I want to use online sources to locate people as a potential business venture...but for some reason some rando company can charge me but I cant just go get the info for free?

Locating people through online sources can indeed be a business venture, but there are several reasons why some companies charge for this information while it might seem accessible for free: 1. **Data Aggregation and Verification**: Companies that provide people search services often aggregate data from multiple sources, including public records, social media, and commercial databases. They may invest in verifying and curating this data to ensure accuracy, which is why they charge for access. 2. **Privacy and Legal Considerations**: Many of the resources that hold personal information are subject to privacy laws and regulations. Companies that provide these services are typically compliant with laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which protects consumer data. Accessing and using this information legally often requires compliance that free sources may not provide. 3. **Data Quality and Limitations**: While some information may be available for free (like social media profiles), it is often incomplete or outdated. Paid services usually offer more comprehensive and up-to-date data. 4. **User Experience and Tools**: Paid services often come with user-friendly interfaces, advanced search options, and additional tools or analytics that make it easier to locate people effectively and efficiently. 5. **Specialized Services**: Many of these companies offer additional services, such as background checks, genealogy research, or reverse phone lookups, which go beyond simple people searching and justify their pricing. If you're considering this as a business venture, here are a few tips: - **Research and Understand Legalities**: Familiarize yourself with laws regarding data collection and privacy in the jurisdictions you plan to operate in. - **Explore Free Options**: Look for free resources like social media platforms, public records databases, and professional networking sites that might provide valuable information without cost. - **Consider Building Your Own Database**: If you can find a niche market, you might explore creating your own service that combines freely available data with user-generated content, while providing excellent customer service and transparency regarding privacy. - **Evaluate Competitors**: Study existing businesses in this space to understand their offerings and pricing, and find ways to differentiate your services. Being ethical and transparent in your approach is crucial in this field, as trust and legality will greatly affect your success.