Re: Why Don't You Like DSC? (Addressed to those that don't.)

["Robert L. Bass" <robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>>> 10,000 into 8 years...
>>
>> Bob, I've been doing this for 28 years -- not just eight.
>
>>> "and probably ten thousand to install their own"
>
> This is the line from an earilier post you made, which
> I assumed (sorry), that you where referring to about
> training  people on the amount of systems since you
> were doing DIYers. "to install their own" is what led
> me to believe that. I thought that was the 8 years.

The confusion is understandable, Bob.  FTR, I started installing 28 years
ago.  I quit installing when I sold my brick and mortar alarm company.  I've
also sold to DIYers the whole time I've been in business.  In the early
years I sold more Napco than anything else.  These days, due to competitive
pricing and name brand recognition, I sell more Ademco, but Napco still
moves nicely.

>> ...guys I know who pushed "mini-systems".
>
> Other than the bigs, where are these guys now?
> Most are broke and trying to get back or are
> back in the business after they sobered up from
> a 2 year hiatus.

True.  One of the regulars here was a guy who pushed all-in-ones without the
required license.  He got away with it because no one filed a complaint but
a personal tragedy messed things up for him.  Another was an outfit called
M&M.  They used to bad-mouth me on sales calls back in CT.  I recently spoke
to the owner.  He's working sales for a distrubutor now.  Most of the ones I
was aware of are gone now but there are always more springing up like weeds
on a trash heap.

> If they can't figure out how to unplug the
> transformer and battery, in that situation,
> do you dare sell them a DIY system...

Nope.  Note that I said these are usually *strangers* -- not clients.  I
explain how to silence the system so they can get some sleep and never try
to sell them anything.  I don't need that kind of headache.  :^)

> and expect them to put it in without 1400
> calls to your 800 number?

Precisely!

> And then again, that is what happens when
> they have no obligation to you, but because
> ones name is out in cyber space, they think
> you are obligated to help them and for free
> I might add.

Yep.  They buy a home with an existing alarm and no code or manual.  One
night (why is it always 3:27 am when it happens???) the alarm starts
sounding.  Unable to silence it they frantically call every alarm company in
the Yellow Pages but they're not under a contract so no one is willing to
help them.  In desparation they go online and search for Napco, Ademco,
FBII, DSC or whatever.  Guess whose name comes up first or second on so many
product lines.

I get the calls and although I've no obligation to them I realise they just
need help so I walk them through a power down, tell them to call a local
dealer in the morning and say goodnight.  Maybe one in a hundred calls back
to order something and that's fine with me.

> Time is money... unless one doesn't value their
> time.

Remember, these are not usually clients.  These are just folks with problems
who happen to call.

> Three phone calls to talk someone through replacing
> a two dollar contact doesn't make alot of business
> sense. Those are some of the considerations to be
> looked at before entering that end of the business.

True indeed.

>> Have at it.  There's plenty of room for another
>> competitor in the trade.
>
> It may be one of those round tuits.

I've got a whole list of those whenever I get a "round tuit."  :^)

> Crawl, walk, run but it is easier when you
> don't need that weekly pay check.

In this business you have to prepare for dry spells.  Some months you're a
millionaire.  Others you're a pauper.

>> My site works but it's constantly changing.
>> I'm forever adding new products and features
>> to the site.  It will never be "done".
>
> I would hope not, might get a little stale and out dated.

Yes, but that's not the main reason.  There are new product offerings and
price changes every week.  One of my distributors may offer better pricing
on a given line so I have to reassign all the products to that distributor
and change all the products.  SearchFit does some things very well but
making changes can be a real time-consuming chore.  Adding a major product
line can take every spare minute for weeks.  :(

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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Bass Home Electronics
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Sarasota · Florida · 34231
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http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
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