The asset inventory is a fairly fragmented industry. By that, I mean that it is made up of small, home-based, independent businesses. Most create their own processes from the ground up, without much guidance from others who have been in the industry for years. The owners are caring individuals who seek to be of service to others, helping them in some of the worst times in their lives.  Since it is not a saturated industry, the service provides are normally the only one (or possibly 2) services providers in their area. This doesn’t give the business owners much of an opportunity to meet and learn from each other.

As a new entrepreneur begins his or her business, they find out how much they didn’t know prior to launch. They also find it difficult to meet other home inventory professionals due to geographical restrictions. Being alone is often a common thread of conversation among business owners of all industries, especially during the start-up phase. It is even more prevalent in this industry.

Though the National Inventory Certification Association must remain focused and true to our purpose of educational efforts, we are happy to help facilitate the formation of a group of home inventory professionals to share ideas, processes, challenges, etc. There is currently a LinkedIn Group that was created with the intent to serve the purpose of sharing ideas.

We are seeking all home inventory service providers, whether members of NICA or not, to offer your input. For those of you interested in collaborating with other members, please visit and participate in the LinkedIn Group. Post questions, start a discussion, reply to others’ questions and comments. LinkedIn has changed it’s group process, so if you are not able to access the group, let NICA know by emailing NICA (at) NationalInventoryCertificationAssociation.com and we’ll invite you to join.

Also, please leave your comments below. This blog post can be the starting point! Ask questions, seek advice, etc. We can begin the collaboration right here. Continued discussions and sharing of ideas will help to strengthen the personal property inventory industry.