Home Security Systems
Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but
there are several things you need to consider before committing
yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm
company.
Alarm companies don't make the majority of their profit from
selling security systems; it comes from accumulating a large
base of alarm-monitoring contracts. If fact, these monitoring
contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and
sold like mortgage notes.
Tip #1 Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or represent a
marketing company. Marketing companies have learned to flood a
market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole
purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any
sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer
service once the marketing company leaves town.
Once you find a reputable alarm company, ask them to come out to
your home and give you a quote. You'll find that most will quote
you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic
security systems generally include a control panel, keypad,
motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard
sign and warning decals.
Tip #2 Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm
company, not by just the one selling it to you. If they use
proprietary security equipment, you could be left in a bind
should you become dissatisfied with their service for any
reason. Ademco, DSC, & Caddx are well known manufacturers and
can be monitored by any one.
Some companies offer a low installation charge of $99.00 or will
give you a "FREE" security system. Many do so if you put a
security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit
to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.
Since the installation charge doesn't cover the true cost of the
equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee
to recoup their investment. These "deals" or equipment leases
aren't necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true
cost to you over time.
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