One of the best ways of checking quality service is a firm's rep-to-staff ratio. In fact, this ratio is a key attribute that too many advisors overlook. It's well worth reviewing some of the worst and best broker-dealer service ratios in the industry using these April 2010 statistics from Investment News. Note that the ratios range all the way from 18:1 to 3:1—a considerable difference.
Worst Independent Broker-Dealer Service Ratios:
• H.D. Vest Financial Services 18:1
• Equity Services Inc. 15:1
• WRP Investments 15:1
• Centaurus Financial 13:1
• TFS Securities Inc. 17:1
