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 commercial security partner who cares about your business as much as you do.
How long has the security company 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 in the security industry will have customer references, online reviews, and 3rd party qualifications that can be referenced. Many years in service with a good reputation in commercial security reflects a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and ongoing technical support.
Can the security provider offer customer 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 security solution can be very helpful. If asked, your prospective commercial security partner should be happy to provide several references that you can contact. These references will help you learn about their service experience and system performance.
What types of security systems does the provider offer?
Commercial security solutions tend to be more complex than traditional home alarm systems. With various security elements such as access control, fire panel monitoring, and video surveillance to complement the intrusion detection system, it is important to partner with a company that can support a wide range of systems and services. Your business security needs in the future may be very different than your needs today. As you explore options for integrating multiple security systems or expanding security coverage across multiple business sites, the technical knowledge, system capabilities, and service offerings of your security provider will become even more important.
What is the after-sale support like from this provider?
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 commercial security solution, you are entering a long-term business relationship. For that reason, this question about ongoing support may be the most important of all.
- Will your service calls be answered by a recorded message or live technician?
- How long can you expect to wait for onsite service from a qualified technician?
- What kinds of maintenance charges can you expect to maintain your security system?
- Is there a warranty period for equipment and installation?
- What kind of response time can you expect in case of a security alarm activation?
- Where is the alarm monitoring center located?
Will this security system prompt a police response?
Alarm response by-laws vary by city and town across different jurisdictions. You will want to be sure that your commercial alarm provider understands the local by-laws in your area. They should design your security system to prompt the best possible emergency response. From double alarm verification hits to video verification technology, a thoughtfully designed commercial security system is critical when it comes to emergency response in the moment of truth.
What is the security service contract term?
Many commercial security companies structure their service offers on multi-year agreements. Very often these are 3-year and 5-year contract terms. If you are signing a long-term security service contract, be sure you have read the fine print. You should understand what your contract options will be if you are not satisfied with your service performance or need to relocate your business within the contract term.