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Many door-to-door salespeople will use aggressive and deceptive sales tactics with you at the door such as:
Supposedly offering a free alarm system in exchange for simply displaying their company yard-sign and decals.
Purporting to having only a limited number of free systems available on your street.
Telling you a neighbour just got one as a way to invoke the "fear of loss".
Claim that they are not sales people but rather part of a street promotions team.
These are all common methods used by mass marketers.
Unfortunately in such cases, you the customer may end up with nothing more then a cookie-cutter package and perhaps only a false sense of security!
Misconceptions About Home Security
1. Probably the biggest misconception... the security people will know if your phone line has been cut... WRONG!
For many years the phone line has been the only method for security systems to report alarms. This of course, leaves you vulnerable if your lines are cut.
The majority of homes have the phone line exposed on the outside, easily accessible to a intruder intent on cutting the line. There is no constant communication between the home alarm system and the monitoring center. At best, there is a once-a-day test transmission which might not even occur until hours after the system has been compromised.
The only way to ensure a true home or small business security link, is with the addition of a GSM cellular connection. This will ensure that your security system can call for help when it is needed most.
2. Unmonitored vs. monitored.
When was the last time you went running to check out a car alarm? Did you think to yourself "there goes another alarm... hope it stops soon"?
Unfortunately we have become de-sensitized to alarm sirens and very few people even take notice any more. Noise bylaws in many communities may produce fines for you if your loud exterior siren bothers neighbours. A monitored system will immediately report the emergency, without having to rely on, or trouble the neighbours.
3. Wont burglars target me if I have a sign?
Burglary is a crime of opportunity, yard-signs and decals are your first line of defence.
Unfortunately there are security companies using the sign as part of their sales approach at the door, saying that if you let them display their sign, you will qualify for a free system in return. This is just not true... The sign is for your protection and all reputable companies will include a yard-sign with their home security systems. The signs are for YOUR benefit not theirs.
4. The problem with pet Immune motion sensors...
The majority of so called pet immune motion sensors do not work as advertized and are the source of many false alarms. Your family pets jumping on to furniture or running up and down stairs, can confuse the sensor, potentially becoming a false police dispatch. This has been a problem for many years. Perhaps because of this, mass marketers are substituting motion sensors with glass break detectors, but only as a way to facilitate the sale with pet owners. Glass break detectors do not work through walls or in large open spaces, and you would need one for every room in your home. This can be very costly and ineffective, especially if the windows are not protected with individual contacts. A true security professional knows how to strategically place motion sensors to avoid issues with pets and keep you well protected at a reasonable cost. If someone is trying to sell you glass break sensors only, without window contacts, that should be a serious red flag, and probably indicates that they are more interested on getting the sale than in your protection. There are still instances where motion sensors may not be suitable; a true professional will know what to do.
5. Dogs, diligent neighbours and guns.
Most families do not have a trained guard dog. Your pet is really another family member. Too many family pets are injured every year during break-ins. A barking dog will only alert you if you are home and furthermore, pets are helpless in a fire in your absence!
Your neighbour's home security system benefits them, not you!
How many of your neighbours can you name? Do you know their schedule? Can you tell the difference between a guest visiting your neighbour and a total stranger? Many of you reading this cannot answer these questions... Why would your neighbours be any different? We've all heard horror stories involving moving vans while the home owner was away. Often times we just don't know our neighbours well enough to rely on them. Furthermore, in these busy times, no one has the luxury to just watch over their neighbour's home on a fulltime basis.
Tips to avoid costly mistakes when getting a Home Security System
If you feel that you have been unduly pressured into getting a security system, you have rights. Click for more Information!
Surface mounted vs. Recessed door contacts
Wireless home security systems now represent a large proportion of all systems and typically utilize battery operated transmitters. In order to complete more installations per day, and thereby maximize profits, mass marketers tend to favour surface-mounted contacts. This rushed method, will invariably result in unnecessary damage being caused to doors and trim. Surface contacts are also unsightly. Those security professionals who take pride in their work, would likely choose a recessed transmitter. (The transmitter and contact are recessed entirely into the door, resulting in a nice clean look). Batteries are another important consideration, and you should insist on lithium batteries. Regular batteries do not last as long, but more importantly, end up generating premature and costly service calls.
Technology
The typical standard package sold by door-to-door companies, does not provide phone line protection, as well as other advanced features. The standard package may sound appealing at first, but can result in a costly mistake. You should be aware of what features are available before making your decision.
The latest technology allows for home security systems to be accessed over the web and from a smart phone as well as provide additional home automation features.
Look for things such as:
- • Uses the GSM cell network not your phone line
- • Touch screen displays
- • Home automation
- • Remote access and monitoring over the web and smart phones
Avoid hasty decisions, a little research can be well worth it
Beware of the mass marketers
Mass marketers travel in teams around the country, targeting communities for a few days or weeks at a time, and then move on. Some of these teams then become unreachable, which could be a serious concern if servicing is required.
Tips to spot a mass marketer:
• Typically younger sales reps or students on a summer program, only trained in the cookie-cutter sale, not as true security professionals.
• Not properly licensed, the province and many communities require specific licensing for door to door sales, mass marketers will sometimes skip the licensing process, especially if they only plan a short campaign in the area.
• High pressure sales tactics such as “Limited Time Offers”, “Special Deal," “Won’t Be Back Tomorrow" and many deceptions. Mass marketers are not interested in providing the best protection for your family, but rather just a quick profit before they head out of town.
Questions you need to ask when investing in a Home Security System
Do they have valid identification?
• At the very minimum a driver's licence – This will sometimes reveal that they are from out-of-town, and sometimes even from a distant province or even from the USA. Does their system rely on the phone line?
• It should ideally use the GSM cellular network for true security.
Do they use recessed door transmitters or surface mounted transmitters?
• Insist on recessed transmitters.
How many years of experience does the installer have?
• The installer should have at least 5 years, as mass-marketers will often have inexperienced summer students perform their installations, resulting in damage or improperly installed systems.
Can you have time to think it over?
• DO NOT let a sales rep pressure you into doing anything, you need time to make the right decision. Choosing the right security provider is an important decision, don't be rushed, be informed.
Are they licensed and bonded?
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Are they members of the Better Business Bureau?
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Are they members of CANASA (Canadian Security Association)?
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Do they offer a guarantee?
- • Is it a 100% money back guarantee?
I hope you found this information useful, it is my goal to help you choose the right system for you regardless of which company you choose. For more information on my services go to my Main Website Click Here
