Re: DIY - Sometimes....

["CWatters" <colin.watters@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Frank Olson" <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:Qrvfj.3731$EA5.620@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Robert L Bass wrote:
> > "Bob La Londe" wrote:
> >>
> >> ...  I get a number of calls from folks who have moved into a home
> >> where we installed a system for a previous owner.  I politely tell
> >> them, "We charge a full one hour service call to come out, check the
> >> system, train you on how it works, and bring a spare user manual or
> >> print out a copy for you.  If you go on monitoring service with us we
> >> will waive the cost of the initial service call. If there is anything
> >> wrong with your system that requires materials or labor in excess of
> >> one hour you will have to pay for that in either case."  Their next
> >> few sentences always tell me what I am dealing with.
> >
> > There are some similarities with online sales, except that we don't
> > charge for our time -- just the merchandise.  We frequently get calls
> > from people who've tripped an alarm that was installed by a previous
> > tennant or owner and don't know how to shut it off.  If I know the
> > system and they sound real I walk them through disabling it,
>
>
> I'm sure everyone "sounds real" on the telephone.  Sure Bass...  Every
> thief should have your number memorized.  "I'm going to break...
> errmm...  enter my newly purchased house but the previous owner left the
> system "armed".  How do I disable it??"  Heard from "Elvis" lately?

I installed my own system about a year ago. Never had a false alarm so was
somewhat surprised when it went off while I was outside gardening. My wife
had accidentally set it off using her key fob. Unfortunately my key fob had
recently been run over and the disarm key on my wifes fob picked that moment
to fail. Had to work out how to disarm it using the panel. Have you ever
tried reading the Visonic instruction manual while the alarm is going off
right next to you!