Security Technologies
Buyer Beware
PURCHASING A SECURITY SYSTEM IS A DANGEROUS ENDEAVOUR! IT IS A BUYER BEWARE MARKET:
- Never, under any circumstance buy a security system over the phone! Different types of windows get protected differently. There are pets to be considered. There are high risk areas that may need additional protection. It is impossible for an operator to design a security system over the phone! You will get a cookie cutter security system that will not be designed for your home nor your life style.
- Ask if it is a purchase or a lease! A lease has its advantages, but you should know if you own the equipment, or if its a lease. Leased equipment is typically less expensive and usually comes with an extended warranty. (both very good things) The problem is with companies who don't tell you it is a lease and you wrongly assume you own the equipment. If you cancel your monitoring some companies can power down your system over the phone. ADT states on their web page (in small print) that any systems under $600.00 remains the property of ADT. ADT also uses a proprietary panel so that no other company can monitor their equipment. The advantage of owning the equipment is if your not happy with your monitoring company you can choose another. Don't spend thousands of dollars to later find out you don't own the equipment! Ask the salesman if any company can monitor your system. A lease may be the best option for you, but you should know all the facts before making that decision.
- Don't be fooled by Free or $99 systems. You get what you pay for. Would you buy a $99 computer and expect it to be as good as a $2500.00 computer. Just like computers, you get what you pay for when it comes to security systems. Don't assume a $99 system is just a cheaper price on the same quality equipment. Manufacturers make different quality panels and the entry level panel is going to be less expensive than a premium panel. If a competitor says he can beat a quote you have, make sure he isn't just swapping the premium panel you were quoted, for a lower quality panel. (compare features and zone capabilities including # of hardwired zones and # of wireless zones.) You may only need an inexpensive, entry level system, that's why we sell them, but know what your getting and don't expect to get a premium system for $99.
- Can the Equipment be terminated remotely? Many companies use equipment that should you cancel monitoring they can kill your system over the telephone. That means if you purchased fire protection you no longer have it. All the money you spent when you purchased the system (that seemed like such a good deal) is now gone. You're left with a blank keypad on your wall.
- Is the system quality equipment or junk? Do you recognize the name brand. Is it a quality model or an entry level system? At 1st Choice we use GE because it is a name people know and trust. We tell you if we're using an entry level panel or a premium panel and we let you make an informed decision. There are a lot of companies selling poor quality equipment, know what your buying!
- Is it locally monitored? Or is it monitored overseas? We use Vector because they are locally monitored by people who know the area. A 911 dispatcher said he chose Vector because with many of the other companies he couldn't understand the strong accents of the monitoring dispatchers and it slowed down the response time. He said it also helped when the dispatchers know the area when giving directions.
It is a buyer beware market. Don't be fooled by the hype, get the facts or the only thief you may experience is the one who sold you the system!
