Re: Recommendations for Alarm system in San jose/Sillicon Valley

[Frank Olson <Use-the-email-links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert L Bass wrote:
>> If its important, Bay Alarm is family owned
>> and based in the bay area...
>
> I've had numerous calls from unhappy Bay
> Alarm customers who've decided to replace
> or improve systems they received.


Like...  When do you ever answer the phone??  The BBB's had "numerous
calls" about your crappy service too...


> Most
> complain of slow response and poor service.

Uh--huh...  And the BBB fields calls about your slow response and poor
service...


> There have also been complaints here in
> ASA on occasion.

Funny you should mention that...  There have been numerous complaints
about you here on occasion as well...


> The customer may or
> may not be affected by this, but the company
> has also been accused of operating illegally
> with a lapsed license for years.  That matter
> has apparently been resolved as they now
> have a license.

Let's see...  You "started" your company in 1979 in CT and weren't
licensed until 1989...  Hey...  At least Bay Alarm is still around.  You
shut your company down in 1996 to sell "online"...  And it wasn't until
about 2003 that you could actually start drawing a salary...


> Side note: As an online alarm retailer
> catering to DIYers, licensing isn't required
> of my company.

Check...  Selling online is about the only thing left open to you seeing
as how you'd never be able to get a license in Florida...



> That is excellent advice.  The OP should
> avoid "authorized dealers" -- independent
> contractors associated with any of the
> following national companies:  ADT,
> Protection 1 and Monitronics.  Also, stay
> away from Sonitrol.  Those are among the
> worst.
>
> Note, however, that ADT "corporate" (not the
> authorized dealers) has a good reputation.


And while the OP's at it, stay away from Bass too...