Many consumers think seriously about alarm systems for their home or business right after a break-in or when they are moving into new digs. Regardless of the reason, it pays to think about a few key variables when choosing an alarm and the right alarm company to go with. Without considering some of these important issues, you might be throwing away your hard-earned money -- or worse -- setting yourself up for a serious lack of security.
5 Things to Consider When Getting an Alarm for Home or Business Use:
1. Who is actually monitoring your alarm?
A little-known fact with alarm companies is that they sometimes outsource the daily monitoring of the alarms they install and service. It is always prefferable to hire an alarm company that owns their own monitoring station. Ask the alarm company who will do the monitoring once they are done with their work, and always check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of the monitoring company. The monitoring companies that have a “B” or “C” rating with the BBB often fall down on the job and almost always fall short of their customers’ expectations. You don’t want to pay for monitoring that does not even take place – insist on a security company whose monitoring is “A-rated”.
2. Does the alarm company you choose have a recognized name?
After all, what’s in a name? Well, as it turns out – a lot! You want to go with a recognized company since they have much more to lose if they don’t live up to expectations. Don’t be one of the gullible consumers who gets burned after trying out “John Doe Security Company” and finding out that they can’t compare to an established company in quality and service. In the current environment, the smaller companies are much more at risk of going out of business and will be more tempted to cut corners. When it comes to security for your home or business, don’t take a chance on a no-name company that might not be there when you really need them.
3. Are you getting excellent customer service?
You can tell a lot about the quality of a company by the rapport and professionalism of the agents you speak with upon first contact. Does the representative take time to understand your needs completely? Do they make themselves available to your circumstances? Make sure you feel comfortable with what the alarm company intends to do to make your home secure.
4. What type of equipment will be used to protect your property?
Make sure the equipment you depend on for your security is of good quality. Believe it or not, some systems are not worth placing in a home even though they are widely used and available. Ask the security company about the user-friendliness and reliability of the systems they install. A few of the highest-rated equipment names in the business today are: DMP, Honeywell, Visonic, GE, and DSC. One interesting tidbit we found in our research is that DMP happens to be the only “All-American made” equipment supplier in the market today. Finally, make sure the features of the system match well with your particular needs.
5. Will you receive great value for the money?
We all want value for our purchases, and luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to secure your property. Many affordable options exist for protecting your family without overextending your budget. Talk with your security company about their offerings, and make sure you are comfortable with the deal. And never succumb to the pressure of the door-to-door salesperson who may charge you much higher prices than the going rates.
Protecting your family and your property is a prudent step to take, and learning a thing or two about the companies you are considering may save you from making a big mistake.
A.J. Waxman, SecurityNewsBlogOnline
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