Is a Free Home Alarm Really Free? You Decide
When searching for home alarm system company to help protect your family, you will probably come across offers for free home alarms. The old saying” If it is too good to be true, it is” might apply here. Before getting too excited, there are some things to consider before signing any agreement with a company that offers free alarms.
Your goal when researching a residential security system is to secure your family’s safety and well being with a quality home alarm system and company that will respond when you need them.
Some service companies obviously will not be making up there profit from the equipment, but will definitely make money off of surcharges and overpriced add-ons if you are not careful. In some cases, the security monitoring service that offers you a free system is typically going to take advantage of the relationship and be less attractive over time.
When evaluating your service provider, you should do your research and any background checks and testimonials before signing any contracts or agreement. Your provider should be well respected and have the ability to prove their value and capabilities without extensive charges and added equipment.
Here are some potential reasons to be careful and these arrangements:
- Companies do not make their money on the equipment and usually will install basic wireless systems that may not be high quality. Usually, a minimal amount of time and effort will be devoted to proper installation and placement of the system components with the main focus of getting in and out as quickly as possible.
- Your “Free” system may include only enough sensors for a few windows and a single door. Additional sensors may be available but at huge markups and not included in the free price.
- Your contract may have charges buried in the fine print with escalation clauses for system services that may be included more respectable firms.
- Your system may not be compatible with other service providers and will be a throwaway if you decide to switch providers.
By Montgomery Emerson