Would you purchase a guard dog that doesn’t bark?
That’s a silly question, I know, but it does illustrate what a home security system is without being monitored. As an alarm dealer, I’ve noticed a growing trend of home owners opting out of this important 24/7 service. For an alarm company that’s a disturbing trend, yet it’s understandable.
Reasons to Drop Monitoring
There are good reasons for people to discontinue their alarm monitoring service. First and foremost is the economy. Family budgets are what they are and decisions have to be made on cutting back on expenses. Alarm monitoring service is often one of the items on the chopping block.
False alarm fines are another cause, especially for those trying to get by on a tight budget. Consider what cutting $75, 125 or more out of your weekly grocery budget would do, and it easily understood why people decide to drop monitoring altogether after being assessed a fine.
And then there is the contract that many alarm companies trap their customers. When the warm glow of a great deal has worn off and the monthly payment grinds on, and on, and on, many are ready to jump ship when the term of the contract is up.
As an alarm dealer, I am very aware of the situation – don’t like it – but understand it. You see, monitored alarm customers are the ‘holy grail’ to an alarm company. It is the reoccurring income that keeps the company ship afloat.
Do-It-Yourself
With that in mind, it might surprise you when I say, “There is a way, for you to monitor your existing home security system yourself and give your guard dog its bark.” To learn more, go to: www.diy-monitoring.com.
Joy Kobasko
4:43 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I think that the better (and smaller!) technology gets, the more alarm companies are going to struggle, unless they can find a new market niche.
Scott Kimball
6:07 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I think you're exactly right, Joy, and I would like to share a few more thoughts on that when I have a little more time. Thanks for the comment.
Kevin Bryce
10:13 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
Scott, this is very informative. Does the monitoring you describe give you the discount on home insurance some insurance firms offer? Home insurance companies will check and verify this monitoring is secured by the homeowner as a condition of granting the discount.
Scott Kimball
12:19 am on Sunday, June 10, 2012
That's a good question. The correct answer can only come from your insurance company. If I were to guess, I would say probably not.
Geoff Hoffman
9:42 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Tricky little sales pitch Mr. Kimball. Kudos! Make it sound like you're giving secrets to "do it yourself" but you're just trying to sell a circuit board the customer would install then they'd pay you a monthly service fee.