Find Your Perfect System
October 3, 2013
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How to Choose Home Security Alarm Company
There is no question that owning a home security system is the best way to protect your home. However, with so much attention placed on the equipment itself, the importance of the company behind the system is often forgotten. There are more than 11,000 different alarm companies in the U.S. alone, each operating differently. In such a crowded marketplace, it can be difficult to figure who stands out as the best of the bunch. That decision can only be made by the customer, since every single one has a unique set of needs and wants. However, we can offer advice on the two main things a customer should look for in a company: customer service and monitoring services.
Speak to Company Representatives
Customer service is one of the most important aspects in the home security industry. Unfortunately, too many home security companies overlook this part of their experience. Once they obtain the signature on the contract, the customer becomes just another number to these companies. So how does a potential customer learn about the quality of a company’s customer service?
The best way to do this is to call the company. Customers will see firsthand what interactions with sales and support are going to be like. This can be a good indication of what the overall customer experience will also be like in the future, so it’s important to ask a variety of questions.
When speaking to a salesperson, gauge how they’re speaking to you. Are they trying to pressure you into a sale, or are they actually interested in answering your questions about security? With support, ask detailed questions about the equipment and the company to see how confidently they can answer. These are questions you might be asking in the future, so it’s important for customers to have a knowledgeable support staff on hand.
Once you finish your conversation, ask yourself if the interaction was a pleasant experience. Dealing with customer service shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth, especially when dealing with something as important as home security. You want the exchange to be timely, personable and comfortable.
Check the Reviews
The next step is to go online and check the reviews. There are many sites, such as Yelp and Consumer Affairs, where customers have voiced their opinions on home security systems and most importantly, their experiences with the company’s customer service. This is also a good opportunity to see how a company responds to reviews, both positive and negative. Does the company answer questions, resolve issues, or even respond at all?
Understand Monitoring Services
If you’re comparing a home security system to the human body, the equipment would be the arms and legs, and the monitoring station would be the nervous system. When you feel something unusual or painful with your arms and legs, you want your nervous system to react instantly and pull you away. Similarly, you’d want your monitoring station to react as fast as possible when your sensors and control panel “feel” or detect an alarm. It’s important to see how reliable a company’s monitoring service is then, and to see how quickly they respond to an alert. After all, what good is your home security system if there’s no one to respond to an emergency?
Monitoring can differ by the kinds of features a company may offer, not just by how fast they respond. Do the research to see what unique features each company offers, and at what price. Some companies may try to tack on extra features for a premium, while others include the same feature for free. For instance, FrontPoint Security offers cellular monitoring in all their systems at no extra charge, while others charge for this feature.
Here are many of the features that you should be keeping an eye out for:
- Interactive monitoring features
- Mobile apps, features, and alerts
Much of the equipment that different home security companies offer is very similar. It’s the companies behind these security systems that make the difference, which is why it is so important to inspect these companies down to the very last detail. When it comes to home security, you don’t want to have any doubts about the company you choose.
If you have questions and want a starting point, feel free to contact FrontPoint Security. Our team of representatives would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have, whether it’s about the company, equipment or security in general. Check reviews, check the BBB, and do the research before you choose a company. Remember, your equipment can work perfectly, but it won’t matter if you have a home alarm company you can’t count on.
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