I recently install all wireless dsc alexor security system and it works great, no wiress, no problems. I am being monitored for $12 a month with no contract, with contract it would be $8.

Installing all wireless system is easy and anyone can do it. No point paying the big company for monitoring of alarm system that will not protect you because it’s not designed correctly.

I am constantly getting called by people who were lied to by ADT, Brinks / Broadview and their affiliated dealers. Now, I may be one of the very few honest salespeople out there, especially in this industry, but I never BS clients or potential clients, even if it means losing a sale. I am continually amazed at how willing most people are to let some unethical salesperson or installer fill their ears with absolute BS! Be an educated buyer. Dedicate 4-8 hours before scheduling an appointment and research the technology and industry (Think risk mitigation. This system will be securing your home, business, valuables, family, etc.). Research the failure rates that alarm companies have experienced with VOIP and digital monitoring. Very few digital providers put the work into setting a phone line up correctly; analog, plain old telephone service (POTS) is still the preferred method to monitor systems. Look up the watchdog / industry groups like the Security Industry Association, American Society for Industrial Security, National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. Take notes. Compare apples to apples (Cell back up, non-proprietary technology, wireless, etc. is usually more expensive than basic hard wire systems). If the security person that you meet with isn’t drawing a floor plan, walking the house, asking lifestyle questions he’s just a standard order taker / used car salesman- you need someone who is security minded. Demand everything in writing and inspect the contract PRIOR to signing. The majority of contracts are 24-36 months for residential and 36-60 for commercial. Most companies maintain ownership of the core of the alarm system (panel, primary key pad, plus 1- 4 sensors) and you own everything else. Keep in mind that unless you recently purchased a very high-end system in the $2000 – $20,000+ range (integrated cameras, invisible fences, borg mercenaries, etc.) that most companies will not bother to reclaim the equipment. These policies are in place in the event that the buyer defaults on payment, the FCC requests the alarm company to disconnect the panel (very unlikely) and to make sure that the system becomes one with the house (new occupants = new potential customers). Ask if the company monitors the system directly or sells your contract to the highest bidder. How many UL / FM monitoring centers does the company have? Check the cancellation and move policies, too. I have seen dealers sign unsuspecting buyers on 10 year contracts. Request to walk the job with the sales rep and installer before and after the installation. The company you sign with should have 24-hour tech support and customer service. Be smart. Stay safe.

Does anyone know, which make and model they use for home security systems?

The ADT woman arrived in a rusty pick-up with a mystery person riding shotgun and sat in my driveway the entire time. Had NO idea of the fees and services and wrote estimates for me on a yellow pad of paper.

After that experience, I was going to pass entirely. Broadview was 100% better. No problem with the install. Called immediately on the first accidental trip of the system.

Yes, over 3 years I will pay them 100s and 100s of dollars, but that will pay back all of the equipment and the 6 hours on install….that man worked hard for “free”. To get a tech to your house for 6 hours would be 100s alone, never mind the equipment.

You get what you pay for….if you expect all of that for free or $99 you are dreaming.

Brad (school adminstrator, not Broadview sales)

So let’s start a class action against these scum bags!

Ask around about you local companies that monitor the systems they install.