Facts
Important Facts about purchasing a security system
Facts
A discussion from the owner, regarding hints on purchasing a security system. How the industry works and how to avoid the hidden pitfalls.
As a security system company owner, with over 35 years' experience, I feel compelled to discuss how our industry is designed, and to provide some knowledge regarding security systems purchasing, contracts, the quality of systems, and how free is a word that means someone is going to make a lot of money.
Free security systems
So, let's get started, and start with the free security system concept. Approximately 15-20 years ago, our industry was inundated with large corporations, looking for a monthly revenue income stream from a large customer base. Thus, the free alarm industry was born. It works like this, the big faceless companies put in an inexpensive package, that barely, if not ever address your security needs, and then charge you an inflated monthly fee with a long term contractual obligation! They hope you pay for it forever! To make matters worse, they utilize a sales technique called back loading, which starts you out with a very low investment, then as time goes on your monthly fees get higher and higher. In fact their contract almost surely provides for this. Let me give you an example. It's like someone renting you a refrigerator that's too small to begin with, then charging you for years and years, each year costing more and more. Do the math. Would you ever rent your refrigerator? Especially if it was too small to begin with.
Safeway Security Systems doesn't do this. We visit your location, assess your security needs, and provide a security system quote based off the most important factor, YOUR SECURITY! We then provide low cost monitoring and service contracts to consolidate maintenance fees, we treat you like you are our neighbor, because you are. Oh, and by the way, we are licensed in the state of New York, which is the law, we continually educate ourselves to new products, and never install inferior no name equipment. Now to our next topic.
Safeway Security Systems doesn't do this. We visit your location, assess your security needs, and provide a security system quote based off the most important factor, YOUR SECURITY! We then provide low cost monitoring and service contracts to consolidate maintenance fees, we treat you like you are our neighbor, because you are. Oh, and by the way, we are licensed in the state of New York, which is the law, we continually educate ourselves to new products, and never install inferior no name equipment. Now to our next topic.
Purchasing security systems
Let me start by saying that I have been selling security systems since I'm 18 years old, in New York City, and 1've just about stepped foot into every type of installation possible, from City Hall, to someone's dog house (lol, this is true), to famous yachts, and some other pretty interesting stuff, and my conclusion is this. Most people know nothing about what I'm selling. That's a pretty vulnerable position to be in.
There are thousands of cameras, alarms, and access control systems available, etc. Which one? How much? Who do I trust? And my answer is this, I've spent more time advising customers and talking them out of things that make no sense, than I have actually selling. Why? I'm honest, I believe passionately in what I sell. It has to work for me for it to work for you. I listen carefully to your needs. I carefully survey your location, and then I try to provide a reliable, high quality, name brand system you can afford, to make my sale. This is how my staff and I operate. Do I make money? Yes I do, but my #1 priority is the truth, and that will never change. So call me if you any questions and I'll be happy to give you the transparent truth of what my 35 years experience has taught me.
There are thousands of cameras, alarms, and access control systems available, etc. Which one? How much? Who do I trust? And my answer is this, I've spent more time advising customers and talking them out of things that make no sense, than I have actually selling. Why? I'm honest, I believe passionately in what I sell. It has to work for me for it to work for you. I listen carefully to your needs. I carefully survey your location, and then I try to provide a reliable, high quality, name brand system you can afford, to make my sale. This is how my staff and I operate. Do I make money? Yes I do, but my #1 priority is the truth, and that will never change. So call me if you any questions and I'll be happy to give you the transparent truth of what my 35 years experience has taught me.
Quality of Systems
This is a very complex topic. With today's flood of imported products into the U.S. (not to mention any countries names), there is a vast, almost endless choice of security materials. Some make claims that I doubt. Some have no brand name, not even on the owner's manual. Some have names I've never heard of. But, then there are the ones that have proven the test of time. They're available to licensed security individuals as myself, via well known distribution companies, and this equipment provides accurate specifications, reliable performance, and a manufacturer's warranty. Does it cost more? Yes is the answer, but it works, and if you have a problem with it, I'm a phone call away, to replace it or service it. So it's not just the quality of the equipment, but it's the quality of the company, and the quality of the installer (who by the way works for us, no subcontractors, and we love them like family), and the quality of the service when you call me a month, a year, or a decade later. That's what counts when it comes to quality. P.S. we don't sell the no name equipment, never have, never will.
Contracts
The contract, a security companies best friend. It means I will be able to pay my bills every month, if I have enough of them, maybe even make a little money, if I'm lucky. How does it work? I provide a service at a low price, Ie: Central Station monitoring, service contracts. You guarantee to pay me for a specific amount of time. I don't raise your rates during this period of time (most other companies do). Are you obligated? Yes. I am obligated also, and intend on providing the best service I possibly can. I know you won't pay me if there is a problem, and I try very hard to eliminate any problem that may occur. It's how us old school security system company owners operate, customer service, customer service, customer service.
I understand this, my office staff understands this, my installer and service staff understand it as well. So, every company requires a contract. Ours is different, no gimmicks, no games, no misrepresentations. This is how we sleep at night.
In conclusion, if you are interested in doing business with a company that has morals, believes in customer satisfaction and customer service, and is not just interested in the bottom line or corporate strategies, My staff or I will be more than happy to provide a security survey, a proposal, answer any questions, or talk about the old times. God Bless America.
Sincerely,
Peter Castellano
I understand this, my office staff understands this, my installer and service staff understand it as well. So, every company requires a contract. Ours is different, no gimmicks, no games, no misrepresentations. This is how we sleep at night.
In conclusion, if you are interested in doing business with a company that has morals, believes in customer satisfaction and customer service, and is not just interested in the bottom line or corporate strategies, My staff or I will be more than happy to provide a security survey, a proposal, answer any questions, or talk about the old times. God Bless America.
Sincerely,
Peter Castellano
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Contact Information
Address: 2387 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn NY | 2387 Ocean Ave.
Phone: 718-375-3050
Email: safeway2387@aol.com
Phone: 718-375-3050
Email: safeway2387@aol.com
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