Re: An ethical conundrum... Opinions welcome!

[Frank Olson <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

tourman wrote:
> On Nov 29, 10:23 am, mleuck <m.le...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> On Nov 29, 3:11 am, Effenpig1 <dirtyspicev...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>>> I've noticed a lot of high volume companies don't use timer tests
>>>>> on residential systems, usually because they want to cut down on
>>>>> service since they don't have anyone local.
>>>> Yea right
>>> Ummm, Yea right, WHAT????
>> Ummm Yea right it's nonsense someone does not use timer tests to
>> prevent service calls.
>
> RHC: More likely they don't use test signals to cut down the number of
> signals going in to their massive stations. Millions of accounts
> equals millions of test signals, which in turn equals a lot more
> hardware to handle them. And if they can fall back on that
> manufacturer published doctrine..."test systems weekly" as an excuse
> not to do the right thing...why not ?
>
> To their way of corporate thinking, this might well make sense.....
> who knows what's in their minds !!! It would be interesting to know if
> the worst of the bunch...Alarmforce.... program in test
> signals...anyone know ?



I have no idea.  I was talking to the manager of one of the better
alarmco's in Vancouver and he told me that they lost a client to
Alarmfarce.  The guy had a full perimeter system installed.  Glass-break
detectors, etc.  Sold the house and the new owner moved his Alarmfarce
system in.  One door, one PIR (made "pet proof" by mounting it upside
down three feet from the floor).  The alarmco's service dept was
contacted to power down their equipment (including the monitored smoke
and carbon monoxide detectors).  This company charged $35.00 per month
for monitoring ($25.00 per month for basic service, $5.00 for fire, and
$5.00 for CO).  Alarmfarce charges $25.00 for their voice service.  I
suppose the customer perceived "value" in one over the other.  There's a
lot of "hype" in the sales pitch used by Alarmfarce.  I hope Joel Matlin
sleeps well at night secure in the knowledge that the fire and CO
detectors in this house have been neutralized because this customer
chose "the best alarm system in North America".

PS.  Like any good reputable alarm dealer the customer was offered a
degraded system (local only) rather than disconnect the thing entirely.
  He didn't want to pay for the service call so now, he has practically
"nothing".