Some states require licensure, so if it's required by your state, you'll definitely need it. If you search "Home Inventory Service" and (Your State) on Google, and you see that everyone else in your state has a license, that's a pretty good indication you need one.
If your state does not *require* a license, but you *can* obtain one (i.e., a general "business license"), you might consider it as a marketing technique. If there are two other home inventory services in your area, it might be a point of competitive differentiation if you're the only one that is licensed and bonded.
As for the "insured" part of licensed/bonded/insured, you'll want to make sure you have a separate business policy for your business that provides liability coverage, coverage for your business equipment (especially your computer/printer/etc. and camera), and possibly E&O coverage (errors and omissions -- this covers you in case someone comes back and tries to sue you because they claim you were not "thorough" enough with your inventory when it comes time for them to submit a claim with their insurance company. Keep in mind that the appropriate disclosures on your contracts will likely protect you and that usually the fault is with the *client* for not having enough or the right kind of insurance, not with the inventory itself.)
Depending on the cost of the license, it might make up for itself in new client revenue (giving a prospective client confidence in you because you don't appear to be a fly-by-night operation).
As for the original question, the best you can say to the insurance agent is: "I intend to be in this business for a long time, so my reputation will be built on the quality of the service I provide, and my integrity. I would be happy to supply you with the names of individuals who have used my service in the past, as well as a number of personal references who can speak to my honesty and ethics."
If you have employees, have them background checked and mention that too. And this is also where being bonded can be important. Stress confidentiality too -- "Just as an insurance agent is privy to personal details about your clients and their situations, I take confidentiality very seriously as well." (And then you can go on to detail your privacy policies, how you protect client information, etc.)
I live in Texas and I was told by a government official that it isn't necessary to be licensed. I noticed that home inventory businesses are licensed. I will be getting insurance but was told that bonds are for companies with employees and that insurance is sufficient enough. I am paying $500 for $1,000,000/$2,000,000 policy with $85.00 down payment and $35 per month.
So what do I do about the license? Get one anyway?
Kim You are right; this service is not for every one. If they are that paranoid then I wouldn't do the inventory either. I guess we just have to stick with the basics and let the crazies of the world be.
basically that is what i was going to tell them! how do you know your pool guy or cleaning lady is not going to rip them off! We have nothing to gain by stealing! We are licenced insured ect and the last thing we would do is steal from someone! Would not get a very good refferal!! Tony said we have worked hard to be self employed and why would we want to jepordize that???
Actually if they are that paranoid they probably need an inventory but i do not want anything to do with it!! I can understand the question but your right there are no guaranttees in this world!!
Tell the guy there are no guarantees in this world. No actually, I was just kidding. Tell him that you are insured against any thing like that happening for both you and your employees and that if he is that paranoid about it he can do a background check on you. But then tell him that you really don't want to give out your Social Security Number, DOB and drivers license number to him because he might take them and committe identity theft. I wonder what his reaction will be to that remark.
Here is were relationship marketing comes into play. We develop relationships with other business people which leads to trust in referring our customers to them. We don't want to refer our customers to someone and have them ripped off. We could lose them in the process.
