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Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company

March 5, 2018|fsstechnologies

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.

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