Top Questions to Ask a Shredding Service

The success of your business lies in the security of your business. Regardless of the size of your workforce, if your company creates a good-sized output of paperwork that should be destroyed after a certain expiration date, it's important to do the job properly. Hiring a professional shredding service to handle the destruction of your sensitive information is an excellent way to ensure any leaks or contract breaches do not happen.

Once you've made the decision to hire a shredding service, the next step is to research your options. Within the business community, you are certain to find good referrals for professional services, and an Internet search for shredders in your area may yield a few online reviews. When you meet with a representative from a company that interests you, however, you will want to know everything possible about how they practice and what they will do for you.

Here are a few questions one should think of asking a service vying for your business:

Do you shred documents on-site? Will you be required to bring paperwork to the business, or do they have a mobile unit that shreds on your property?

Can you watch the actual shredding? This is your company's information, so you want to be certain it is completely gone so identity thieves don't acquire it. Find out if you can watch them at work.

Is there a contract involved? Can you hire a company for a one-time service, or do you need to contract for a definite amount of time, like six months to a year?

Are you bonded and insured? The shredding of sensitive information needs to be handled by trustworthy workers. It is also good to find out if the companies you research are members of NAID, the National Association for Information Destruction. NAID member companies are bound to a code of ethics that assures discretion in document shredding.

Once you get the facts, you can make an informed decision about who will shred your paperwork. Keep the security of your business first and maintain your success.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach shredding services and Virginia Beach used cars.