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? 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 FREE report on how to decide between these two - look in the resource box at the bottom of this page) If they even hesitate for a moment on any of these questions...you may want to keep on looking for the right home security system consultant to work with. |