worth of serving with that tank of gas it isn't so bad....that'll be a day I'm smiling. If you're just starting out, look for a client or clients who may only be looking for a server to handle one certain part of town, possibly a landlord with multiple complexes throughout town that require three day notices or Unlawful Detainer action. This will keep you in town and your mileage down until you are to the point where you have a little volume to justify your travel to farther locations. On a totally different note, keeping a detailed mileage log as a process server is very important as you can write off any business related miles that you travel. I'm very anal when it comes to my mileage log as it is VERY IMPORTANT if ever audited by the IRS, and so I encourage you to be also. Also, be sure to save your gas receipts (I scan mine into my computer at the end of every month to stay organized). Another way to combat fuel costs in this profession, is to cut back on any unnecessary spending. If you are marketing your business, spend some time researching which strategies are producing the most work for you, and cut the ones that aren't. If you are a new business, advertising is key, so don't cut out too much!! New work and new clients mean more volume, and more volume helps fight those rising fuel costs!!

HOW TO BECOME A LICENSED PROCESS SERVER IN KERN COUNTY

Interested in becoming a licensed process server? First of all, let me say that if you are willing to work hard, this can be a VERY lucrative profession. It isn't rare for a process server working full time to make upwards of $65, 000.00!! Sounds great...right? I won't lie it's not a cake walk by any standard, you will work hard. The life of a process server can be rough at times. A lot of time is spent in the car...at least you can listen to all the talk radio and music your little ears can stand...and sure it's true, there are rude people out there, but in my own personal experience, most people are pretty dang friendly. I'm a firm believer in the saying "treat people how you want to be treated". The first step in becoming a licensed process server is to pick up a Individual Process Server packet from the Kern County Clerk's Office http://www.co.kern.ca.us/  (or your own local county building). This packet usually includes an application form, a "Request for Live Scan Service", and a copy of the Business and Professions Code, section 22350-22360. The application form is self explanatory, it is basic information, name, address, etc...The "Request for Live Scan Service" is a form that is filled out and taken to any local business that offers fingerprinting (background search level: Dept of Justice and FBI). In my case I took mine to the local UPS store, the cost will run you around $70-$80.00 (tax deductible). After the scan is done, you're on to the next step..passport photos. In Kern County, they require three small picture IDs. I got mine done at Costco and it only cost me $10.00...NICE!! Next you will need to obtain a two (2) year, $2000.00 process server bond in favor of Kern County (you don't pay $2000.00, this will cost you around $85-$100 for a two year term). Most insurance companies will be able to help you get this ball rolling and the process usually only takes a day. Checklist: Complete individual application, fill out and get fingerprinted through Sheriff or UPS store, etc, take three passport photos, get bonded. ALMOST DONE! Now you're ready to go back to the Kern County Clerk's Office. Get all your stuff together and organized to make it easy on the clerk who helps you out. The Kern County Clerk's Office charges $117.00, payable to the Kern County Clerk for a $100 registration fee, a $10 ID badge, and a $7 file stamp bond. There will also be a $9 bond recording fee and $3 for any additional pages you record payable to the Kern County Recorder (or your own County Recorder's office). Once this is done, you will have a temporary process server badge and can begin advertising yourself as a bona fide process server to attorney's or process serving outfits looking for licensed process servers. In about one week, you will receive your permanent process server ID. I chose to laminate mine and keep it in my wallet at all times. Occasionally you will need to show it to gate guards or anyone who requests proof of ID. I STRONGLY SUGGEST taking any available courses you can find to learn as much as you can about being a process server and the codes associates with your profession. CALSPro is California's association for legal service professionals. The website address is www.calspro.com. Through their site, you can search their calendar of events that offer courses to become a CERTIFIED PROCESS SERVER. This means you know your stuff!! Not to mention your employers will have more faith knowing their documents are being handled by someone professional and knowledgeable. GOOD LUCK!