Re: Setting up a Alarm Security Business

["Jim" <alarminex@xxxxxxx>]

atomb@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I'm looking to start my own alarm install business and was hoping to
> find out some info on bare bones essentials(licensing) to operate an
> alarm biz in the state of new york. I really dont want to join
> associations unless mandated by the state government  also I was going
> to set up the company as a Limited Liability any thoughts on this?
> thanks any help is much appreciated.
> btw. Im looking to protect myself

First, in my opinion, If you're starting out with a meager budget and
you don't have 5 years or more experience in the technical end of the
business and have never had and experience in running a business, get
educated first. Failure rate is high. Being in the alarm business isn't
all technical and installation work. You should know how to keep basic
accounting books, set up budgeting. Know a little bit about financing
and doing administrative functions like purchasing, writing proposals
and know a little bit about sales and marketing and clerical functions,
involved in runing a business.

NY State requires that you have 60 hours of training in order to
qualify to apply for a test to obtain a State License. Contact the
Department of State, Albany NY.
If you are an association member, you can usually get the courses at a
lower price. The courses are given 3 or 4 times a year and usually
sponsored by a local alarm association.

If you don't want to join any associations that means that you aren't
interested in the trade that you are going to make a living at. If you
don't participate in associations you'll probably wind up being one of
those people who complains about all the rules and regulations and the
poor products, but aren't willing to put time into correcting those
problems through your association. But .... you probably shouldn't
worry about that too much. You'll simply be among the majority of alarm
companies who don't participate ..... but complain. Some good things
you can get from joining associations is information that may be
essential for you to know, about changes in the laws that affect you
and your business and the ability to obtain new product information.
And it's useful to network with other people in the business who know
more than you do and many are willing to offer you advice and help in
making your business successful.

Check with an attorney but I think you'll probably be better off for
tax purposes if you incorporate as an "S" corporation. Get yourself a
good set of contracts. They can save your ass if something goes wrong.
See if you can locate Ken Kershenbaums website, (I've forgotten what it
is) He's located in NY and one of the most well rounded Alarm
knowledgable attorneys in the industry. Probably has the best contracts
(not cheap, but iron clad) and they've designed around NY state alarm
laws. Also get some good liability insurance and O & E ( errors and
omissions) insurance. You can usually get discounts on much of the
above if you are a member on and association. Unfortunately, it's
probably gonna cost you about $500.00 a year to join. However, if you
take advantage of all the discounts, you'll probably get it all back in
a years time.

Good Luck