EZ Messenger Vendors - In Field Tips

Tips on what to do, and what not to do when in the Field

MAKE YOUR FIRST ATTEMPT COUNT  Maximize your efforts on your initial attempt. Your goal is to prove the subject does/does not reside at the address provided as soon as possible 

Utilize resources that assist you in determining if the subject resides at the location. 

Check with neighbors to confirm if the servee resides at the subject property.  Attempt to get the name of the neighbor you are speaking with, and add a detailed description of the person in your attempt notes.

Vehicles noted on location – researching the plate #

 County appraisal district website shows ownership of property

Visible mail or packages addressed to the subject

Family name displayed on property

Leave contact notice on your first attempt if appropriate

Note “No Trespassing” signs

Gated property – leave a contact notice on the gate

ALWAYS take a photo with the app. 

Take the photo of the property before you approach property. Never take a photo of the servee. Service of process can be an emotional event for many, and could cause needless escalation with the servee, and put the server in a difficult situation. For more information on using the mobile app, click here.

LOST IN TRANSLATION – wording your attempt 1.) Communicating relevant information in a clear and decisive manner saves time 2.) Omitting relevant information creates confusion and delays 3.) Vague statements create questions that will require clarification

Omitting relevant information creates delays and sets the stage for problems:

Phone Calls – can contain information that assist in clarifying a # of actions.. Subject requested delivery at a specific time Subject confirmed they reside at the given address but requested mtg. location Subject works out of town and will not be back for a period of time. Not sure how to enter in a phone call attempt? Click here to find out. 

Describing the person to whom you are speaking – name and/or relationship to the subject (if provided) and description. Description and address of neighbor if information was obtained

Presenting the job as a Bad Address without any details about how you came to this conclusion

Presenting the job as an Alt. Service Request without including any proof of residency

Did you leave a note? Was the note removed?

Vague Comments will be rejected:

“Hispanic male confirmed address” (get approximate age, height, get the name if you can)

“Neighbor confirmed” (get address or location of neighbor relevant to the property. Description as stated above)

“Subject no longer resides per male” (Who said this? Get address or location relevant to the property. Is it a neighbor? Get description as stated above)

“I don’t think anyone lives here” (your opinion is irrelevant. Why do you think that…’what do you see…grass overgrown, no cars no furniture in house… )

 Review your work. Read your attempts from the same perspective as someone who was not on location. Does it make sense? Does it paint an accurate picture? 

Do not put personal opinions or assumptions in your attempts. You must be factual. Ask yourself the following questions before adding the comment. Do I know this for a fact? Is this my personal opinion? Am I making an assumption? Ex. – The subject is avoiding service. The subject is home and avoiding service. In most cases these statements are subjective and unnecessary. 

Note only what happened during your current attempt. Do not describe past attempt efforts in your current attempt comments. Past attempts information is irrelevant for the current attempt comments, and we should already have that information.

Additional resources:

Getting Started- Click here on what to do before going out in the field.

Field Sheets? Click here for more information.

Need to know if you have met diligence, click here to find out.