Electronic Security - Who Are You Going to Call?

It's been over 3 decades since I started my adventure in the electronic security industry. I would like to take this opportunity to pass a few truths along to you about this industry.

First: Are You Protected?

Do you believe in your security company? I started in the industry with a very small alarm service and worked my way up to a very large Multi-national corporation. I will not name that popular corporation because I can say nothing positive about them and I do not want them to feel affronted. On second thought I don't care how they feel. It was ADT. Weather you are protecting your business or family it is more important that you understand the difference between companies. Never believe bigger is better.

Here are some key points when considering an electronic security company:

Size of the organization
Services that are outsourced
Services that are handled locally
Customer Service

There is a very important reason I put the size of the organization first. This will most likely define all other points. Larger organizations and small franchises have lost or just fail in the ability to truly communicate with their customers. You will most likely find that the picture painted by their professional sales force and the reality of what can be delivered, will be quite different. These organizations will outsource monitoring, maintenance, and in some cases even installation. This will put you, as the customer, in a definite disadvantage when you need them most. You may find that the only part of the organization that actually maintains a local office is the sales department. Although it is true that nothing happens before a sale is made, it is also true that when a sale is made you have to be able to deliver product.

Don't worry there is a simple test to check and eliminate these commercial pirates. Ask a few direct questions of the salesman and watch him and listen to the answers.

1. What is the location of your central station?
2. How many actual service technicians does your company employ? Employ not subcontract.
3. Are customer service calls handled locally?
4. Is there a local representative to help me with billing inquiries?
5. What is the company's reputation with the local authorities?

Here is an uncomplicated profile to follow. Look for a medium size organization, most likely privately owned, that has a local central station. They will employ at least 6 - 8 service technicians and around the same number of installers. The sales department will be comprised of about 3-4 professionals. These people will have an average of 5 years or more experience in the business and will be willing to act as you personal contact when a serious situation arises. These sales representatives will answer to a manager and in some cases directly to an owner.

You will find that the same monitoring staff is available on each shift. You will get to know who is on days, afternoons, and midnights. You will know the supervisors by name and will be able to call and ask for them with reasonable assurance that you will be able to speak to them.

Never do business with a person who feels it is necessary to blemish a competitor's reputation to gain your business. Think about the ethics in doing something like that. Do you want to do business with that type of person or the company he represents? You may hear something like "only a company our size can make this offer", believe me this is seldom the truth. This is something you will hear when dealing with larger organizations. They don't have much to offer except their size and possibly past reputation. Don't pay big bucks for a name because that is all you will get!

Just as a foot note I would like to say large Multi-national Corporations do have their place in the industry. They best serve other large Multi-national corporations that can afford them and find an advantage to the fact that they are located in may cities and countries. Unless you fit into this category leave them to each other. They will be willing to take your money, however, they will also be the first to sit behind closed doors and say they don't need you.

You will find this article and the best of Buffalo Food for sale on the net at Hydrogen Blog and http://www.buffalofoods.net

Check the link at the bottom of the Hydrogen Blog article for great internet security!

B. J. Lyons

Benny Store
Camera Shop
Store Best Buy