There’s a common misconception that background checks are too expensive or complex for small businesses. In reality, today’s solutions are designed to be simple, affordable, and easy to manage – without requiring large budgets or dedicated HR teams.

Bad hires can impact businesses of all sizes, and smaller companies should be able to protect their organization, staff, and customers from workplace risks just as much as the big players. Background checks are an effective way to catch red flags in candidates before letting them into your workplace, and there are ways for small businesses to utilize them without breaking the bank.

With standard background check packages starting at $19.95 per report, small businesses can confidently screen candidates, reduce hiring risk, and stay compliant—without overcomplicating the process.

We’ve compiled some tips and considerations below to help small businesses balance safety, compliance, and affordability as they search for background screening services that fit their needs.

"Safer hiring" goes deeper than just criminal checks

“Safer hiring” goes beyond checking criminal records. For small businesses, it’s about making confident hiring decisions that protect your team, customers, and reputation – while keeping the process efficient and manageable.

• Keep client data secure
• Protect proprietary and intellectual property
• Protect organizational reputation
• Reduce risk while respecting candidate fairness
• Align hiring practices with legal and ethical standards

Regardless of company size and budget, a reliable, comprehensive screening program can help you check as many of these boxes as possible by providing a snapshot of the candidate’s entire background in addition to their criminal record. So, what matters most when small businesses evaluate background check partners?

What should small businesses be looking for when searching for a background check provider?

While every business has unique hiring needs, most small businesses benefit from simple, clearly defined screening options that are easy to implement and scale:

1. Fast and reliable turnaround times
2. Standard screening packages that are easy to choose and implement
3. Clear, up-front pricing with no volume requirements
4. Tools and workflows designed for small teams

A screening partner that meets compliance standards

Your screening provider should help you stay aligned with hiring requirements without adding complexity to your process. This can include factors like FCRA requirements, Ban-the-Box laws, and state, local, or federal laws. Also, a high-quality background check company typically provides additional value to its clients through the informational resources it offers. This can include:

• Compliance-focused webinars
• Guides for tricky topics like Adverse Action and Ban the Box laws
• Checklists for standard FCRA requirements
• Monthly background screening compliance news articles
• FAQs

>> You can view our full library of background screening compliance resources here.

Fast, reliable turnaround times

Another aspect of background screening that can make businesses hesitant to incorporate it into their hiring process is turnaround times. Some roles don’t have the luxury of remaining empty for too long, and many businesses, especially smaller ones that are competing for talented applicants, also worry about the candidate’s interest in the role wavering if the hiring process drags on for too long.

Small businesses can benefit from a screening partner with competitive background check turnaround times to help them stay ahead of these issues. An experienced screening partner should employ features such as industry-leading speed, instant processing, estimated delivery dates, and automation capabilities to help deliver results in record time while minimizing the employer’s hands-on effort. Verified Credentials delivers fast, reliable turnaround times, with the majority of checks completed in less than one day.

Standard pricing to help budget costs

For small businesses, predictable pricing is key. Standard packages with per-report pricing – starting at $19.95 - make it easier to budget and scale hiring without unexpected costs.

Verified Credentials provides pricing guidance and support by:

• Providing clear per-check or per-candidate pricing 
• Not requiring long-term contracts or minimum volumes 
• Add services like drug testing or verifications only when needed
• Offering affordably priced screening packages  

What to avoid

It’s important for small businesses to be aware of potential red flags that screening providers might display to avoid potential issues down the road.

• “Too cheap to be true” providers: Be cautious of providers that rely on complex pricing models or unclear package structures that make it difficult to understand what you’re actually paying for. Affordability can be a mark for the pros column, but prices that are well below the industry average should raise suspicions.  
• No customer support or unclear dispute processes: Communication is key. Resolving disputes, getting the answers you need, and hiring quickly is far more difficult if your screening provider isn’t easily reachable or responsive.
• Outdated or incomplete data sources: Outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate data can have a major impact on background search results. High-quality data is necessary to help avoid partial or incorrect results, and without it, screening companies cannot provide accurate results. For more details on the effects of missing or incomplete candidate information, take a look at our recent article about increasing accuracy and turnaround times.

Reliable, affordable background checks are within reach

Small businesses don't need complex systems or large budgets to implement effective background screening. With standard packages, clear pricing, and fast setup, it’s easier than ever to get started and build a consistent hiring process.

Whether you’re hiring occasionally or scaling your team, the right solution helps you reduce risk, stay compliant, and move forward with confidence – without slowing down your business.

View background check packages and pricing >

The content above is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your legal counsel before selecting a background screening provider.