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Comments re Feb 28 2014 article on DIY
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Ken
Hmmm, I wonder if the DIY systems have the lowest level of signal activity because they don't work and can't send signals. OK, so much for being funny.
What concerns me the most about DIY is that the employees who are processing these accounts may not be complying with the laws of the state. For example anyone in Illinois that has access to the customer files must have a PERC card that demonstrates they meet the requirements of the licensure act and are not criminals, don't owe back taxes, child support or defaulted on student loans and other requirements that those employed must meet. One must question the integrity of the customers confidential information given to anyone that does not meet the state requirements which were implemented for a reason.
Also, I have met supposed dealers for a well known DIY company and he did not comply with state license laws. He thinks that because they go in the home and enter all the information on the customers computer then ask them to press enter they are exempt. This DIY also offers installation for a fee and the installer I met was wanted on warrants, and had no license. Perhaps the appeal of DIY is the monthly savings. so if consumers don't want people that are licensed and skilled and who may be criminals that lack integrity than yeah, they can save some money. Most consumers that want security want integrity and trust. They just don't know better. I have called phone and Internet sales companies in front of my customers many times and asked for a Perc card number. Never got one yet. What happens to a DIY customer who needs a service call? I've seen 1-800-RENT-CON go to work. I suppose every industry has those that undermine and circumvent the laws and integrity for consumers that don't know better. If you educate you will elevate.
Anonymous
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Ken,
DIY systems rely on police response. By providing guard response, alarm providers receive discounts and priority response from guard services. Also, Cities instituting V/R bring an additional need for a professional provider. The better the alarm dealers are, at providing service, the more people will request professional alarm dealers. People don't hire landscapers to rake their yards because they don't know how, they hire landscapers to take care of a problem.
Offer the best service, change your clients batteries and assist client with changing codes. Expand into other services, such as audio/video, so you are more valuable to your customers. Create a condition of dependency and your clients will be less likely to go elsewhere.
Conclusion: DIY systems compete with alarm dealers based on monitoring. Alarm dealers sell service and include monitoring as part of the service they sell. Building your business model based on service. Service allows you to provide an asset that DIY cannot provide.
Roger D Score, President
Arizona Alarm Dealers Association
Arizonaalarmdealers.org
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Ken
I read Mike Barnes comments on DIY systems [Feb 28 2014 article] with great interest, because like so many, I presumed the DIY installation would naturally generate more signals than a dealer installed system. As I read on, I saw Mike’s comment about his self-installed router. Because he installed his router, he was diligent about working through his issues to make it a successful installation. If a homeowner has a dealer installed alarm, they might tolerate more false alarms rather than pay for service, or deal with the hassle of waiting for a technician to come and fix the issues. If you do-it-yourself, it makes sense you are more inclined to take the time and make the effort to get it fixed.
I just wonder what DIY is doing to the volume of tech support calls to CS’s and to manufacturers. Anyone have any measurements (Mike Barnes, might this be a new KPM?)
DM
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Ken
Just wanted to add that in Texas cities are getting more aggressive in
how they enforce alarm ordinances. Most cities have tightened the amount
of charged false alarms from 6 a year to in some cases, 2 or 3. In
Austin, Texas the Police Alarm Unit has started charging 200.00 per non
permitted response. The point I'm making is that Police Departments do
not care whether the alarm system has been installed by company or the
homeowner installed themselves. If the police respond to an alarm call
and it is false, they will get a citation if there is a violation.
I would hope that the companies that offer DIY systems, make homeowners
and businesses aware of the regulations in the various cities and states
they reside. Yes, we have spend untold hours and resources with
municipalities and state governments to not only curb the false alarms,
but to enhance the image of the alarm industry. I can tell you this,
govt agencies are looking hard at the newer technology and the explosion
in demand for security from the public.
Sincerely,
Charlie Crenshaw
Crenshaw Alarm and Signal Corp.
Commissioner, Private Security Board
State of Texas
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Ken,
Your last words of encouragement [Feb 28 2014 article] is a Mantra that everyone should live by. Very well said.
"If you are willing to work hard, appy yourself, get and listen to proper guidance, deal fairly and treat others with respect, you will have all the work you can get and all the money you need. [especially if you don't spend a lot !!]"
Steve Rubin
Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group, Inc.
847 550 1557 Office
847 340 2555 Cell
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Response
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DIY systems are just that - to be installed by subscriber. An unlicensed alarm company cannot install a system just because they call it DIY. What constitutes installing a system, or licensed activity for that matter, depends on the jurisdiction. Licensing for selling, or installing, or servicing, monitoring, dragging wire, etc, all may require an alarm license.
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Question on self monitoring
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Ken
I was asked by a customer the other day if they could “self-monitor” their system via Alarm.com. I thought for a second, and said I do not see why not – RMR is RMR. But then got to thinking about the liability if someone got hurt checking into an alarm, or heaven forbid, did not get an alert on their cell phone, and walked in on a burglar, things could get ugly real quick for us.
I have not responded to the customer’s request yet, just telling them I am looking into the feasibility. Is there something that you halve that would work for what we are trying to do with this customer in WA state?
I should mentioned this is not a “video” application. Customer would just be using the phone app to arm/disarm, get status of system, get reports of alarms, etc
Any help is much appreciated.
Phill
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Answer
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Subscribers have the right and option to decide if they want their alarm system to communicate to a central station or directly to AHJ responders, or just to their phone. The appropriate contract to use for a non monitored account is the Subscriber Enabled Monitoring Service Contract. That contract does not accommodate Alarm.com, so pick a different way to get the signal from the subscriber's panel to the subscriber's phone.
Obviously self monitored systems limit the RMR opportunity an alarm company has. You should also be mindful that this limited form of alarm protection needs to be well documented in several ways. At the time of sale the subscriber should be required to sign a Disclaimer Notice, acknowledging that other, more and better security protection is available. Then the subscriber needs to sign a contract that clearly describes what the alarm company is doing, and what the subscriber's obligations are. You can also use the All in One. That contract will really force the subscriber to see all of the services that won't be supplied, such as monitoring, inspection, runner. service.
All in all, if you're selling self monitoring systems I think you need to re train your sales staff and yourself. Lots of RMR opportunities out there and you need to sell them.
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TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR EMAIL Ken@Kirschenbaumesq.com. Most comments and questions get circulated.
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