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Should you be paying more for central station monitoring for Videofied
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Ken,
Our company, United Central Control (UCC) is proud to say that we are working with Videofied on their residential indoor video program. We are committing to monitor indoor Videofied accounts for the same rate as the dealer’s base rate at UCC. So, whatever markup the dealer decides to add for the video goes straight to his or her bottom line. We are excited about this program and believe it’s a huge win for the dealer and the customer.
Mark Matlock, SVP
United Central Control
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Response
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I asked Mark if his central station charges extra for Videofied coverage. Here is his response - good news for dealers - does your central charge more?
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Ken
We are doing it because we have 31 years of historical data that shows that we only get one alarm every three months from a residence on a traditional alarm system. The Videofied system is a traditional alarm
system using a traditional PIR and traditional contacts to comprise the system. The only difference is that the PIR happens to have a camera on board that can send video to the central station in the event of an alarm. But we see no reason why these systems will generate more alarms than any other system. Its using all the same components, installed in exactly the same manner as other systems. Granted, the
video will add a little bit of time to the operator handling of the event, but if the alarm traffic holds true to one alarm every three months, we're not too concerned.
Mark Matlock, SVP
United Central Control
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Comment on alarm industry reducing prices from Nov 15, 2013 article
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Ken
The worst possible advice that I think anyone can give is offering retail consumers monitoring service for what is essentially wholesale prices.
I was going to write in response to another post a couple days ago about 2G systems being sold at Costco with a monitoring fee of $29.95 a month. To the Costco post I was going to praise them for putting the monitoring fee at $29.95 because it raises the conscience of the consumer that $29.95 is an acceptable number especially when it is offered through Costco which stands for low prices and value.
For years I was criticized as an industry member and former leader when I would thank ADT and other companies that mass marketed security systems because they raised the awareness of security systems. I do not support, condone or tolerate companies that misrepresent them selves or use deceptive methods, however I do applaud traditional alarm service providers that emphasize service, value and personal attention with customized solutions for the consumer.
Many of these traditional companies do not have the resources to impact the marketplace by raising the awareness of security as ADT and others do and now with lifestyle products and services it is only going to heat up that much more. But who is doing the advertising of these new services? The big guys! Who is going to benefit, everyone because Honeywell TotalConnect, Alarm.com and Connect24 (besides others) are making the technology available to everyone.
Going back to the late 70’s and early 80’s it was companies like mine, U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp., that leveled the playing field for the small to medium alarm company that could not afford to operate their own UL Listed (or non-listed) central station. Today U.S.A. and its competitors keep the playing field level and in many cases elevate it with redundant central stations, mobile apps, the latest technology and premium services which is a major component to the value of the RMR and valuations of retail alarm companies across the country.
But I digress, I believe that these small to mid size traditional companies can out service, out perform and out satisfy their competition every day of the week! Or at least I know that my customers at U.S.A. do!
Don’t sell on price, sell on service, attention to detail and exceeding the expectations of the consumer because those are the long term consumers that anti attrition consultants will tell you that are worth more to your company that someone who wants it for free or on the cheap.
Bart A. Didden, President
U.S.A. Central Station Alarm Corp
Security America Risk Retention Group, Director & Executive Claims Manager
Past President NBFAA/ESA & NYSESA
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Webinars
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December 4, 2013 12 noon EST Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4919260455763006721
Title: 10 Things Residential Security Alarm Companies should consider BEFORE entering the world of Commercial Engineered System Fire Alarms
Presented by: Bob Williams, President of Briscoe Protective Systems and his Management Team.
Briscoe Protective Systems has been in the industry for 35 Years and has made the transition from a Residential Alarm Company in the late 70’s to a Engineered System Fire and Security Company that is an SDM Top 100 Company. Find us on the web at www.BriscoeProtective.com or on LinkedIn under Companies, Facebook and Twitter@BriscoeProSys
Description: There is a big difference between installing Residential Fire Systems and Commercial Engineered Fire Systems and there are “Key Factors” that Security Company’s should consider before attempting to go into this lucrative but challenging market.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners and fire techs.