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Frequently Asked QuestionsWe'd love to talk to you! Are you hesitant to contact us because you have a few questions and you think they're silly? First of all, there are no silly questions. However, we do have a few guesses as to what you're thinking, we've answered some of our most frequently asked questions here:
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How much do you charge?
This is the first question anyone asks, so we might as well get it out of the way. Raincross Information Services has no set fee because each project is unique. Some projects involve just research, some are research and report writing. We’ve had projects that are 30% digitization. We've done work for production companies that required us to march through old cemeteries looking for particular headstones. There’s no way to put a single price on all these different combinations and customizations.
More often than not, we contract with a client for a set block of time at an hourly rate. When that block is up, we discuss results and further work. If more time is needed, then the client can authorize it.
Remember, before we can talk prices, we need to determine the project’s scope. It’s ok if you don’t know the scope, that’s what we’ll figure out, and figuring it out is free so contact us with your questions.
How long will it take?
Again, it’s dependent on the task. Basic research may be quick, or it may take time for records to arrive. We’ve had 5-hour projects and 2-year projects. Just know that the research shows you see on television edit a lot of the slow stuff out. There is a lot of waiting, a lot of analyzing, and a lot of dead ends. Good research isn’t about instant results; it’s about correct results.
What do you do that I can’t do myself?
Raincross Information Services associates are trained in research techniques. This is more than just being really good at Google. It’s about knowing when Google isn’t showing you everything and using other tools. It’s about knowing that the answer isn’t even online, but on a shelf in a repository. We know how to evaluate sources and scrutinize records for legitimacy. Our expertise in information services allows us to get to the right stuff seamlessly, which saves time and money.
We offer on-the-ground research services and records retrieval in Texas and Louisiana. Our Houston location allows access to some of the best universities and premier historical library collections in the country.
We also provide services that you can perform yourself, but don’t have the time or desire to do so. Is your family history collection just a collection of boxes in a closet? We can get things digitized, organized and preserved in a collection that will make your ancestors proud.
Can you help me find my Native American ancestry?
Yes, but there’s something you need to know: this is the most frequently asked question we receive and the chances of you having such a background are slim. We’re not sure why so many families feel they have this Native American connection in their lore. We’ve just noticed it a lot in our initial contact with clients.
That being said, we are happy to help you discover your ancestral path, wherever it may lead. Raincross Information Services was founded by a very proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
What do I get for my money?
A job well done. This may or may not include a cited report of findings, digitized images and/or records, articles, or whatever else you wish to have. Most research projects come with a report discussing research strategies, methodology, and analysis. Some clients also want help with their online family trees. What you get for your money is dependent on the project, but it is all determined before we start so there are no surprises.
What do you need from me?
To start, we need an idea of what you want done. Need four generations researched for a book? We can do that. Are you stuck at a spot in your family tree? We can do that. What we need from you is an issue to determine the scope of the project. Once that is defined, then we need all the information you have already collected pertaining to the issue at hand: certificates, notes, legends, etc. It is important you share ALL the information, otherwise you’ll be paying someone to discover records and details you already have.
When can you start?
Just as soon as you contact us.
This is the first question anyone asks, so we might as well get it out of the way. Raincross Information Services has no set fee because each project is unique. Some projects involve just research, some are research and report writing. We’ve had projects that are 30% digitization. We've done work for production companies that required us to march through old cemeteries looking for particular headstones. There’s no way to put a single price on all these different combinations and customizations.
More often than not, we contract with a client for a set block of time at an hourly rate. When that block is up, we discuss results and further work. If more time is needed, then the client can authorize it.
Remember, before we can talk prices, we need to determine the project’s scope. It’s ok if you don’t know the scope, that’s what we’ll figure out, and figuring it out is free so contact us with your questions.
How long will it take?
Again, it’s dependent on the task. Basic research may be quick, or it may take time for records to arrive. We’ve had 5-hour projects and 2-year projects. Just know that the research shows you see on television edit a lot of the slow stuff out. There is a lot of waiting, a lot of analyzing, and a lot of dead ends. Good research isn’t about instant results; it’s about correct results.
What do you do that I can’t do myself?
Raincross Information Services associates are trained in research techniques. This is more than just being really good at Google. It’s about knowing when Google isn’t showing you everything and using other tools. It’s about knowing that the answer isn’t even online, but on a shelf in a repository. We know how to evaluate sources and scrutinize records for legitimacy. Our expertise in information services allows us to get to the right stuff seamlessly, which saves time and money.
We offer on-the-ground research services and records retrieval in Texas and Louisiana. Our Houston location allows access to some of the best universities and premier historical library collections in the country.
We also provide services that you can perform yourself, but don’t have the time or desire to do so. Is your family history collection just a collection of boxes in a closet? We can get things digitized, organized and preserved in a collection that will make your ancestors proud.
Can you help me find my Native American ancestry?
Yes, but there’s something you need to know: this is the most frequently asked question we receive and the chances of you having such a background are slim. We’re not sure why so many families feel they have this Native American connection in their lore. We’ve just noticed it a lot in our initial contact with clients.
That being said, we are happy to help you discover your ancestral path, wherever it may lead. Raincross Information Services was founded by a very proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
What do I get for my money?
A job well done. This may or may not include a cited report of findings, digitized images and/or records, articles, or whatever else you wish to have. Most research projects come with a report discussing research strategies, methodology, and analysis. Some clients also want help with their online family trees. What you get for your money is dependent on the project, but it is all determined before we start so there are no surprises.
What do you need from me?
To start, we need an idea of what you want done. Need four generations researched for a book? We can do that. Are you stuck at a spot in your family tree? We can do that. What we need from you is an issue to determine the scope of the project. Once that is defined, then we need all the information you have already collected pertaining to the issue at hand: certificates, notes, legends, etc. It is important you share ALL the information, otherwise you’ll be paying someone to discover records and details you already have.
When can you start?
Just as soon as you contact us.
