Costs and Expenses
All of our clients receive a free hour’s assessment, regardless of whether the work is being done for them or whether it is being done as part of a gift certificate. We do this assessment to see how easy or difficult your research is going to be. In the rare instance that we can't help, then you will not be charged and have lost nothing. If you only want the information found in our assessment hour, then the cost is £20.00.
Our hourly rate is £20.00 per hour plus any expenses we incur, such as Birth, Marriage and Death certificates and paid searches. After completing your assessment hour we will inform you of our findings which will allow you to set a budget of how much you would like to spend.
Pay as You Grow
We’ve found that this is the most popular option for our clients. You pay in stages using our Pay As You Grow option. This allows you to evaluate the research as it progresses, and direct the work accordingly. You will receive regular updates along the way and you are always in control and can ask us to stop at any time. Any monies remaining at the completion of the work will be refunded.
Fixed Cost
The other option is that we agree upon a budget and 50% of that figure is then paid, prior to us conducting your research. The remainder of the balance is then paid once you have received authorised the final draft of your family tree, to go to print.
As a rough guide, we’ve tried to highlight the typical costs that involved when researching a family tree, below:
To follow one ancestral line back from a someone born around the beginning of the 20th century, for example 1920, to someone born before the start of the Victorian era (for instance, from your grandfather back to your great-great-great grandfather). The cost for this would be approximately £200 - £300
To follow all ancestral lines back from a person born around the beginning of the 20th century to identify as many as possible of their 8 great-grandparents and onwards. The cost for this would be approximately £400 - £500
Please note that the above information is a rough guide, only. Every family is different and searches depend on availability of records. We agree a budget with our clients after the completion of the free hour and before commencing any research.
Postage
All correspondance from us will always be posted first class.
Postage costs are dependant on the nature of the work undertaken. For a full family tree presentation folder (including source notes) or a wall chart, they are always sent Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery (if requested). The price for each is based on the weight and size of the individual package and we will only know how much it will be, at the end of your research.
Free postage (within the UK) and delivery of your family tree and all source notes if you spend more than £200 with us.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates can be purchased from us, if you would like to treat someone to a special and unique present. Certificates start at £60 and go up to whatever amount you require. In addition to this, the recipient of the certificate will still get their assessment hour.
Gift Certificates will be sent out via Royal Mail recorded delivery, once payment has been received and can be sent to either to the purchaser or to the gift recipient. The gift recipient can then contact us at any time over the next 3 months to instruct us to start their research.
Payment
Payments for the services described on this website are made to Meet The Family Ltd. We accept sterling cheques, credit/debit card on 0845 5190232, BACS and PayPal. PayPal is the easiest way of making a payment as it allows for a secure and speedy transaction. If you would like to pay in instalments using our Pay As You Grow option then we will inform you of when a new payment is due.
Placing an Order
Please see our Enquiry Form where you can complete the necessary information that we need to start your research. Once we have received this, we will contact you prior to completing your assessment hour.
Once this hour has been completed we will inform you of our findings. If you decide that you would like us to continue your research, we will send you a written summary of the work that we will undertake via e mail. When you have confirmed your order and made the agreed payment, we will then continue your research.
Please see our full terms and conditions prior to placing an order.