Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company
When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies.
Knowledge
One of the biggest advantages of using a local company is that they will be familiar with local safety concerns, any jurisdiction regulations you need to follow, and will be able to adjust your security alarm system based on your needs.
Local companies typically offer several products, and their employees are trained to suggest the right product for your needs and budget. Local companies are more apt to utilize your existing system and retrofit it so that you can use the equipment you already have in place to save you money and provide a higher level of security at a lower cost.
Equipment
National security companies usually offer one product line that are not compatible with other systems. This means that if you have an existing system, you may be at a disadvantage and a national company could require you to completely replace it.
A local alarm system company can work with you to custom design the best system for your home and family. They are more likely to offer multiple product lines and can make expert recommendations to find your perfect solution. They take pride in offering a system that will benefit their customers for years to come and remaining in contact with any updates or system changes that arise over time.
Pricing and Contracts
Both local and nationwide companies require customers to sign long-term contracts. While you may be hesitant to lock in a multi-year contract with a company, you may feel more at ease when you have the opportunity for a security expert to walk through the wording with you. In fact, a contract protects both you and the security company. We explore some of the advantages of signing a contract in our blog.
The individuals who work for local alarm firms are your friends and neighbors. Their priority is to serve you and to keep your home or business safe. A local company is more likely to be empathetic and willing to work with you on your contract and pricing, as well as have more flexible customer service if you need to renegotiate.
Response Time
National firms can have one technician that will service an entire region or a general customer service line that can get busy with many customers. If you have a problem and need someone to come to your home, you will have to try and squeeze yourself into their already packed schedule. Finally, once a technician does show up, those service techs likely aren’t familiar with your area, and you’ll find yourself on the phone talking them through directions and delaying your service.
Local security companies are near you and can reach you quickly and easily. They have multiple service technicians and can usually get you scheduled within 48 hours. Because they are close, they can make emergency calls if need be and will already be familiar with the area itself.
We love our local customers, and we guarantee that when you call FSS Technologies, you will speak to a real person. Schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable service providers today.
Explore Our Other Blogs
How Security Monitoring Benefits Businesses
Instating work from home policies to protect your employees and help to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 is one step that organizations are taking to keep their company safe. But, with all your employees at home, how can you protect the other assets that make up your business? Regardless of the type of company…
Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal
The Difference in Security Cameras Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same. Why you ask? Consider these differences: Various types and sizes of cameras Indoor vs. outdoor cameras Cameras that are easy to camouflage Cameras that provide high-quality video footage Wired cameras vs. wireless…
Smart Home Technology for Aging Adults
Alzheimer’s Awareness Around 75% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, and by…
Why Night Staff Should Have Fire Alarm Training
In the years that I traveled as a Sales Representative, I experienced many times when a fire alarm would go off throughout the night. As the hotel guests evacuated, I often found that the night staff didn’t know what to do. In almost every case, it was an accidental alarm, and in many cases, night…
Can Video Surveillance Be Used In Court?
You should talk to a law enforcement professional in your area to know for sure what is admissible in your local court, but here are some general guidelines about criteria that law enforcement will take into consideration regarding your security camera video. Authenticity A digital watermark is undetectable to the human eye, but it can…
Ring Doorbell Cons
Video doorbells are a great addition to home security, and Ring is the popular choice for many who prefer wireless security. Although there are some pros to the Ring Doorbell, it has some cons you should be aware of before purchasing from Ring. Monthly Fee for Storage The cheapest Ring doorbell is $59.99, with the…
Professional vs. Self-Monitoring: Cost Comparison
We recently talked about the various codes required for your security and fire protection systems. We also talked about why monitoring is vital as part of a business’s fire safety system—mainly because the code may require it. This blog will address the pros and cons of self-monitoring your business’ entire alarm system versus the cost of professional security monitoring. First, what is the difference between the two? Professional vs. Self…
The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In
Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. The Cost of Crime Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading,…
How Much Data Does a Wifi Security Camera Use?
Internet Speed Bandwidth Internet bandwidth is a significant issue nowadays. Everything is tapping into the internet— from our phones to our refrigerators. If you’re installing internet protocol (IP) security cameras, they will inevitably use some of the bandwidth from your network. The question is, how much? When you purchase home internet service, you typically get…
Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems
If you’re thinking about installing a security system, you may be wondering if monitoring is a necessary feature. While an unmonitored system is better than nothing at all, there are some critical things you should consider before making a decision. The Benefits of Monitoring The noise and commotion caused by the sirens and lights associated…