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More on central stations
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Ken,
Simply and directly put, alarm dealers that use monitoring companies that charge rates so dramatically less than the mainstream / long time service providers deserve what they get.
A central station service provider can not be U.L. Listed, deliver all the latest technology, have long term professional employees and have multiple redundant locations for service reliability and charge 50% less than the established companies such as mine, U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp.
Besides delivery of services, there is being current on all payroll and other tax payments, providing healthcare benefits and in this case paying our vendors.
I am amazed at dealers that choose these low cost / sub standard facilities that does not meet the Standards for staffing, building construction, back up systems.
The competition is strong amongst my peers and our margins are NOTHING compared to the margins enjoyed by the retail dealer. Mark ups of over 400%.
I hope that many of my competitors that I respect also reply to this post, and again for the record, that dealer deserved what happened to him, he enjoyed the benefits of paying less than half and now he has the spoils of his greed. I am sure that he was more than happy sending in those half rate checks as much as I am happy to submit this e-mail this morning.
Thanks
Bart A. Didden, President
U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp.
Offices in
Port Chester, NY
Milford, CT
St. Paul, MN
my direct number is 877-872-1266
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Response
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The adage that you get what you pay for is applicable in most situations. But that doesn't necessarily mean that a less expensive central station is going to provide less service or less protection. What is important, to the dealer anyway, is whether the central station views its business as a collaborative effort with the dealer or focused solely on its own issues, business and bottom line. Some central stations [and vendors that service the alarm industry] are easier to work with than others. I'm not sure what prompted your email comment, but if it was my suggestion that dealers look around to make the best deal from themselves I certainly didn't mean to suggest that the cheapest deal was the best. It is however one consideration; Why? Just because you're paying a lot of money for monitoring, more than you think you should, doesn't mean the service is any better or you won't be able to get same or better service from a more reasonably priced central.
I also suggested that dealers stick with centrals that are on The Alarm Exchange. At the very least these centrals are reputable, have asked to participate on the list and know that if they don't treat dealers fairly they will be kicked off the list.
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WEBINARS
Topic: Analysis of the Commerical Fire All in One and the Fire Suppression All in One. This will be a comprehensive review and comparison of the Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression contract forms.
When: Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 12 noon to 1 PM EST. This webinar will not be recorded
Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8188883684086152194
Presenter: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Who should attend: alarm company owners, office managers and license compliance officers
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Speaking Engagements
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Sonitrol Verified Electronic Security. Annual convention March 22, 2014 at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Alabama Alarm Association. AAA's Fall Meeting and Trade Show - October 21, 2014 from 3 to 5 PM at DoubleTree Hotel 808 South 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35205 contact Shelly (205) 933-9000 for more info
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