Re: Best place to buy parts for those of us who don't have a dealers license ?

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> So, do you "visualize" each motion sensor placement, or
> do you train each customer in the art of motion sensor
> placement?

It's not an art.  It's simple logic.  Don't point motion
detectors at windows, stairs or stuff that's going to cause
problems.  Do place motion detectors where the thief is likely to
move, such as a bedroom hallway, the vicinity of the hi-fi
equipment and, for most of my customers, near the computer.

> You know, mirrors, windows, vents, where the motion is
> looking in relation to the rising/setting sun, etc..

I can and do explain that much over the phone.  Your average
primate knows what a window or mirror looks like.  :^)

> Do you "visualize" the Smoke detector placement, so that
> it will actually perform as desired?

Smoke detector placement is simple enough in the average
residence.  Don't put them in the garage, furnace room, attic,
kitchen, etc.  Do place at least one on every residential level
(ie, not the attic), at the top of the stairs and at the bottom
of the basement stairs.  Place one within 12 feet outside bedroom
doors but stay 5 feet (a bit more than NFPA minimum) from
bathrooms with showers or tubs, laundry room and kitchen.  Stay
away from air vents.  On new construction and wherever possible
in existing homes place a smoke in each sleeping room.

There are other issues such as sloped ceilings which I determine
over the phone.

> Oh wait- you can't, because you can't see the premises
> and it's unseen variables.

I can learn as much as is needed to spec a fire alarm system for
just about any job without ever seeing the premises.  On new
construction and on most commercial fire alarms, I ask for plans.
I learned to read prints over 25 years ago and can spec a fire
system from them or from architectural drawings when necessary.

> I agree that a certain percentage can, (or just will) do their
> own installs.  I would, even if I wasn't an alarm guy. I also
> agree that many systems will work just fine, though you and
> I both know the ratio of problems exponentially increases as
> planning and experience decrease, whether you care to admit
> it or not.

You've said a mouthful there.  The fact is that I've been
spec'ing alarms longer than most salesmen you'll meet and can
easily see potential problems that most younger salesmen don't
even think about -- without ever visiting the site.  That comes
with years of planning, installing and servicing alarms.
Consider the number of times techs post complaints here about
idiot salesmen specifying work that either can't be done or (more
often) in ways that no sane technician would consider doing it.

I know that there are plenty of online dealers who will sell the
customer anything just to make a buck without a second thought as
to the level of protection the client will get.  Many employ
telephone sales clerks with no background in security at all.
Remember that moron who came here bragging that he was selling
the finest magnetic contacts in the industry yet refused to
disclose who the manufacturer was?  It turned out he was pushing
Tane (ugh).  I try to provide solid hardware and I offer advice
based on many years in the trade -- far more than most here.  In
doing so I'm able to give customers more than just parts.

> Where we thoroughly disagree is that you believe anyone can
> do it and get the desired result, time after time...

Not *anyone* -- only those with a bit of tool skill and the
willingness to take a little time learning how to accomplish the
task.  Remember, DIY is probably less than 2% of the security
market.  The vast majority of clients cannot and should not
install their own systems.  For example, my father is 85 years
old.  He has a near genius IQ and a mater's in engineering.
However, he has neither the interest nor the willingness to learn
how to do the job.

OTOH, there are (and we both know this) plenty of incompetent,
uncaring slobs in this industry who should never be allowed to
hold a screwdriver, much less pull cable through someone's home.
Remember the fellow from California who posted pictures of the
damage some Protection One dealer did when they pierced the DWV
stack (for those unfamiliar, that's the "poop pipe").  His walls
and ceiling were literally soaked with sewage.

> ... You seem to feel that selling them products for a
> sight-unseen application with telephone support only
> (which is better than none, granted) is "just as good"
> as a professional installation...

It's often better than what some of these nimrods consider a
"professional" installation.  It's always better than dealing
with an online dealer who provides no tech support at all like
several of the characters Olson recommends.

> You know better, Robert.

Indeed I do.  Continue doing the best darned installations you
can and taking proper care of your clients.  I do the same for my
DIY customers.  Their jobs may not be the same quality as yours
(I prefer to assume the best) but the work will be better than
many and much better than a few "professionals."  That's not by
any stretch intended as a slight to true professionals.  But
let's face it.  Buying a professionally installed alarm system
isn't what it used to be.  For the customer it's a crap shoot
hoping they've chosen someone honest and competent.  Sometimes
you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug.  Sometimes
you're the Louisville slugger; sometimes you're the ball."

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com