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Question - advertising on vehicles 

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    Ken

We  are making a decision if we should advertise on our company vehicle.  I am all for it.  A partner thinks it exposes us to more liability.  For example, the concern is someone would target a service van with advertising on it and intentionally caused accident because of the larger insurance policy.  I say a service van is already obviously a business vehicle because of the ladder racks and required contractor license number on vehicles.  However, what about owners and sales vehicles.  These are normal looking (non-commercial) cars and trucks.  Is it a bad idea to advertise on the "normal looking" vehicles?  Likewise what are the pros and cons of advertising on a service vehicle?

    Thanks so much.  Keep the GREAT newsletter rolling!

Russ Mall

Nexxtworks Security

Palm Harbor, FL

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Answer

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    Legal and marketing issues.  I'll leave the marketing to the marketing experts - you can find the Guru  in The Alarm Exchange.  I confess that I"ve called businesses because I've seen their truck on the road and I needed their services.

    If I was looking for a good "defendant" to hit me in my car I think I'd pick someone other than a guy in an alarm van.  I don't think that is real concern.  It's not like you're carrying items that might attract thieves who might want your inventory or tools, though that is certainly possible.  

    Advertising on vehicles may require certain language by your licensing statute.  For example, you may be required to include your license number or the agency that issues the license.  Keep in mind that commercial vehicles may be denied access to certain roads.  On other hand they may be afforded certain parking breaks.  

    I recall seeing alarm company van that had advertising on it.  According to the van ad the alarm company provided "total protection" or "prevent intrusion" - something like that;  In fact, just about negating everything the alarm contract would seek to disclaim.

    I think you should advertise your services on your company trucks.  I've seen very creative ads and they likely attract business and also lend a professional aspect.  I recently electricians come to my house for estimates and one came in an unmarked van.  I had to send him back to the van for a business card before I let him in,  He also came to door with no uniform or id card.  Lucky for him I didn't push my "panic" or "ambush" alarm - which I don't really have.

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Webinars

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December 4, 2013   12 noon EST  Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4919260455763006721

     Title:  10 Things Residential Security Alarm Companies should consider BEFORE entering the world of Commercial Engineered System Fire Alarms

      Presented by:  Bob Williams, President of Briscoe Protective Systems and his Management Team. 

Briscoe Protective Systems has been in the industry for 35 Years and has made the transition from a Residential Alarm Company in the late 70’s to a Engineered System Fire and Security Company that is an SDM Top 100 Company. Find us on the web at www.BriscoeProtective.com or on LinkedIn under Companies, Facebook and Twitter@BriscoeProSys 

      Description:  There is a big difference between installing Residential Fire Systems and Commercial Engineered Fire Systems and there are “Key Factors” that Security Company’s should consider before attempting to go into this lucrative but challenging market.

      Who should attend:  Alarm company owners and fire techs.  

 

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