Hi Bridget, I have seen an "Inventory Services" category which would work and others have used the "Home Inspection" category as well.
Right now since this industry is evolving and growing, I think the best bet is to focus on forming partnerships and networking with local business groups. Most folks are not that motivated to look up a service provider in the yellow pages at this point in time... it is important however because as word gets around this will become a more common practive.
I did some research because one challenge for Home Inventory Service professionals is not having our own category in the Yellow Pages. The Yellow Pages is based on the federal government's NAICS system.
Here is a basic overview of the system: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, pronounced Nakes) was developed as the standard for use by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the collection, analysis, and publication of statistical data related to the business economy of the U.S. NAICS was developed under the auspices of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and adopted in 1997 to replace the old Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. It was also developed in cooperation with the statistical agencies of Canada and Mexico to establish a 3-country standard that allows for a high level of comparability in business statistics among the three countries. NAICS is the first economic classification system to be constructed based on a single economic concept. To learn more about the background, the development and the difference between NAICS and the SIC, see www.census.gov/epcd/www/naicsdev.htm.
The Yellow Pages publishers use the NAICS system to evaluate categories to include in the Yellow Pages. With no NAICS number, there is no category (in essence). I researched how to get a new code added for Home Inventory Services, but unless someone has already started the process (Fred?), we're out of luck until 2012.
How can I get a new NAICS code created for my type of business?
NAICS is scheduled to be reviewed every 5 years for potential revisions, so that the classification system can keep pace with the changing economy. This is the only time that new NAICS codes can be considered. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), through its Economic Classification Policy Committee (ECPC), will solicit public comments regarding changes to NAICS through a notice published in the Federal Register. The notice will provide details of the format in which comments should be submitted, how and to whom they should be submitted, and the deadline for submission. Generally, the comment period will close 90 days after publication of the notice. During that time, suggestions for new and emerging industries can be submitted to the ECPC. This committee will review each comment submitted to determine its feasibility and adherence to the underlying principles of NAICS, consult with the NAICS counterparts in Canada and Mexico to determine if they can accept the proposed changes that would impact 3-country comparability, and then make final recommendations to OMB for additions and changes to the NAICS manual. This process is now completed for the 2007 revision to NAICS. The next scheduled review of NAICS will be for a potential 2012 revision. OMB will publish a Federal Register notice soliciting comments for that revision in late 2008 or early 2009.
We need to keep an eye out for when they open up the issue for comments in late 2008 or early 2009 to be sure to get the issue considered for the 2012 revision. Disappointing.
