Re: Slomins vs ADT vs Brinks vs any other home security system vendor

["Jim" <alarminex@xxxxxxx>]

R.H.Campbell wrote:
> That depends. Independant dealers vary from good to terrible, and ADT
> service quality seems to vary from region to region. So bear in mind, my
> comments relate ONLY to my particular area. I happen to be a third party
> dealer on their station (they monitor about 8 of my total 850 clients), and
> I find their monitoring to be far too "hair trigger" for my tastes. They
> call one number, dispatch authorities, then follow through with the balance
> of the calling list. In our area, false alarm dispatches cost $75 each, and
> clients demand more built in "protection" against that (full calling list,
> cancel codes etc). I am told that local authorities feel that when they get
> a call from ADT, it is more likely to be a false alarm, although that is one
> of those suppositions that is hard to prove.
>
> Service regardless of timing is expensive unless you have chosen their
> warranty coverage for a few dollars extra a month. Like most dealers, I do a
> lot of takeovers from ADT due to their continuing to charge exhorbitant
> prices on an ongoing basis, plus in these cases, service has been bad. But
> bear in mind, they are the biggest in the business with 8 million clients,
> so they have to be doing something right to keep this client base (in spite
> of terrible attrition rates). My understanding is their commercial side is
> quite different from the residential side, and we have one poster here who
> works on the commercial side, who's posting lead me to believe it's quite a
> different ballgame on his side of the fence
>
> I've been accused of "hating ADT". Not so, although based on my personal
> experience, I believe a residential client can do FAR better than dealing
> with a large conglomerate where you are merely a number rather than a valued
> customer. There is something to be said about personal care from a small
> dealer, although this too can be tenuous if you choose the wrong small
> dealer (and remember my bias in this regard). Unfortunately you don't know
> that until you've made your choice already, although you can and should ask
> around about your potential company to see how others have been treated.
> This is even more important if you anticipate choosing a company where you
> are locked in !!
>
> Do your research, compare TOTAL packages over 5 years from all your choices,
> then go with the company that you feel will treat you with due respect on an
> ongoing basis, regardless of length of contract term (this is only one
> factor after all....)
>
> RHC

Great post Robert.

No dig here. And not assuming you need nor are looking for anyone's
approval. I just think that was balanced and fair post.