Considering all the options available to you when shopping for
home security alarms, choosing the right way to protect your family can seem overwhelming. You see lots of ads and special offers, and some of them sound like a good deal. But are those the best alarm systems? Do they include the features you want? And what about the critical, but intangible components of the purchase – like service and reliability? Every home security company claims to have the best performance for the best price. But who really delivers?
When you’re surfing for the best system home security,
start by reading the real-life experiences of customers on review sites. These reviews will give you unbiased
feedback from people just like you, who have actually tried out the security system in their own home. You’ll find all the data you’re looking for, ranging from details on alarm system features and functionality, to candid comments on the level of customer service you can expect.
In addition to customer review sites, check out the recommendations of
industry experts on home security industry sites. The BBB (Better Business Bureau) is also an excellent place to research company reputations, integrity and registered complaints.
Look for a home security company that is accredited by the BBB, with a high rating and a low number of complaints. Websites like RipOffReport.com and Complaints.com also provide key information about the alarm companies that have a troubling number of
negative reviews.
Whatever review site you use for recommendations on restaurants or home services, chances are they also include home security reviews. If you don’t have a go-to review site already,
try Yelp, CitySearch, Epinions, Yahoo Local or Angie’s List. Check out all the
home alarm companies that have caught your eye – whether it’s the established oldies like ADT (formerly Brinks), leading innovators in the wireless home security realm like FrontPoint, or newcomers from the cable world like Xfinity. Make sure you dig for the kind of information you really need – details on how the alarm system works, what special features are popular (smartphone apps, for example) and
what sort of treatment people receive from the company’s customer support team.
Things to look for in home security reviews:
- Type of monitoring connection: cellular, landline or internet?
- Type of security equipment: wireless or hard-wired?
- Interactive features and mobile apps?
- Other advanced features – like security cameras?
- How does the installation work? DIY? Installation fees?
- Pricing in general – which alarm company has the best value?
- Do their customers love them?
Examples from actual home security reviews:
From
Yahoo Answers:
This customer researched several home security providers, and provides several paragraphs of feedback. This snippet focuses on the level of
customer service provided by the company he chose.
“…their customer service is absolutely TOP NOTCH. They have bent over backwards in some instances in fact. My impression has always been that they have their eyes squarely on their customers and strive to ensure my satisfaction.”
From
Yelp:
This review focuses on details like
installation and mobile features:
“Just got my system and it was easy to install. Works well and easy to setup... the mobile options are great.”
This is an example of a negative review, from
Complaints.com. It is important to
learn which home security companies disappoint customers, just as you want to know which hit the mark.
“I am also a victim of their shady business practices, lousy customer service and inferior products.”
The main take-away from this blog is:
you don’t have to do this alone! Home security is an important investment and reliable protection for your family can’t be trusted to just anyone. If you do a little homework, scoping out the relevant
home security reviews, you’ll find the insight you need to cut through the marketing hype and find the value you deserve.
