Key Considerations when Selecting a Security Company

Petitbon Alarm recognizes that selecting a security company to protect your home or business is a big decision. There are several factors to consider—some of which consumers may not think to ask. So we’ve compiled a “cheat sheet” to help you make an informed decision. These are things we encourage you to inquire about with any company you are considering, and we’ve included Petitbon Alarm’s answers to these important questions!

How highly is the company rated by its customers?
It’s important to know what the company’s customers are saying about their service. Check for reviews online or ask people you know who use them. Petitbon Alarm Company believes in exceeding our clients’ expectations. While you can always take our word for it, you don’t have to! Give us a quick online search, and you’ll see our 5-star reviews. We also have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Will I be tied to a long-term contract, and what is the penalty for cancellation?
Most companies will require you to sign a long-term monitoring contract; therefore, if you are unhappy with their service, have financial difficulties, etc., you are stuck and will have to pay out the remainder of the contract. With Petitbon Alarm, you have no long-term contract and no cancelation penalties. You are free to cancel at any time for cause. We have the confidence that our clients will love the service we provide and that we’ll keep your business because you are happy with us—not because you are tied to a contract term.

How often/how much will my monitoring rate increase over time?
Most companies raise monthly fees periodically or on a set schedule according to the contract term. Petitbon Alarm has never raised our rate on a current customer!

What should I consider when comparison shopping monitoring pricing?
Most companies advertise their base monitoring price which does not include all the services or options you may want/need. These companies may charge extra for monitoring devices such as panic buttons, medical buttons, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They may also not be clear about the fact that cellular monitoring or smartphone applications are extra. At Petitbon Alarm, no matter how many security or life-safety devices you have, your rate is the same. We are also transparent about the cost of any upgraded service options such as smartphone applications.

What do I need to ask a company who is offering to install my system for “free”?
If a company offers to replace your equipment at no cost, bear in mind that you may not own the equipment and/or it may be proprietary to the company that installs it. This means if you are not satisfied with the company’s equipment or service, a new company will not be able to service your equipment. The system will need to be replaced (at your expense). Companies that offer free equipment plan on making their money back by tying you to their company with proprietary equipment, hidden fees, long-term contracts and/or rate hikes. Petitbon Alarm equipment is not proprietary or leased. The equipment is yours and can be serviced by another company if you are ever unhappy with us. Also, we are up front about all costs.

What confidence can I have in the company’s employees?
Petitbon Alarm is a local company. Our employees are State Police Background checked, and we never use sub-contractors like many other companies. Everyone with whom you come in contact at Petitbon is a Petitbon Alarm employee who has undergone an extensive clearance process and lives in your community. This allows us to offer our clients more personalized service they can have confidence in. Most of our employees have been with us for over a decade!

Does the company offer rewards for customer loyalty and referrals?
At Petitbon Alarm…absolutely! We credit a huge portion of our client base to our happy customers referring new customers. Any client of Petitbon Alarm who successfully refers a new Petitbon client will receive a three-month monitoring credit! We also offer discounts to our customers throughout the year on certain products and services as well as military and first-responder discounts.

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding important things to ask prospective alarm companies, please contact our office. We are always here to help!

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