Re: Would ya believe?

[tourman <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Nov 2, 11:33=A0am, Jim <alarmi...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> This is not a big deal but .......yesterday I got a service call from
> someone that I had installed a system for, years ago. They were never
> monitored, so I'd forgotten all about them. Believe it or not they
> have an Ademco 5600 wireless system that's been working all of these
> years. One of the transmitters stopped working but I've saved some
> from pull-outs that I've done through the years and I was able to
> replace it. =A0Even the little incandescent light bulb in the keypad is
> still working. It's gotta be 35 years and they've never had a problem.
> Amazing! That was back in the days when prices were about $40.00 per
> opening.
>
> And .... as you would expect, since it's worked all these years ...
> there's not a chance in hell they're going to upgrade. They're kind of
> elederly ( that means older than me ) now, retired, limited
> income ..... so I think they'd have to go without a system rather than
> afford a new one. I just charged them $65.00 for the service call and
> $20.00 for the transmitter. I even felt kind of uncomfortable about
> that ..... but .... nowdays that just about covers expenses for a
> call.

RHC: That sounds fair. I have about 30 or so non monitored Paradox
systems I installed about 25 years ago when I didn't yet realize doing
so was largely wasting my time and their money. However, now and then
I do get a call for service from them, and it wouldn't be very fair to
refuse to service them (as I refuse other DIY'ers).  So, I charge for
the parts, labour and the service call.  I usually send out my son and
tell him to charge whatever he wants and simply keep the money for his
time.

Never had anyone complain either; after all, where else can they get
professional service for next to nothing.