Does It Really Matter Who I Buy My Home Security System From?

« « Home Security - The Role of Hidden Cameras | Home Security Cameras - The Icing On The Cake » »

Friday, August 29th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Numerous individuals have turned to utilizing web cameras that are positioned at convenient locations so the end result is a rather inexpensive video surveillance system. Most people get alarm systems that allow their PCs to call cell phones when alarms have sounded alerting their homeowners who are away from home and concerned about security. These networking cameras are much simpler to use, and can furnish details such as who visited and when your children left to play etc. furnishing parents far from home very accurate data about their home security situation as well as their children’s security.

Well, could it really make a difference?

Here are a few things to think about:

Are they licensed as a low voltage company & fully insured with liability & Workman’s comp?

Are there any complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau regarding their work?

Most security system companies don’t make the majority of their profit from selling security systems; instead it comes from the monitoring contract. That is why they are so willing to give them away for “FREE”. (I am not saying there is anything wrong with choosing a “FREE” system. In fact, depending on your circumstances, sometimes it just makes sense. However I just wanted you to be aware of this.) Always ask if they offer the option to buy the system outright and monitor it without a contract.

Did you know that monitoring contracts can be so profitable that there are business plans written that are entirely based on simply buying and selling monitoring contracts?

Bear in mind that there is no such a thing as a perfect home security system or alarm. All designs are a compromise and selecting and installling different forms of home security products are not an exception.

So the question is: You may know who is monitoring your home security system today…but who will be monitoring it tomorrow?

There is a big difference between an authorized alarm dealer ….and just another marketing company. Marketing companies know just the right words on how to make an unbelievable offer on a home security system simply irresistible. But remember this, their goal is often to “quick flip” or sell your contract at a profit. So what kind of customer service do you think you will get down the road when you have a problem, or worse yet a break in?

So always ask up front…are you an authorized alarm dealer?

And , will you be selling my alarm monitoring contract in the future?

Who will be warranting my home security system?

How long is the warrantee? (A new security system should be warranted for a minimum of 12 months)

If there is a problem after the warrantee expires…whom do I call & how much will it cost to have a technician evaluate my problem?

When I call in for customer service issues…will I get to talk to a live person…or just a machine?

Can my new equipment be monitored by anybody…or is it “Proprietary equipment” (In other words, will the equipment ONLY work with their monitoring services only?)

Will my home be monitored by a “local” monitoring company…or a “National ” one? (For a detailed article on “Local Verses National” monitoring go to www.SECURITYsystemConsulting.com/page 21.html

If they even hesitate for a moment…you may want to keep on looking for the right home security system consultant to work with.

F. Cheshire is an Atlanta, Georgia Home Security Systems Consultant.

If you would like a copy of the FREE report, “The Consumers Guide To Choosing A Home Security System” Just go to http://www.SECURITYsystemConsulting.com

Alarm systems can be either connected or wired to a control box, or they can be of the wireless type or powered by batteries but will still be connected to a box even though there will be no use of wires. A simple type of alarm system can be quite affordable for a home that is a small size but there are more complicated alarm systems that have monitors and other types of gadgets such as a smoke system and the cost can be pretty high.

This article may be reprinted if this contact information is included. If you would like a free link exchange please contact me.

No Tags

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.