With so many options to choose from, finding the right security provider to protect your business can be difficult. While there are a lot of great providers who offer, upfront, honest and quality service, there are a still a few that you should look out for. This is why it’s important to properly evaluate your potential alarm company before you sign. You’ll want to shop around and carefully consider your options.  A major part of this involves taking the time to learn as much as you can about each company in your area. To help you get on the right track, we’ve provided six essential questions every business owner should ask them self before signing with an alarm company. Find answers to the questions listed below before you choose your alarm service provider to make sure you’ve found the best option for protecting your valuable investment.

1.       Does the company meet industry accepted standards?

This is arguably one of the most important aspects of an alarm business. This is because the equipment they use and services they provide will determine the quality of your alarm system overall. To find out if your potential company is up to par, research the industry standards for your area and compare them with the features list provided by the company. You may also want to call the company’s corporate headquarters to make sure that you have properly evaluated the services and equipment they offer. 

2.       Are there any hidden costs?

Hidden costs are all too prevalent in the alarm industry. Rather than wait to be shocked by your monthly bill later, carefully read the fine print and be sure to ask your dealer to clarify each cost. It will also be beneficial to ask them if there will be any additional fees or charges for installation and support services.

3.       Do they provide 24/HR customer support?

Even though business hours typically run from 9-5, problems with the system or potential threats to your workplace’s security can arise after hours. Having fast and friendly support available when you need it is of utmost importance when it comes to your alarm monitoring. Look for this detail in the printed information provided by your dealer or on the company website.

4.       Have surrounding businesses used their services?

Chances are, your dealer services other offices in your business complex. Speak to neighboring business owners who you’re familiar with and ask friends and family for recommendations. Referrals are typically the best way to find a good company as they provide insight on the company’s quality of service after the sale has been made.

5.       Does the security system offer everything you need?

You will want to make sure that their systems provide options for protecting your business from every potential danger. Be sure to get a full list of standard features and options from your dealer. Your needs will be a bit more complex than those of a homeowner, including things like 24-hour surveillance and motion detectors. Once you’ve determined that the company is able to provide you with a system that can meet your needs as a business owner, ask for pricing information to see if there will be any additional costs for the features you need.

6.       Is the central monitoring system fully redundant?

Your alarm company’s central monitoring station monitors the activity of each alarm they’ve installed. If their central monitoring provider is fully redundant, it ensures that your workplace will remain protected should a problem occur at one of the monitoring stations. You will want to ask your service provider for information on their central monitoring station to ensure that it is capable of providing full redundancy. 

Overall, the most important thing to remember is to take your time during the purchasing process. Although a good sales representative can be pretty persuasive in getting you to sign on the spot, carefully considering each option to find the company that can meet your needs will make all the difference in the quality of protection and service you receive from your provider in the future. After all, you’ve come this far in building a successful business. Isn’t it worth taking a little time to make sure that it’s fully protected?