Re: Frank - Alarms TQ

["Frank Olson" <feolson@xxxxxxxxxx>]

"CCTV" <onehappyindian@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:aQKwe.1833860$6l.294718@xxxxxxxxxxx
> Hey Frank, can you reccommend anyone to consult with further to setting up
> a company?  We have a few questions that need to be answered and not
> enough resources for research.  When I was last at Burtek they had a
> posting for alarm monitoring...is that a common thing?  I am just starting
> to acquire knowledge in this aspect of security and time is an issue
>
>
> Thanks



For CCTV, access control (including intercom), fire alarm and monitored
response (to any of the aforementioned) you don't require a license other
than a buisness license in the city(ies) you're going to be selling in.
Fire alarm does require A.S.T.T.B.C. certification if you're going to
providing inspection services and some direct experience with a number of
different controls and building functions so you might want to steer clear
of this for now.  It also requires a licensed TQ'd electrician to pull the
applicable permit, and do the actual installation.

FWIW, there are a lot of alarmco's in the Lower Mainland and the business
itself is really "dog-eat-dog" (competetive).  I'd start off with a business
plan that isn't so much grounded in the burg aspect and thereby avoid having
to rely on an individual with a "TQ" that may decide your company (and the
work involved in setting it up) is "not his cup of tea" unless of course you
have an "in" with a client(s) that will provide an "instant" account base
(we're talking like 250 to 500 monitored customers).

AJ's right.  If you want to sell burg systems, consult on their
installation, design, layout, install and service, you're going to need
licensing through Security Programs.  That's not a huge deal.  To sell
systems for instance doesn't require anything really special.  You have to
submit to a background search, get fingerprinted, photographed, pay the fee
and "voila".  Your company would also require registration to sell alarms.
That can be upgraded if you actually do hire a TQ so you can also install
and service them.  As long as you use licensed TQ's (either independent
contractors or direct employees) to install, service and maintain the
equipment you sell, you'll be alright.  If you do decide to hire your own
TQ, you can "apprentice" under him.  For that you'd need another license
called Alarm Service - Under Supervision.  After three years, you write an
exam and get your own TQ.

Here's a link to the BC Government website which explains all this (and
more), provides the forms to download to register yourself and your
business, etc.

http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/pisa/licensing/security-alarm-services/business/

There are several good companies in town that will monitor your clients.
Counterforce recently closed their Burnaby operation but I understand
another company has taken over the premises and wound up hiring a good deal
of the staff back.  I believe the name of the company is AIP (or API -
whatever) but with all the changes in the industry it's hard to keep track
of these things.  Steer clear of alarmco's that offer third party dealer
monitoring because there's an inherent conflict of interest and you're bound
to run up against customers that may already be using their services which
could put you in a "dicey" situation.  If you don't already have a business
plan, haven't defined your market, and don't have the expertise to do all
that yourself, I'd say that this is the wrong business to get in to.
Relying on hired help will require deep pockets and using individuals with
no direct interest in the business means you're liable to wind up setting
yourself up for a mighty big fall when they get "scooped" or decide to move
on.

That's just my "two cents"...  email me if you like.  My email's feolson at
shaw dot ca (no spaces).