Re: Setting up a Alarm Security Business

["Crash Gordon" <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

LLC and taxed as an S-corp, much easier than being a corp and having to file
crap paperwork every year...LLC's don't have to do that stuff. Ive been a
Sole Prop., S-Corp, C-Corp and now LLC taxed as S-corp.


"Jim" <alarminex@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1163562626.367039.147590@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
|
| 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
|