Re: Would ya believe?

[nick markowitz <nmarkowitz@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Nov 2, 12:42=A0pm, tourman <robercampb...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> On Nov 2, 11:33=A0am, Jim <alarmi...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
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> > 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.
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> > 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.
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> 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). =A0So, I charge for
> the parts, labour and the service call. =A0I usually send out my son and
> tell him to charge whatever he wants and simply keep the money for his
> time.
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> Never had anyone complain either; after all, where else can they get
> professional service for next to nothing.

That was a good thing you did rather than confuse them with a new
system etc. I have several I have done that for over the years and
they really appreciate it.