Re: Monitoring Rates

[Frank Olson <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

bit eimer wrote:

> Hmmm, so what does that same "no-DIYs-here" monitor do when a client appears
> who either wants to transfer from another service or has bought a house with
> an existing installation?  Does he
>
> 1) respond with "not interested"
> 2) inspect the installation for conformance to his standards
> 3) assume that the installation is acceptable
>
> It would seem #1 and #3 would be not in the monitor's best business
> interest.  OTOH, if he chooses #2, why would that not work for a DIY
> installation?
> The worst that can happen is that he says "oh crap, another fat fingerer"
> and reverts to #1.

We've never provided "straight monitoring service" to any client.  There
is always a full service contract in place and the system must meet our
installation standards.  It's one of the reasons I don't believe
companies like 911 or NextAlarm (monitoring agencies that will never
actually *see* your system) can offer the highest level of security (or
service).  The relationship between an end-user and a monitoring centre
should always include a professional (licensed) service agency to ensure
the level of service to both the central station and the customer is the
best it can be.  You get what you pay for.  You'll find that some online
stores are willing to issue "insurance certificates" based on the fact
that you've "paid" for the monitoring service they "recommend".  They
have NO IDEA that the system is even properly installed (you could just
as easily set it up on your workbench).


>
> BTW, I'm not trying to be argumentative here (or trollish).

Didn't think you were being either.


> But the
> post-construction installations (ones with smoke detectors) that I have seen
> in our neighborhood don't come anywhere near meeting current building codes
> (not that they are required to do so), so I am suspicious about what I would
> be told I "needed" from my local vendor.

We would never tell you you "needed" something unless it was an
end-of-line supervision relay for your monitored smoke detectors, an
additional power supply (because the Nimrod installer didn't know how to
calculate the current requirements) or a larger transformer/battery.  If
you opted *NOT* to have what we recommended installed, we would simply
"walk away".  We're in a position to be just as "choosey" as our
customers are.  :-)


>
> Also, if I am being sold a system, I would like to be able to enhance it
> with standard accessories in the future.  I shouldn't think this would make
> it a DIY installation (or am I wrong)?

When we're called in to pre-wire a home, it's pre-wired for a complete
perimeter system.  This gives the client the option to upgrade their
system as their budget allows (and with no pressure to do so).  When you
properly explain the differences between the two systems, most
homeowners will opt for the best.  It's surprising how quickly our
customers come up with the extra cash.  :-)

http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/alarmoverviewfaq.htm