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comment on video - Videofied
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Ken

    There is a shift in video verification – it is moving mainstream.  Law enforcement recognizes that video monitoring is more than a false alarm reduction tool, it aids in making arrests and assuring convictions; it's about combating crime.

    What is even more amazing is that the hardware, installation, and monitoring of Videofied indoor alarms is now the same price as a traditional system.  The same costs but people are willing to pay more – that is a good business model.

Keith Jentoft

www.videofied.com

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Response 

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    I agree that video verification serves both functions.  I didn't know about the cost aspect and I think many dealers would benefit hearing about that in more detail.  What are alarm dealers charging when adding the Videofied System and how much more are they able to charge for RMR for that service?  Also, should the dealer expect to pay more for central station services because Videofied's system is going to be monitored?  The Standard Form Contracts - the All in Ones - cover Videofied and other video streaming and CCTV

    Anyone care to share their experience?

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Another question about charging subs 

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Ken,

    When a commercial alarm customer calls to have alarm codes changed, do you charge the client a nominal fee? When you do, do you get pushback from the client about this charge?

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Response 

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The Standard Form Contracts do cover this and you could, and should charge.  Anyone have experience with this?

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follow up on how ADT handled competition - article dated October 18, 2013

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Ken

    The way this response is written suggest that I can’t touch another company’s account, period.  ( I do understand about deceptive sales practices claiming something you are not etc)

But from what I understand we can still sell or market to ANY existing alarm customers (with other companies) as long as customers don’t break the contract (or have expired contracts) and are willing to voluntarily sign up with us.

    Am I right or wrong? 

Thanks

HSS

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Response

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    The acceptable terminology is "take over" alarm, rather than "stealing" am account.  Yes, you can do it.  You just can't use deceptive practices and you should avoid "inducing" breach of contract [which usually includes using deceptive practices].  

    Subscribers may seek you out; you have a right to respond and accept their business.  It's not your responsibility to save the account for the existing alarm company.  On the flip side, you can't use any equipment that belongs to the existing alarm company.  In commercial settings that often includes the wiring if it's a leased system.  

    If you are initiating the sale then you need to be careful, especially if the reason you selected the prospective customer is because you knew they had an alarm system already.  Ringing that front door bell and calling them on the phone suggesting that you can provide the same or better service for less money can be an inducement that crosses the line to tortious interference if there is an existing alarm contract.  

    Here is what I don't think is wrong, legally, though not necessarily good for the industry.  You mass market alarm monitoring for $10 a month, well below the going rate.  Internet, emails, direct mailings.  You get calls.  You're not offering to install systems so you know this is all about take overs.  You carefully avoid talking about the subscriber's existing alarm services - in fact you'd have to.  You don't want to know if the sub has a contract, what the charges are or what services are provided.  You simply state in your sales pitch, we will take over the monitoring for $10 bucks a month - we will send you a connecting device to attach to the alarm panel wire going into the communication link - whether its phone or Internet connection, to send your signal to us.  Assuming you are not working off a competitor's list of customers you're probably within your legal rights.  

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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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