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INQUIRY FROM LICENSE INVESTIGATOR
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Ken,
  I like to get your input on a random call I received from a License Investigator. Usually I would expect to receive a letter in the mail . This person called and asked for my email address so I can send me an email. He did say I was getting Audit randomly.from the Licensing Bureau of New York This has nothing to  do Financially though. He was more concerned about Employees and Payroll and contracts. Have you heard of such Audit?
Thanks
Joe
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RESPONSE
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   No government agency [that I know of] initiates an inquiry by telephone or email.  You should insist on a letter or you should call back the agency and make sure you are dealing with a legitimate inquiry.  As far as an audit from the NY licensing agency [Division of Licensing Services] that agency would be interested in seeing your employee list, payroll records and contracts because those are the areas that you are most likely out of compliance with.  You have to have your employees "documented" [in other states it could be called registered or something else] and the investigator will confirm that you do by checking your payroll records.  Your contract also have to comply with licensing requirements.  If you have our Standard Form Agreements we sent them to you "compliant".  If you didn't make changes you should have no issues.  BTW, the investigator will also look at the contract to see which of your employees signed the contract to be sure that the employee is documented.  
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COMMENTS ON HOW FAST IS YOUR RMR GROWING FROM  FEBRUARY 1, 2017 ARTICLE
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Ken,
   I respectfully disagree with your two respondents today (February 1, 2017) on new contract returns by mail.  I think you can expect better than 50% return.
   After many years of pleading with a great USA Central client to use contracts, many bought your All-in-One and started to mail them out with their annual monitoring renewals. Now in my mind something is better than nothing, so there was no three day right of reccision or disclaimer agreement, but now they have a great contact.
    One of our Dealers had this experience.  The return rate for the first mailing, (it took 12 months) was 82%, no alterations or deleted sections submitted.  Yes, it cost money, but now the value of his company has at least doubled and I believe even more.
    There are a lot of companies, like this one I referenced, that will never go electronic for their contracts, but they must do something. Don't get scared of getting proper contracts or lazy.  
If this company can do it after being in business for 35 years, everyone who has no contacts or crap contracts (like some of the ones I am stuck with to defend Alarm companies with claims) ALL of your readers can do it.
   My message, if you read this message, and you haven't used a Kirschenbaum contract,

  • 1. You may be in big trouble and not even know it,
  • 2. If you're to embarrassed to call Ken, scan your current contract to me and I will tell you from my Claims Management knowledge how much exposure you are facing,
  • 3. Call Contract Administrator Eileen in Ken's office, get new contracts, mail them out with renewal invoices and get 82% back with no additional effort. 

    The USA customer, was amazed at how easy it was to get signatures at the time of sale on new installations.  Most companies don't use electronic contracts, small guys don't have people with tablets. Small guys are scared to ask for new contracts.  They need to do it on paper and by mail so they don't have to ask. That is why doing it through mail with the invoice works best.  
Bart A. Didden, Executive Claims Manager
Security America Risk Retention Group - SARRG
877-872-1266
bdidden@securityamericarrg.com 
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Response:  Our Contract Administrator Eileen Wagda can be reached at 516 747 6700 x 312
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                                WEBINARS:  Sign up for any or all of the webinars that interest you.
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FREE Webinar Series "All You Need To Know About" alarm industry issues. 
Register for one or all.  Each presentation scheduled for half hour to hour.  Not recorded.

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Title: All You Need To Know About Automatic Renewal Provisions in Alarm Contracts
When: February 15, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: The why, where and how of automatic renewal provisions in alarm contracts
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:    https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3498770624606417921
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Title: All You Need To Know About Video Surveillance
When: February 16, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: Discuss latest in video surveillance equipment and services
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, video technicians
Presented by: Ari Erenthal, training manager for IPVM, the leading resource for independent news, reviews, and testing of cameras, VMS, NVRs, and more. (862) 414-3078 ari@ipvideomarket.info
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6264618512556065793
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Title: All You Need To Know About Selecting the Right Broker to Sell Your Alarm Business
When: February 23, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about finding the right broker to represent you on the sale of your alarm business
Who should attend: Alarm company owners
Presented by: Ron Davis and Steve Rubin from Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group, the Graybeards rdavis@graybeardsus.com srubin@graybeardsus.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8548769256865453057
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Title: All You Need To Know About modern nationwide central station operations and how to select the best central station for your needs
When: February 24, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about what you should expect from your modern nationwide central station and how to select the best central station for your needs
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Morgan Hertel from Rapid Response MHertel@rrms.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/507826318172222465
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Title: All You Need To Know About Fire Alarm Systems and Taking Over Fire Alarm Systems
When: March 1, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about issues to consider when installing, servicing or inspecting fire alarm and when taking over an existing system
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, technician managers
Presented by: Jeff Zwirn JeffZwirn@alarmexpert.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4756737271107996417
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Title: All You Need To Know About Standard Fire Protection All in One Agreement Covering Installation, Inspection, Service of Sprinkler System, Portable Extinguishers, Kitchen Hood, Smoke Detectors, Fire Pump
When: March 2, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about the Standard Fire Protection All in One provisions including scope of work, liability limitations, insurance issues, indemnity issues, how to handle subscribers who won't sign or want you to sign their agreement. 
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/658147149875346945
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Title: All You Need To Know About Alarm Licensing and Contracts for DIY 
When: March 9, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about licensing in the alarm industry for DYI. Different types of licenses, where you need them and how you get them. How and when to use License Holders or Qualifiers for your business and how to become a license holder for a company. Risks involved in not being licensed. Contract you will need for nationwide DIY monitoring agreements.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, compliance managers and license holders.
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2585168820901654273
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