6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Commercial Security Company
When you hire someone, you want to be sure you are selecting the best candidate. It is no different when it comes to hiring a security provider to protect your business. Asking some key questions as part of the interview process will help ensure you end up with a partner who cares about your business as much as you do
How long have you been in business?
Although years in service alone do not signify the quality of a security provider, a company with a proven track record does offer a level of comfort. A company with many years will have references, online reviews, and 3rd party qualifications that can be referenced. Many years in service with a good reputation reflects a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and support.
Can you provide references?
Online references are great but if you are looking for additional confirmation of your decision, a conversation with a current customer using a similar solution can be very helpful. If asked, your prospective security partner should be happy to provide several references that you can contact to learn about their experience.
What types of systems do you offer?
Commercial security solutions tend to be more complex than traditional home alarm systems. With various elements such as access control, fire panel monitoring, and video surveillance to compliment the intrusion system, it is important to partner with a company that can support a wide range of systems and services. Your needs in the future may be very different than your needs today. As you explore options for integrating multiple systems or expanding security across multiple sites, the knowledge, capabilities, and offerings of your security provider will become even more important.
What is after-sale support like?
Have you ever had an amazing sales experience or purchased something online, only to realize that the final product or service wasn’t exactly as advertised? When you purchase a security solution, you are entering a long-term relationship and for that reason, this question may be the most important of all.
- Will your calls be answered by a recorded message?
- How long can you expect to wait for onsite service?
- What kinds of charges can you expect to maintain your system?
- Is there a warranty period?
- What kind of response time can you expect in case of an alarm?
- Where is the monitoring centre located?
Will this system prompt a police response?
Alarm response by-laws vary by city and town. You will want to be sure that your alarm provider understands the by-laws in your area and designs your system to prompt the best possible response. From double alarm hits to video verification, a thoughtfully designed system is critical when it comes to response in the moment of truth.
What is the contract term?
Many security companies structure their offers on multi-year agreements; very often 3- and 5-year terms. If you are signing a long-term contract, be sure you have read the fine print and understand what your options will be if you are not satisfied with your service or need to move within the contract term.