Defaulting the Panel / Yard Signs  

April 5, 2013

 
****************

Correction:  Yesterday's email had a link for alarm contracts that was misspelled and took you to a rogue site.  The correct web site for the Standard Alarm Contract forms is www.alarmcontracts.com

****************

Question

******************

Ken

    First, let me tell you how much I enjoy your column in SSI magazine.  I find it very helpful and informative.

    We use a standard three year contract which states that "the contract remains in force for the initial period and shall automatically renew and continue in force for successive periods of one year each, until either party shall give notice in writing, not less than 30 days before the expiration of the initial term or any renewed term."  Our contract also states that "upon termination of this contract, we reserve the right to return the panel's programmed data to factory default settings."  On every installation we routinely lock the panel's software to prevent tampering, etc.  This leads to my question.

    Since there is one year remaining on a current contract, do I, as the dealer, retain the right to refuse to unlock the panel's software until the renewal payment is made?  Do I also retain the right to return the panel to factory default settings?

    I also think it's important to mention that the contract terms and conditions page has a place, signed by the customer, which reads "I understand and accept the above."

    Do the contract terms as described above, in fact, allow me to proceed on my present course?

    Thank you for your time, I look forward to your next column.

Al D'Elia, President

ACI Systems, Inc

****************************

Answer
**************************

    I'm glad you find the articles helpful.  The SSI articles are "polished" by SSI's editor in chief, Scott Goldfine, so thanks Scott.

    Your reference to a "standard" contract is not descriptive to me unless you are using one of my Standard Forms; I know what's in my forms, but not others.

    The panel programming, who owns it, what's to be done with it when the contract is over, and whether you're required to reveal pass codes, depends on the contract with the subscriber unless there is a local law that specifically deals with the issue.  You are required to do only what is in the contract.  But be careful because defaulting the panel to manufacturer's programming could mean deleting all information in the panel.  Not only will you disable the communication but you will delete zone information as well as arm and disarm operations.  That may not be your intent nor expected by the subscriber.  A subscriber who buys an alarm system expects to be able to use it.  While the subscriber may understand that monitoring services will terminate the subscriber should expect other features of the alarm system to continue operating, such as local bell or siren.  

    In your case, you should delete the communication data and leave the system otherwise operational.  

************************

Comment on yard signs from March 30, 2013 article

************************

Ken

Re: Yard Signs and Decals

  It reminds me of the old (corny) industry joke: "The alarm system is free. However the yard sign and decals are $1,000.00" 

Mitch Cohn

Bric Security

*********************

Hi Ken;

    Quite often we have had prospects contact us with the comment; “ we are looking into your company because we see your decals on so many stores and homes”.

    After 42 years serving our community, we understand the value of Exposure. We are more than pleased to have customers or competitors allow our decals to advertise for us.

    Keep up the good work, sharing ideas assists the industry immensely.

Brien Welwood

Alliance Security Systems

Cambridge Ontario

*********************

Ken,

    You stated "Most alarm companies would be happy to see their decals and signs even in premises where they didn't have alarms."   From experience I have seen a break-in where a yard sign was and the entire neighborhood thought that the residence with the yard sign was protected. It wasn't.    Since it was a bad burglary with the news media there, it was interesting that everyone who saw the TV clip and the newspaper article also thought the alarm didn't work because they too saw the signs and stickers.    We were lucky because it was a competitor yard sign and we got 4 of the six neighbors to put in our working systems.    We never sell our stickers or yard signs and we remove them when we do not monitor the system. 

Ron Irish

S.T.O.P. Alarm, INC.

Porterville, Ca.


*****************************************************************************************************
TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR EMAIL Ken@Kirschenbaumesq.com.  Most comments and questions get circulated.
***************************************************************************************************************