We have all heard of them, those TV, radio and newspaper ads touting free of very cheap security alarm systems. Usually these “Complete security systems” system consist of nothing more than 2 stick on / fall off door window contacts and one cheaply made wireless Motion detector made in Mainland China by children. As far as security alarm systems go, this would be a perfect solution for a very small apartment or single room construction trailer. Also, with the system being wireless, it would be best if your home was lead lined and did not contain any forms of RF interference (Cordless phones, cell phones, wireless transmitters, or electricity). Yes, common household electrical wiring can also cause problems on most any wireless security systems.
On the other hand, let’s say the “free” alarm system you just signed up for is hardwired; you still should approach this “deal” with caution. After all, rarely anything worth getting in life is really free. Properly installing a hardwired security alarm system requires skill, the best installers often have years of installation training and experience.
In conclusion, anyone considering purchasing a security system should do some research on the installation company prior to signing their contract. A poorly installed security system can result in false alarms or worse, an ineffective system with dangerous holes for potential criminals to take advantage of.
Having done some reaseach on customer complaints, false alarm statistics and over-all truth in advertising, companies with poor reputations to be weary of include, Alarmforce, ADT (Authorized Dealers & Corporate), Brinks, Protection One, Voxcom etcetera......
Showing posts with label bell home security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bell home security. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Beaver made me do it – Security Alarm Systems and Telecom Companies
I can’t really say I blame them, in a business model; alarm monitoring is very much like cell phone service. There is however one major difference, a faulty cell phone merely needs to be brought into the local sales office for replacement. When it comes to a security system, a higher level of service is required… after all you are dealing with the safety of your home and family.
The phone companies will argue, the system is wireless and a failing device can easily be pulled from the wall and brought in for replacement… just like a cell phone? Seriously now, is that really effective home security?
It is all about the contract - This is by no means a new venture, cable companies and local phone companies have all ventured into the home security realm. Tempted by fast profits and re-occurring revenues, how can one argue. The thing is, pretty much every one of the previous companies has sold all their accounts to a third party, usually a foreign Based Company with cheap out of country monitoring. To a company less concerned with maintaining a loyal and happy client base, a monitoring account is worth anywhere from $ 600 to $ 900 on the open market. These large monitoring stations are often located out of the country where local regulations are less strict when it comes to the employee’s they hire. I am by no means saying all monitoring stations operate in this manner; in fact there are plenty of local monitoring stations within the Vancouver area who are highly regulated by the Attorney Generals Department of British Columbia.
So before you let yourself be tempted by the Beaver and their cute marketing techniques, think about how you want to be treated… as a commodity… or a person? Remember, although cute on the outside, beavers have sharp teeth. Has anyone ever truly been happy with the level of service from their cell phone company?
The phone companies will argue, the system is wireless and a failing device can easily be pulled from the wall and brought in for replacement… just like a cell phone? Seriously now, is that really effective home security?
It is all about the contract - This is by no means a new venture, cable companies and local phone companies have all ventured into the home security realm. Tempted by fast profits and re-occurring revenues, how can one argue. The thing is, pretty much every one of the previous companies has sold all their accounts to a third party, usually a foreign Based Company with cheap out of country monitoring. To a company less concerned with maintaining a loyal and happy client base, a monitoring account is worth anywhere from $ 600 to $ 900 on the open market. These large monitoring stations are often located out of the country where local regulations are less strict when it comes to the employee’s they hire. I am by no means saying all monitoring stations operate in this manner; in fact there are plenty of local monitoring stations within the Vancouver area who are highly regulated by the Attorney Generals Department of British Columbia.
So before you let yourself be tempted by the Beaver and their cute marketing techniques, think about how you want to be treated… as a commodity… or a person? Remember, although cute on the outside, beavers have sharp teeth. Has anyone ever truly been happy with the level of service from their cell phone company?
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