What's the Best Way to Get Multiple Security Quotes?

What's the Best Way to Get Multiple Security Quotes? Give each provider the same description of your property, concerns and required functions, then compare the written scope and total commitments. Three very different packages do not become comparable simply because each has a monthly price.

A SecuriMax technician carrying out indoor installation work. Photo: SecuriMax.

Prepare One Project Brief

Describe the important doors and areas, existing equipment and the problem you want to address. Add camera model information or photographs where you can obtain them safely.

For a home, explain routines such as a spouse's work travel or limited lighting in a new neighborhood. For a business, identify inventory concerns, restricted rooms, employee access and the burden of replacing keys.

Ask Each Company to Explain Its Design

Request a view-by-view camera plan and an explanation of what the alarm will detect and communicate. Ask what can be reused and which devices need replacement.

An assessment should explain power, network connections, recording and supported integration. A package count alone does not show whether your concern will be addressed.

Compare More Than the Initial Payment

Have each proposal identify:

• Equipment and installation work.

• Equipment-payment and recurring-service commitments.

• Recording and app functions.

• Testing, training and cleanup.

• Support, warranty and agreement terms.

SecuriMax offers equipment payment plans and includes equipment testing, customer training and cleanup with installation. Ask providers for the current terms that apply to your actual project.

Resolve Differences Before Choosing

If one quote includes hardwired cameras and another assumes batteries or Wi-Fi, ask why. If one replaces all existing equipment and another reuses it, ask how that decision was made and tested.

My experience spans more than 30 years of alarms and cameras. I recommend selecting the proposal you can explain: what it covers, how it works, what remains your responsibility and what the commitments are.

Narrow the field prior to scheduling an in home presentation. Companies that insist on quoting security and cameras over the phone have not seen your home or business and may not understand your specific needs. Most of our customers prefer local companies with excellent service but even some local companies are part of a "dealer network" and will sell your contract to a larger regional or national company with online reviews that reflect poor service. Ask if the local comapny sells the contract. These companies often do not provide the actual service when you need it.

A free SecuriMax consultation can help establish that scope so your comparisons are based on the same needs.

Related reading: our DIY versus professional camera installation guide.

Discuss Your Property With SecuriMax

Book a free SecuriMax consultation for your Austin or Central Texas home or business, or call 512-522-7233.