What to Know About Home Security Authorized Dealers

Today, I’m going to address a question we hear a lot: “What is the ADT Dealer program?” ADT runs one of many alarm dealer programs: some were started by alarm manufacturers (like GE or Honeywell), and others were launched by the alarm companies themselves, like ADT or Brink’s/Broadview. These programs create new alarm accounts, partially to offset customer cancellations for service issues and other reasons.

In ADT’s program, an independent alarm dealer does the marketing, selling, and installation—and then sells the account to ADT. The dealer markets under the ADT name, so to the consumer, the ADT dealer looks pretty much like ADT.

The monitoring and ongoing maintenance are done by ADT. Dealers go through a vetting process to join the ADT program, and the rules have evolved over the years to keep ADT's brand out of trouble. One of the real benefits of buying a system from an ADT dealer is that it usually costs less than purchasing the same system directly from ADT. That's right; you can get an ADT-branded system for less money from an Authorized Dealer than from ADT itself since ADT is "buying" the account—and the accounting rules are different when ADT does that. Don’t forget that Tyco (ADT’s parent) is a public company, so earnings-per-share are important!

Here’s where I caution you to look under the hood.

1. Dealers often advertise “FREE” systems that don’t give you the protection you need—then charge a lot for the “extra” equipment, plus an installation or “activation” charge. Thoroughly look at the contract to know what features you are getting and what features come at an additional cost.
2. Dealers can be anonymous and notoriously cost-driven, with less long-term interest in the account—that first-year guarantee is the most important thing to them. Ask about long-term plans and options.
3. In a constant cycle of “create, then sell, then create, then sell,” dealers are more likely to use cheaper, older versions of hardware (like the GE Simon 3, which I call the “baby monitor,” vs. the newer GE Simon XT). Know what equipment comes in your package and, if you want, request specific models.

So, if you are shopping for peace of mind and you find yourself talking to an authorized dealer, make sure you get the name of the actual company—and check their reviews. (Here's an interesting link about an ADT dealer customer experience.) 

Then, make sure you are getting the best equipment and services. Frontpoint Security comes up against these programs all the time—and once folks do their homework and make an honest comparison, it’s not that hard to make the right choice. We’re not saying that going through a dealer is necessarily a bad deal—we just want to see you holding the right cards!

When looking for home security, know whether you are buying from an authorized dealer and take the time to ask additional questions and get the system you want.

Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. We've been revolutionizing the home security industry for over a decade. And we're just getting started. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our Security Packages. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 1-877-602-5276.