This past week I had some interesting correspondence with a prospective client. After carefully evaluating his research problem and explaining what we could do, he asked about our rates. After I sent him a figure, he responded as follows: “[That] sounds pretty high . . . . But I wouldn’t mind if I was certain to find results. I’ve contacted other genealogists who charge half that much.  Are you that good?”

It was challenging to respond, but upon reflection I thought it would be instructive to share my answer with a broader audience. Following is a slightly edited version of my response:

I appreciate your excellent question. The short answer to your question is: Yes, we are that good. However, I’d like to explore this issue of rates so you’ll have confidence in that answer.

I fully understand your question about hourly rates. I am not surprised that you have found some part-time genealogists with limited experience who charge about half the going rate as do well-trained and highly experienced professional genealogists. I can also find a low-priced auto mechanic to change my oil or rotate my tires, but when I need a more complex problem diagnosed and fixed, I don’t hesitate to pay my mechanic his $70 per hour, because I know it will be done right and generally take much less billed time than the less experienced mechanic.

Of all the rigorous, academic professions (lawyer, accountant, therapist, pharmacists, architects, engineers, veterinarians, etc.), genealogists are still at the lowest end of the pay scale, yet as researchers, they have some of the most difficult tasks to conduct: finding answers to unsolved problems. They also have unique knowledge, experience and skills not readily found elsewhere.

However, genealogy is also a beloved hobby (an avocation rather than a vocation) for many good and intelligent people. Hence, many experienced amateurs “hang out their shingle” and decide to conduct research for others and charge a fee to do so. While many such people can provide very good service, their training and experience are often very uneven, narrow and incomplete.

So, the question comes down to the value you place on your research and your family lines, as well as the ability of a genealogist to solve a particular “brick-wall” problem in a challenging location and time period. While I cannot speak for others you have contacted, I can tell you that I am highly confident that this can be solved and that is based on my 30 years of experience, training and teaching in the field of genealogical research. As an accredited genealogist professional, specifically in this region, I have demonstrated the ability to conduct fast, efficient, effective and correct research. That is precisely what a full-time, life-long genealogist brings to a problem such as yours.

As to being certain of specific results, it is critical to understand that no true professional in any research field will guarantee results. Anyone who does so has either 1) already solved the problem or 2) is being disingenuous, at best. In the past, such practitioners have ended up providing fraudulent lineages, which continue to be a stain in the field of genealogy. Research is, by its nature, unpredictable. My colleague shared a quote attributed to Einstein: “If we knew what we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?”

On the other hand, I doubt that anyone will work harder, faster or more intelligently than we will to solve your research. Whatever results we find will be solid, documented and will stand the test of time. You have my assurance that your research will be done to exacting standards and will be unquestionably accurate.

I am confident that there are adequate sources that will allow us to identify the parents of your ancestor, given sufficient research time. If you believe that a researcher who charges half our hourly rate can bring the same level of knowledge, experience and skill, and will be able to solve your research question in less than twice as long as it would take us, then I invite you to select that genealogist. If not, then we are ready to work with you and find the origin of your ancestor.

Postscript:
Well, it appears my commentary struck a chord; the prospective client ordered 20 hours of research!

While it is not always true that a professional who charges twice as much can accomplish a task in half the time, such results are quite common. Indeed, often the “expensive” professional is the only one who can even solve the problem. So, do you want to pay less for no solution or more for the greater probability of solving a problem? As is often said, “the laborer is worthy of the hire.”

In fact, as much as I like low prices myself, I do get concerned about low rates and have to question the quality, accuracy and completeness of the job. After all, what worker does not want to get paid more? So, how much confidence does someone have who charges only a pittance for their knowledge, time or experience? I welcome your thoughts!