Common Mistakes People Make

1. Switching phone lines

The most common mistake that customers make is with their phone lines. They get a call from a phone company that offers a great rate to change their phone to its company. The salesperson will state that they can save money, and everything will work the same. And it will, except for your security system.

These companies are selling your VOIP (Voice over IP) lines. They work well for voice but not for data. Your security system will send its alarm signals to the monitoring center using a data-coded signal. Once you change to this new VOIP phone service, your security system will cease to send signals to the monitoring station. The alarm company will then have to install a cellular transmitter. This device will replace your phone line, and your alarm system will be back online. Unfortunately, there will be a cost to have the security company install this cellular device. Your monthly monitoring service will also go up in price to cover cellular costs. In the long run, you will still save money overall, but changing your phone system to VOIP lines will cost you some fees to also change the way your security system sends signals. In case you are in this situation, remember you took the deal from the Telco Company. So don’t be furious at the security company when they have to upgrade your system to work on the agreement you made with the Telco Company.

2. Not checking contract terms with a monthly rate

When signing a contract with any security company, some terms and conditions should be read and understood before you sign. First is the term. Security companies offer twelve, twenty-four, thirty-six, forty-eight, and sixtieth-month terms. You must realize that once you sign the agreement, it is in force for that term. You may get a better rate or maybe install a security system at a better price, but you agreed to those terms, and the rate will be in force for the duration of the agreement. So if you decide to cancel or move, the balance of the agreement becomes due and payable. Besides checking the agreement’s term, make sure to find out the cancellation penalty and if you can transfer the contract to the new owner of the location. Most companies will offer you a buy option or a transfer option, but some will want the contract’s balance paid in full for you to cancel it. For this reason, understand the terms and conditions of what you are signing.

3. Skimping on contract terms with ownership of equipment

These days many security companies are trying to compete with the Telco Companies. These Telco Companies have gotten into the security business because they want the Recurring Monthly Revenue or (RMR). Large Telecom companies can afford to offer a customer what seems to be a fantastic offer, which is $1000.00 for equipment installed for a low monthly fee. But, these companies have never given you phone service for free or a great rate, why would they offer this equipment to you? That’s because they want the Recurring Monthly Revenue! Usually, the telecom company retains ownership of the equipment. Giving it to you is like giving it out on a lease. You get it installed, but you must maintain it to proper working condition at your expense until you return it. Yes, you read that right -return it. If you cancel your contract with them, or your contract term runs its full term, and you do not renew it, you are required to return their equipment to them in proper working condition. If any equipment returned is not in proper working condition, you’ll be billed for it. Remember that $1000.00 worth of equipment you were so happy about? Now, you will see its value when you have to pay for the used equipment you return. As a result, always make sure you know who owns the equipment and get it in writing on your agreement. Nothing comes for free in this world and especially security systems.

4. Hiring fly-by-night security contractors

“I got a great deal on my security system!” You saw it online, or they called and offered it to you by phone. Maybe they knocked on my door. First, if you want a security system, you should be calling them. Don’t tell a stranger at the door or from a phone call that you do not have a security system. They are not selling you a vacuum! If you agreed to what they offered in a system, and then they will ship the equipment to you, preprogrammed for you to install. Once you receive it, you will think that “I gave them my credit card number, and they sent me the system. I saved a lot to do this.” But come to think of it, did you really? For starters, you’ll be the installer for the product. If you haven’t done this before, you may face challenges. Sure these systems are delivered with instructions or a video on how to install them. That doesn’t mean the installation will work out. But, you have now agreed with a company that sent you the parts and that you’ll take care of it. You get a 1-800 number for service or help, yet this may not solve much. To avoid this, once again, you should read the terms and conditions before agreeing to this type of agreement. This will also apply to service issues. You will get help online on how to fix the system, or you will be asked to ship a part back for replacement. Meanwhile, your system is down until the part comes back. If you’re wondering, “what about the false alarms?” Well, if you installed it, you will need to fix it. ▸