Your Security Source - Buying Security Equipment and Services ON LINE!

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Your Security Source provides free listings to qualified
Dealers, Stores, Installers, Suppliers, and Manufacturers.

Please make sure to read my disclaimer!
It's a really good idea to familiarize
yourself with the terminology used
by people in the industry as well.

What's an on line Dealer?

When I use the term "on line Dealer" I mean an alarm company that offers products (alarm and security equipment) for sale to end users over the internet. I use this term to differentiate between an alarm company and stores like Radio Shack®, Smart Home, or Wm. B. Allen. Most alarm companies will have a physical presence (office) in a community and their employees are screened and cleared by the authorities (often-times as a requirement for licensing). In most instances they will also be required to maintain both local municipal as well as State (or Provincial) licensing as well as bonding (for their employees) and liability insurance. In addition, most alarm manufacturers and distributors will only sell to properly qualified Dealers. The reason for this has nothing to do with their desire to keep the industry "closed", but more to ensure that the Dealers that sell their products have and receive the appropriate training to deal with the installation, programming and servicing of the equipment. Don't kid yourself into thinking that installing an alarm system is "simple" or "straight forward". Unlike a home computer setup that someone can easily be talked through over the telephone, the installation of an alarm system requires a variety of skills and specific knowledge (ie. building construction, electrical code, local bylaws, equipment limitations due to environment or location), specialty tools and the training to use them. Make sure you discuss all these things with your chosen vendor before you purchase any equipment and ensure they have the support system in place to help you if you are planning to "do it yourself".

What's an on line store?

This is an organization that also offers security products for sale on line. It may or may not have a physical business address (and in some instances will not). There is usually no requirement for either the store or it's employees to be licensed or to pass a background check to sell the parts that make up a complete alarm system. Furthermore, you can purchase product from a store, but won't necessarily be able to obtain informed advice on device location, panel programming, or installation techniques. Some on line stores have gone the "extra mile" by obtaining the bonding and insurance most alarm companies require.

What does "Downloading" mean?

Most modern alarm systems have the ability to be programmed and operated from a remote location. In fact most alarm companies prefer to sell alarm panels which they can program in this manner. It allows them to change the system's parameters without having to dispatch a technician to the premises. Some online stores offer "free downloading" as a value added service to their customers but keep in mind that the process itself involves the transmission of all the data in your system (including user codes and telephone numbers). If the merchant isn't licensed as a security company (or bonded or insured at least), there's no way to verify whom you're dealing with.

What does all this mean to you, the consumer?

Either "everything" or "nothing". Whether you choose to do business with a Dealer or an on line store is entirely up to you. Some end users prefer to deal with a properly licensed Dealer. This website is intended to assist you in making an informed decision with respect to your security system purchase whether you make it on line (and install it yourself) or you choose a locally licensed, bonded and insured alarm company to do it for you. Keep in mind that we are talking about your (and your family's) security and safety.

Here are some suggested questions you might want to keep in mind as you explore the merchants' web site. The answers you find (along with some helpful TIPS) will serve to aid you in making an informed selection. It's often useful to explore any links to additional services (such as monitoring) which you may find while browsing their site as well, but keep in mind that any such links are often provided as a courtesy and the merchant cannot be held responsible for the content.

1. Does the company offer secure on-line transaction services? If they don't, do they offer an alternative means of submitting personal and credit card information?
   TIP: Always try to pay for your purchase by credit card. In most instances this form of payment provides you with additional "security" in the unlikely event a merchant is unable to fulfill your order in a timely fashion. If you don't have a credit card, then your next best choice is to purchase from a properly qualified Dealer.
   
   
2. How long have they been in business?
   
   
3. Do they offer monitoring in your state/province? Is their central station facility UL (in the United States) or ULC (in Canada) listed? Where is it located?
   TIP: It is extremely important to ensure the monitoring agency is licensed to operate in your State/Province and meets any local municipal ordinances. Check with your local licensing authorities on the suitability of the monitoring agency you wish to employ before signing any agreement.
   
   
4. Do they provide toll-free technical support? What do they offer in the way of installation help?
   TIP: Most on line Dealers and specialty stores maintain an extensive library of tips, information, and links. These are usually free to browse and download. You're under no obligation to purchase from them to benefit from the use of these resources.
   
   
5. Does their website indicate that the company is insured and bonded? If not feel free to ask if they carry liability insurance that includes a rider for "errors and omissions" or "failure to perform". In some States/Provinces it's impossible to obtain a license without providing this information to the licensing authority.
   TIP: This requirement is more important for those of you who contemplate entering into a monitoring agreement with the merchant.
   
   
6. Do the terms of the monitoring agreement include a cancellation clause that may require you to pay a penalty if you cancel before the end of the contract term? What is the term of the contract? One, three, or five years are pretty standard for the industry.
   TIP: As with any agreement or contract you enter into, read ALL the fine print before signing.
   TIP: Some States/Provinces offer a "cooling-off" period which allows you to cancel a contract without obligation within a specified period. Check to ensure this clause is part of your agreement in accordance with your State's/Province's laws. Failure to include it could invalidate the agreement "ab initio" (at inception).
   
   
7. Is the company properly licensed to carry on business in their home State/Province?
   TIP: Check the "licensing" link from our main page to determine the requirements for the merchants' home State/Province.
   
   
8. What are the delivery options (ie. courier, USMail or Canada Post)?
   TIP: Always obtain a waybill number and expected delivery date so you can properly track your shipment.
   
   
9. Is the equipment specified and suggested by the merchant listed as "new"? What are the manufacturer's warranty conditions? Is the merchant an authorized Dealer for the equipment (can you expect them to be able to honour the warranty)?
   TIP: In some instances the manufacturer may list their authorized Dealers and distributors on their web site. If it's not readily apparent, ASK!
   
   
10. What's the merchant's return policy?
    TIP: In most cases the merchant's return policy should be clearly published somewhere on their website. If not (or it's not readily accessible), make certain you ensure you obtain a written copy of it before you order any equipment.
    
    
11. Will the equipment purchased be suitable for operation in your jurisdiction (ie. voltage requirements, certification, etc.)?

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Last updated:
November 4, 2007
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