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Selecting an Alarm Company - Never Easy
Dec.
99 Every
alarm company out there is going to tell you that they're the best, that's the nature of
sales. So do you just look for the lowest price and save every penny that you can and let
it go at that, or should you dig a little deeper? Unfortunately, too many people only look
at the dollar figure and then accept, come what may.This is a huge mistake when purchasing
an alarm system and here's why.
Let's say that two different
companies are selling the exact same product, then you'd think that only the bottom line
makes the difference but when buying on the Net, that could be very wrong.
Here are the
additional questions that you need to ask but more importantly, that you somehow need to
assert.
1.All of today's alarm systems need
to be programmed for a variety of different factors. Therefore, is this included in the
price? The seller will save many hours if it isn't but what you'll get is factory default
and very likely, it'll be little more than an ongoing problem for you. This really should
be included at no charge.
2.After the systems arrives, there's
a better than average chance that it's going to need changes in the program to better suit
your individual living conditions and needs. So, will this be done for free, or are you
going to have to pay for it every time? Do you really want to pay $10 to $50. if you just
decided that you could use an additional 5 seconds to get in the door before the alarm
activates? All programming should be included even after the sale at no additional charge.
3.If something fails to function,
and so long as things are electronic it can happen, then will the company take back your
part and replace it with a new one without giving you grief and aggravation? This is a
tough one but if you've asked the question and gotten a favorable response, at least
you've got a chance of things going smoothly down the road. A one year parts replacement
is normally expected, but ask anyway.
An alarm system is
something that you may live with for many years to come, that is if you select the right
one. Just like computers, something new is born everyday. Make sure by asking a lot of
questions, that this is indeed the latest technology. Here's a great example: The smoke
detectors that our system uses is called the 5808 model. Apparently, that model was
discovered to have some sort of technical problem and all of the remaining stock of that
model number was sold to one of the big guys in the alarm industry, who no doubt bought
the supply at a very reduced rate.
We sure wouldn't install something
like that for our customers, so now we have to wait until the next model number is
introduced. We will no doubt lose money and sales over this issue but on the other hand,
our customers only get the best. It wouldn't be worth it for us to buy junk and then
sell you junk, even when you couldn't tell the difference until that faithful day when it
failed to do the job. Bottom line on that issue, is that you need to find an alarm
company with a conscience. If you rush to buy at the lowest possible price, then you'll
have to live with whatever you get, or maybe die with it.
Try this on for
size. Let's say that you decide that you'd rather have a local alarm company than a do it
yourself, and that we're not in your local area. We offer you a chance to tell us what
system you think you want to get and we'll tell you if it's a good system, a bad system,
and if we know the company, we'll tell you about them, too. In other words, we'll offer
advice, even if there is nothing in it for us. Just email us and see.
When Assessing Installations - Nov. 99
It's one thing to decide you want an
alarm system but another to figure out what's best for you, and how you're going to assess
the parts you need. Actually, it really isn't all that difficult, so we'll give you a few
simple tips on how to do it quick and easy.
No matter what you're trying to protect, be it a home,
business, etc, the thinking is still basically the same. First of all, since doors are
more often than not the primary point of break ins, let's protect all doors. Just
count em up and jot it down.
Now since you're shopping on the
Internet for an alarm system, I'm going to assume that you are trying to save money, so
we're not going to be frivolous about buying lots of stuff that you may not really need.
That means, we won't protect windows individually, unless you meet one of two criteria:
1. You have assessed that this is a very serious need for your particular
environment or 2. You've got plenty of cash that you don't know what to do with. In the
event that you feel you fit category number one, then we'll explore the matter more
closely so that you can come to a logical conclusion. If per chance you fit category
number two, then don't bother reading on, just give us a call.
Before we move on to other items, let's look at your window
situation because money is almost always a factor. Do you have windows that are very
close to the ground and very easily accessed? Worse yet, are they in the back of the
house or business, or hidden behind fences or shrubbery? If you said "yes", then
maybe you do need to protect windows. If it's only one or two, then maybe you want to just
go for it but before you decide however, remember that each window will be costly and
therefore, give consideration to the alternatives.
What are the alternatives? Well glad
you asked. One of the least used is glass break detection. I have them in my house, of
course, I have everything in my house. The funny thing is, I always wonder if they'll work
because I've never smashed in a window just to find out. I'm psychologically sure
that they will but I'm not comforted by having them alone, that is, without a back up of
some sort.
As glass detectors go, these are high end units. You
put them on the ceiling, peel and stick tape, or on a wall near a window. One unit is
usually sufficient for an entire average size room. They are activated by two things,
which cuts down on false alarms. First they must hear the sound of breaking glass and then
there is a pressure change within the room, which now sends the unit into alarm. Not bad,
really.
Somehow, I prefer infra red motion detection, which is my
back up, in any case. They do not see through walls, or windows, or any solid
object. When placed in a corner of a room without obstacles in it, they see
virtually the entire room up to a distance of around 45 feet. Out latest units are pet
immune, so kitty or little dogs up to forty pounds are OK. Better yet, those business
locations with mice and that sort of thing are now OK, too. You'll need at least one
motion detector per accessible landing. Use it as a trap zone where a burglar will
have to pass and cover the most square feet you can with every unit. Count em
up and jot it down.
That's about it. Now, go back to the
windows and decide if you really need to protect them and if so, add them into the
equation. If for some reason you prefer glass break, add those in, too.
Now that you've got a pretty good concept of your own
environment and what you want and need, feel free to call us for any additional
information. Give us your tally of items and we'll give you a price.
One little note: Understanding all of
this stuff, how it works, and what to expect of it, is a lot easier if you've got
something to gain the experience from, instead of buying, more or less, blindly.
That's why we designed a small package, that's actually suitable 'as is' for many
locations. Why not order the 2001, install it, and go from there.
Expanding is extremely easy, up to twenty four points, and you'll have first hand
knowledge before you buy anything more. We really don't want you to buy the wrong
items, or things that you don't need. We do want you to be completely satisfied.
Always remember that unlike some large corporations, we care and we'll be there,
for you. We're easy to talk to, so go to "Questions" and see for
yourself.
Order
Desk 9am to 8pm eastern - Blocked numbers dial *82, then
1-800-469-1157 |
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