Why are My Background Checks Taking So Long?

If you’ve ever waited weeks—or even over a month—for background check results from companies like First Advantage, Checkr HireRight, or Sterling, you know how frustrating delays can be.

Whether you're screening employees, vendors, contractors, volunteers, or tenants, slow turnaround times and poor support can cost you time and resources.

Fortunately, there’s a better way.

Global Background Screening™ offers a faster, more efficient alternative with transparent pricing, real-time updates, and responsive support.

In this blog, we’ll explore why traditional background check providers fall short — and how Global Background Screening™ outperforms them across speed, service, and simplicity.

We’ve even included a direct comparison of Global Background Screening™ vs. HireRight, First Advantage, and Sterling to help you decide what’s right for your organization.

🧾 First Advantage Online Reviews:

• First Advantage Better Business Bureau (1.08/5)

• First Advantage G2 Review: (2.9/5)

• First Advantage Trustpilot Review: (1.6/5)
  

🧾 HireRight Reviews Online:

• HireRight Better Business Bureau: No score shown, but has 250+ complaints in the last 3 years

• HireRight G2 Review: (3.4/5)

• HireRight Trustpilot: (1.1/5)
  

🧾 Sterling Reviews Online:

• Sterling Better Business Bureau (1.5/5)

• Sterling G2 Review (3.3/5)

• Sterling Trustpilot Review: (4.4/5)

• Sterling Volunteers Division (1/5)

🧾 Global Background Screening™ Reviews:

• Better Business Bureau (5.5)

• G2 Review (5/5)

• Google Review (5/5)

• Trustpilot Review : (4.4/5)

Why Traditional Background Screening Companies are Slow:

When you use large background check providers like HireRight, First Advantage, or Sterling, delays are more common than not—and here’s why:

Too Many Middlemen

Big screening firms often rely on layers of intermediaries before information even reaches the actual courthouse researchers. This extra chain slows things down and makes it harder to track progress. If you try to follow up, customer support may take days—or never provide a clear answer at all.

Outdated Technology Behind the Scenes

While their customer-facing dashboards may look modern, many traditional screening companies are still running on legacy systems built in the 1990s. Instead of upgrading from the ground up, they’ve layered on quick fixes—leading to inefficiencies and delays on the back end.

Frustrating Customer Support

Look at reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or G2 and you’ll see the trend: low ratings and complaints about poor service. These companies are often too large to provide personalized support. Calls get outsourced, and the agents you reach may not have access to the full case details—resulting in multiple emails, long hold times, and no real resolution.

Hidden Fees and Unexpected Charges

Many traditional background check companies advertise one price for a package, but after you’ve ordered, you may be hit with hidden fees at the end of the month—like surprise court access charges or verification add-ons that weren’t clearly disclosed upfront. This makes budgeting unpredictable and undermines trust.

Global Background Screening™, Your Fast and Reliable Solution:

At Global Background Screening™, we’ve built our service to be the opposite of the slow, confusing experience you get with traditional providers.

1. Upfront, Transparent Pricing

   All of our background screening service prices are listed clearly online before you check out—no hidden fees, no confusing fine print. If there’s ever a mandatory court fee or an additional employer verification charge, we’ll always contact you first for a written approval before proceeding. You stay in control.

   
   

2. Direct connection with court researchers:

   Global Background Screening has a network of thousands of researchers across over 200 countries and territories. By maintaining direct connections with them, we can provide faster turnaround times for your background checks. Our strong network allows us to offer competitive prices similar to a wholesaler.
   

3. Technology-driven approach:

   As a tech-first company, we use advanced tools and systems to streamline our processes, ensuring efficient and accurate results.
   

4. Superior customer service:

   Our commitment to excellent customer service means that we prioritize your needs and respond to inquiries quickly and efficiently within minutes.
   

5. Fastest turnaround times:

   With Global Background Screening, you can expect 99% of your criminal searches and verifications to be completed within 2-3 days in the USA. For international background checks, we deliver on average results in just 2-8 business days, depending on the country and service you request.
   

6. Transparent pricing and timelines:

   You can easily check our prices and turnaround times for each country by visiting our checkout page. Visit the following links for USA Employers and Volunteer Searches, Contractor Searches in the USA, and International Employees, Contractors, and Volunteers Select Your Service and Start Screening Today in Seconds

   
   

   • USA Employer, Nannys and Volunteers Background Searches

   • Contractor Searches in USA

   • International Employees, Contractors, and Volunteers

   • Vendor Background Checks (Screen Your Vendor Partner)

For more information on our services, check out these articles:

• How to Order a Vendor Background Check for Better Business Decisions

• 20 Surprising Facts and Stats About Background Checks You Need to Know

• How to Conduct a Comprehensive Nanny Background Check for Your Family's Safety

• The Ultimate Guide to Screening Tenants

• Conduct Motor Vehicle Reports

• Ultimate Guide to Employer Drug Testing

Best Background Check Company

Say goodbye to frustrating delays and poor customer service with traditional background screening companies. Choose Global Background Screening™ for fast, reliable, and affordable background checks for your employees, vendors, contractors, volunteers, and tenants.