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

[J. Sloud <jsloud@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 30 Jan 2006 03:12:35 GMT, "Mike" <wxyz09@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>
>"Robert L Bass" <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>news:anbqt1l07rdjnvpbifp5468hqn1jmquujg@xxxxxxxxxx
>>> How would you rate ADT when compared to the
>>> other companies eg, S, B and M?
>>
>> http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
>
>I called the ADT 800 # if I buy an ADT system who will install it?
>Will theyy contract with an "authorizeed dealer" to install it?
>
>MIke
>

If you deal with ADT directly then ADT is the installing, servicing,
and monitoring company.

If you deal with an authorized dealer then the dealer who is a local
alarm company, does the installation and service and ADT does the
monitoring.

The authorized dealer is authorized to sell ADT monitoring service.
ADT then buys the monitoring contract from the dealer.  This is fine
as long as the dealer uses decent equipment and does a good
installation.  The problem is that the dealer wants to install each
system as inexpensively as possible since their primary source of
revenue is the money they get from ADT for the monitoring contract.
They deal in volume and in "free" mini-systems with little motivation
for quality.  This is the "two door and a motion fits all" free
systems that you'll hear the local alarm company guys bash.  ADT's
vision is to have the dealers fill the "low" end of the market with
low cost leased systems that provide basic security and are sold in
very high volume.

On the other hand, ADT's branch corporate offices in the US sell
equipment outright to the end user.  Like most businesses, they make
more money on larger sales, and will be more likely to size a system
that is appropriate to the size of your home.  They also have a custom
home program in many cities that caters to the larger-sized, custom
home market.  ADT doesn't directly manufacture equipment any more.
They have agreements with several major alarm equipment makers to
produce ADT-spec panels and devices.  Ademco, Napco, EST, Notifier,
and Fire-Lite are some examples.