Choosing the right security system
(Following is a sponsored article from Maverick Secured.)
Your home is your castle, and your business is your livelihood. Everyone knows this to be true, but most people don’t look at what it takes to protect these properly. Some people look to companies to provide them with the necessary guidance and support, while others prefer the DIY route.
I say, why not both? But even the handiest of DIY’ers don’t have the background and experience to cover everything, and some companies exist solely to prey on your fear and anxiety to make money.
Choosing the right company that is focused on your needs instead of their profits is the first step in seeking out a pro in the field. Look at available online reviews, testimonials from trusted sources, and most importantly, trust your gut instinct. If you feel uncomfortable with a high-pressure salesperson, show them the door.
Conversely, if you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed because the salesperson isn’t interested or well trained, repeat the previous step. Whether you’re securing your home or business, a mutual trust must exist between you as the client and the company you’ve chosen.
I specifically use the word “client” because there is a distinction between a customer and a client. A customer is someone who has many options in where they spend their money and will use whatever provider is convenient now. Think of gas stations as a good example. The owner doesn’t really care if you drive by their pumps to another station that offers you an easier exit back into traffic, because there’s plenty of traffic coming his way.
In the security industry, there are lots of companies that do business the same way. You’re just another possible number on the balance sheet, and once they have your money, they don’t really care what happens after that. Listen for how salespeople refer to who does business with them, and remember that your needs and concerns are always the top priority.
For my DIY crowd, welcome to the exciting (and often extremely frustrating) world of security equipment! Before you jump online and buy that alarm system from the company with the commercials showing how super easy and cheap it is, or the Wi-Fi cameras from the giant online retailer with free 2-day shipping that “only” cost $30 each, remember this common phrase: you get what you pay for.
While the price of these systems is very tempting, it’s important to remember that you’re the installer and service technician as soon as you click the “Buy Now” button.
There are many different brands and types of security equipment to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. But you’re an avid DIY expert, so you already know what to look for before you make a purchase, right?. Look up the brands and check their websites for things like how long they’ve been in business, if professional installers use that brand, and how far back support for legacy equipment goes. This info will go a long way in helping you pick the right brand for your needs.
Let’s end things at the beginning. I’m Alex Clark, and I’ve been securing homes and businesses since 2010. From a humble beginning doing work for friends and family using store-bought equipment, to installing and managing professional grade security equipment in some of Kokomo’s most well-known and large businesses and working with law enforcement agencies all over the state to assist in digital evidence processing, you could say I’ve learned a bit about what works and what doesn’t.
When I first started, there wasn’t a wealth of information or how-to videos instantly available in the palm of your hand. I learned the trade by trial and error and by seeking out the people who had been doing this for as long as I’d been alive, picking their brains like an intellectually starved zombie.
My foundation in this industry is built upon years of hands-on experience and the knowledge of those who came before me. In the next column we’ll talk about reputable brands, terms and tools of the trade, and the best way to negotiate a service or monitoring contract.
Alex Clark is the owner of Maverick Secured, a physical security consulting firm, and managing partner of Equinox Site Security, which provides automated security platforms for construction sites and temporary events.
He is the host of the forthcoming YouTube series, Security Tips From Maverick and future podcast, Maverick Secured. He can be reached by email, alex@mavericksecured.com.