Security Alarm Monitoring - What It's Really Worth

Security Alarm Monitoring - What It's Really Worth

A gigantic industry has grown up around the off-site central station monitoring of burglary and fire alarm systems. In fact, many security dealers dedicate 100% of their available resources to installing as many monitored accounts as they can. Many of these systems are put-in with little or no upfront costs even though the total costs for parts and labor for the average home alarm system are well over $ 400.00.

Why would a dealer dedicate so much of his time giving away and then installing monitored security systems? The answer is Monthly Re-Occurring Revenue (MRR), which is simply the fee that is associated with monitoring your security system.

You see, the contract that they make you sign is worth money. Just like the cellular phone industry, your contractual obligation with the provider allows them to subsidize the upfront costs of the installation. You really did not think that new cell phone cost $ 29.00 did you?

You see, there is really no such thing as a free security system. With monthly fees reaching upwards of $ 35.00 or more with a 3-year contractual obligation, you are committing to pay the dealer $ 1,260.00 for that free security system.

Fifteen or twenty years ago, most towns of any size had a few locally owned Central Stations. These Central Stations were usually the heart of a thriving alarm company that had a dedicated sales and service force that created and maintained their customer base.

The value of alarm companies is at least partly based on the total amount of Monthly Re-Occurring Revenue that they are able to generate. Imagine a medium sized company that charges $ 25.00 for alarm monitoring every month. Now imagine that company has 5,000 customers. That company is now generating $ 125,000.00 per month which is equal to 1.5 Million Dollars in Annual Re-Occurring Revenue.

The purchase price of most companies is roughly based on 3-½ times their annual revenue, which would make our example company worth over 5-Million Dollars. As you can guess, with alarm monitoring worth so much, many of the family run alarm companies cashed out long ago.

Through a series of acquisitions and mergers, most of the Security and Fire Alarm Systems in the United States are now monitored by a handful of Super-Sized Central Stations. Many of these Mega-Stations have hundreds of highly trained alarm dispatchers that handle thousands of alarms from all over the country.

Now, let's go back to that local installer toiling day in and day out to give away and Install Security Systems. He can afford to give you that alarm system because he is selling the contract to one of these Super-Sized Central Stations. Depending on your credit score and the term of the contract, he will collect anywhere from 25 to 40 times the monthly fee for turning over the contract. If it cost him $ 300.00 for the equipment and another $ 100.00 for the labor and you singed a 3-year contract at $ 30.00 a month, he will probably make about $ 650.00 for giving you that free security system.

So what is that security monitoring really worth? If you consider that an army of well equipped and trained dispatchers are standing by to dispatch the appropriate authorities to your home or business and it costs less than the price of a soda every day, it really can be worth every penny.

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Home Security Signs and Decals - Do They Really Work?

Home Security Signs and Decals - Do They Really Work?

With all of the home security and surveillance equipment available today, many homeowners are wondering how to best protect their home without spending a fortune. The homeowner on a budget may want to consider home security alarm signs and window decals. These simple and effective methods to guard against intruders are not only practical, but they are also affordable. Alarm signs are also an excellent options for those who are not comfortable with high tech home security equipment, no matter how effective it might be.

How well do home security alarm signs work? Statistics show that these signs are actually quite effective, even if you have no alarm actually installed on the home. Like a fake security camera, these signs make potential intruders take notice. A potential burglar can't be sure whether you really have a security system or not unless they're willing to risk setting it off. No burglar is willing to risk breaking into a home with an activated security alarm. By warning intruders that you have such a system (even if it's not true), the burglar will simply walk away. Like a scarecrow in the field, this decoy really works to scare away intruders.

These security signs can be placed almost anywhere. Ideally, they should be immediately visible to anyone approaching your property, including those who may sneak around to the back door before ever approaching your main entry. There are signs designed for your yard or wall, and decals to place in the window next to your front door, or any other glass surface. Every ground floor entry, including all doors and windows, should have a sign. The security system sign by your front door should be visible from the street to let all every passerby know that your house is protected.

Essentially, home security alarm signs advertise how well protected your home is. These signs will make an intruder think twice about entering your home. After all, no criminal wants to be caught in the act, and that's exactly what you're warning will happen. Why would he take the risk to break into your home, when there are so many other homes that have been left unprotected?

If you have a home security system installed, it will most likely come with such signs to place around your property. However, even if you don't have such as system, high-quality and professional-looking signs will keep burglars at bay. These signs and stickers must stand up to close inspection by would-be criminals. An experienced burglar won't be fooled by an obviously fake sign. Security system signs and decals are so inexpensive, and so easy to install, that it's surprising how few homeowners have taken advantage of them. These devices offer very effective home security protection at a very low cost.

In addition to signs warning of cameras or alarm systems, there are also emergency signs that alert emergency responders to the presence of children or pets in the home. These signs are crucial for a fast response time and quick rescue. Signs around your home aren't just criminal deterrents; they provide essential emergency information as well. Alarm signs should be seen as your first line of defense against criminals. A security sign or decal is certainly better than taking no security precautions at all. When used in combination with dummy cameras, wireless door and window alarms, and other home security devices, any intruder is sure to look for an easier target before choosing your home.

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