Tips on Buying Alarm Systems
We have collected a useful list of tips on buying an alarm system. We hope you will find these useful and provide you with peace-of-mind.
DO:
- Determine whether estimates are for purchase, rental, or lease to purchase.
- Find out how the system is monitored. What is the duration of the monitoring contract and does it include service charges? Where is the monitoring station?
- Ask for credentials of the sales representative. There tends to be a high turnover rate of sales reps in the alarm industry.
- Find out what the alarm company's policy is on verification. Does the company phone the residence when it receives an alarm?
- Find out the warranty period and what is covered.
- Find out if the equipment is approved by the Underwriters' Laboratory of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association, and the federal Department of Communication.
- Get a detailed list of what equipment is being installed.
- Make sure the system comes with proper documentation and instructions.
- Ask who is actually installing the system. In smaller companies, the person selling the system may subcontract the labor and the monitoring to two different companies.
- Be cautious in dealing with one or two person operations who do not have enough insurance coverage.
DO NOT:
- Be pressured by scare tactics and sales gimmicks.
- Do not allow persons in the home for an evaluation without the proper ID.
- Buyer beware when offered a free system, there is always cost associated.
- Let the system be connected into your phone line unless you have a Bell Canada approved installation of a special alarm jack.