Five Things That Should Be Considered Before Choosing a Security System and Provider

By Josh Bentley Operations Manager

Finding the right home security company and proper security alarm system can be a daunting a task. There are a many issues that should be considered before a sales person takes the decisions away. This ranges from the type of system that fits your needs down to the pay structure the company offers, along with the contracts that may make one feel like they are signing a first born child away. Offered here is five essential points that should be considered in the decision making of an alarm system and security provider.

Wired versus Wireless system

A wired system signifies that the devices like motion sensors, door contacts communicate with the brain of the security system directly through a wired system. Likewise a wireless system the individual devices send signals remotely and then are received by the brain of the security system. Both have their benefits.
Wired systems tend to be more cost efficient as the prices of the wired equipment are usually half the price of wireless equipment. Wired systems usually have the brain of the system which includes the power, the communication device to the central station hidden in a storage room, crawl space or closet. This protects against burglars being able to cut power or tamper with the communication device.
Wireless systems make sense if the home or business is finished because the labor involved in installation of a wired system most likely would cost more money than a wireless system. And if there is question with the length of time one may live at the home wireless security systems can easily be moved at little cost. One pitfall to a wireless system is that the equipment needs batteries replaced every couple years.
If all things are equal go for the wired system. Wired systems will be reliable and low maintenance in the long run. Keeping the control panel away from an entrance or exit makes it more difficult for a burglar to bypass the system. Also wired system often allow for many wireless devices to be added to the system, giving the best of both worlds.

Landline communication versus Cellular communication

Landline communication uses the home phone to communicate with the central station. Cellular or radio communication is where a transmitting radio or cellular device that is installed in the control panel and it communicates with the central station. Landline is the cheapest solution assuming the home phone is used for more than the security alarm system. Often monthly rates can be $10 dollars cheaper.
Cellular communication allows access to control the system from a smart phone or computer. It can still communicate with the central station even if the phone line is cut from outside. There are fewer reasons to have a home phone these days. Get rid of landline bill and invest in cellular monitoring. It provides a higher level of security and allows greater control of the system when away from home. Also the securest choice is to have both a landline and a cellular back up. This option may be a little more expensive but this virtually guarantees zero failure of communication between the security system and the central station.

Free system/leased system versus buying the equipment upfront

The free system is commonly offered by many companies. It seems these days things are expected to be given at little to no cost. A free system means no cost up front. All required to obtain a free system is good credit and a signed agreement for at least three years. The monthly rate will be astronomically high because there is no such thing as a free system. By the end of the contract terms the additional to the monthly rate may have been enough to buy two security systems.
Leased systems are not as common. Usually with a leased system there is an installation and activation fee along with a long leasing agreement. Upon cancellation the company will take all the equipment. This may leave a few holes in the wall and unpainted areas that used to have equipment in its place. The monthly rate tends to be less than a free system but in the end the system was still be paid for and nothing to show for it.
Buying the system upfront is common practice among businesses. The reason this practice is common for businesses is it makes the most economic sense. Once the equipment it is purchased. It provides a greater amount of leverage to the consumer. A very low monthly rate can be negotiated which over a few years can easily save hundreds of dollars. Not only is it the cheapest option over the long run but it also gives the most flexibility reducing the amount of the contract time. When paying upfront no credit check is necessary. Another great reason is it keeps the impulsive purchase and signing a contract that may not be in the consumer’s best interest.

Read the contract

Don’t get stuck in a 5 year contract or leasing agreement, or a contract that renews annually after the original contract terms. Stay away from these agreements there are companies that are willing to offer three year contract and that renew monthly after the initial terms. Also many security companies program the security system so it can’t be switched over to another company if the consumer chooses to switch providers. It is important to get it in writing that they will unlock the system once there is a termination of service with the original security company. Some companies are notorious for removing systems that belong to the customer because the customer doesn’t know better. So make it is clear to whom the equipment belongs.

Be cautious of door to door sales

There are reasons a few security companies have had to have image makeovers. Not that these companies are inherently bad but their sales people participate in some very deceptive and at times criminal sales practices. A common deceptive sales pattern has emerged where the sales person says he or she is not selling anything. But he or she is a representative of Honeywell (over 50% of home systems installed are made by this company) and has been sent out by the customer’s current security provider. They go on to say they are just going around offering free upgrades the security system. They are flat out lying on every account. Honeywell, GE and 2GIG (the three main brands of home security systems) do not send out representatives to update or make sure their equipment is working correctly. Also the agent has not been authorized by the current security provider. Offer to call up the security company to ensure the representative is authorized. The update they speak of is switching the system over to their company. This will inevitably result in a new contract and potentially a second contract where the consumer will be financially responsible for both.
Another common sales tactic is when the sales person claims to offer features that the current system does not. The great majority of the time the system is capable of doing exactly what they say. It just may take an upgrade to the system which the current security alarm provider will be willing to do.
If the customer does not currently have a security system the sales person will push a wireless system which may not be right for customer. The system will most likely be free and cost nearly $50 dollars a month for at least three and half years. Be willing to call a couple other companies and a better deal will be found. Also keep in mind most door to door sales persons are independent contractors that will promise the world but can’t deliver because they have very little leverage or stake in the actual security company. Make sure when signing up with a company that the representative is employed with the company year round. They are much likelier to be the customer’s advocate with any concern or problem, than trying to call the sales person that is either back at school or selling for a different company the following year.
Home security has never been more advanced or affordable as it is now. And there has been a continual increase of people turning to a monitored alarm system for their security needs. More and more studies have proven the effectiveness of alarm systems being able to deter intruders. This is also proven by the discounts offered by insurance companies to customers that have security systems. This may be the right time to check into an alarm and security service provider. It is also a great time for security customers to make sure the current monthly monitoring rate is competitive by calling other security alarm companies. In this process keep these tips in mind and please beware of the door to door sales person.