How To Select S Central Station /

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February 4, 2013

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Dealers have many options when deciding on a central station, and of course whether to use only one is also an option. Not all central stations are the same, just like not all dealers are the same. Some give better service to dealers, to subscribers, are easier to deal with and more accommodating, have better pricing, have a non competition policy, or assist in other ways such as installation guidance and other business advice. If you look at the central station listing in The Alarm Exchange you will see the best of the best; there's no reason to look elsewhere and if you're not using one of these centrals, reconsider. They want your business.

What are some of the considerations you should give when selecting a central station. A lot of dealers are more comfortable using a local central station with whom they feel a greater affinity. Pricing plays an important consideration also, and it should. But what prompted this article was the topic of how many operators a central uses. What is the customary ratio of operators to monitored accounts? One central reports one operator per 2000 accounts. I suppose it depends on the kind of accounts. Intrusion, environmental, fire, verification process, video clips, streaming video all have different time requirements. I think this is a valid question to ask your central; get the response in writing. Centrals that charge well below industry customary prices may not have sufficient personnel to provide the best and most reliable response time, and that's what you're paying for.

Other considerations. You must have your own lines, whether you or the central owns them. You don't want to be in the position of having to reprogram communication. Make sure the central agrees that your accounts will be on your own lines, that the central will assign the lines to you and sign Resporg forms so the lines can be transferred upon your request. Also get the central to agree to provide you with all of your subscriber data electronically. Software used by the central should be customary so that the data is transferrable.

I think personal feelings play a big part in selecting a central. It's important to be comfortable with the people you do business with. You know when someone is going out of their way for you and appreciates you and your business. You're entitled to that.

I'm sure I've left out a lot of other considerations. Does the central use receiving equipment you consider reliable and compatible with the panels you use? Does the central monitor the types of alarms you install and agree to monitor? Will your central provide the reports your subscribers demand and you need? Do you need your central to provide other services, such as invoicing your subscribers, collecting monitoring charges, provide financing of new accounts or buying your accounts [which I think is a big mistake].

Centrals that offer special services should let us know. Dealers with good or bad experiences with their centrals should also let us know. Maybe central who have had bad experiences with dealers should also let us know. Do we need another category in The Alarm Exchange?

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SALE OF ALARM ASSETS - MAXIMIZING VALUE!! by Dennis Stern, Esq.

Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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About: Learn how to maximize the value of your company! Looking to Buy? Looking to Sell? Learn about current pricing. RMR and EBITDA - what's the difference? What type of Due Diligence is required? Letters of Intent - worthwhile or waste? Learn about the main drivers of pricing, and how to best position your company.

Presented By: Dennis Stern, Esq.

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How To Select S Central Station / See Webinar Notice Below - February 4, 2013