Evaluating Alarm Systems 4

Evaluating Alarm Systems Part 4

Additional questions to ask a potential security system company:

1)      Where is the central monitoring office? And are they affiliated?

  1. Monitoring offices aren’t necessarily local. They can be out of state or even across the country. This doesn’t mean any problems, you should just be aware.

2)      Is the monitoring service UL-listed?

  1. Knowing that is the key to ensuring the quality of the central station wherever it is located.
    1. i.      Once you have narrowed your decision down to three or four companies, make appointments for a representative to visit your home.
    2. ii.      Ask each rep. for a security inspection of your home, any recommendations, and a written estimate of services.

Here are some other questions you will want to ask the sales representative when he/she comes to your home:

*How long does the warranty last and what does it cover?

*What is their hourly service rate? Is there a minimum charge?

*Do they require a monitoring contract? If so, for how long?

*Have the salesperson leave a blank copy of the company contract for you to read after he or she leaves. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand or are not comfortable with.

*What is their monthly monitoring rate? Are there any restrictions on how often and how much they can increase the rates of service?

*What brand of equipment do they use?

*Ask for a brochure or a specification sheet that lists all of the options for CPU and keypads along with prices.

*Have the sales rep show you samples and explain how to use it.

*Does it seem complicated or user friendly?

*Ask each sales rep for the names and phone numbers of several satisfied customers and then take the time to give them a call.

*Listen to the salesperson’s recommendations, but remember that most work on commission so the more they sell to you, the more they make.

*Visit the prospective companies. You can learn a lot by seeing how they keep their own store. Make sure what you see matches not only what the sales representative said, but also matches your criteria. Be wary of any company whose salesperson says their facilities are off limits to customers.

Look for a UL Label

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the largest organization in the US which provides third-party testing and safety certification of products and procedures. UL is also the main organization setting the standards for the security industry—covering equipment, operations, installation, testing procedures and central monitoring stations. You want the company you sign with to be a part of the Underwriters Laboratories.