"Breaking In" to the security field - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

gury · 01-26-2009, 11:18 PM

Pardon the pun.

Security is a big seller right now, and I get a lot of calls. Problem is, I don't offer it. I need to.

The installation shouldn't be much of a problem, LV wiring is my thing. But should I try to go for a reseller account with a big company like Brinks or ADT, or can I use the products I have available? Do I need to be able to provide monitoring services? How exactly does this stuff work?

Other than knowing that I need a license to do it, I don't have a clue how to get started with this, so any advice would help.

Thanks

slowforthecones · 01-26-2009, 11:39 PM

security has always been a good seller and now with the tough economical times...it's even a better seller either cctv, burg alarm, high security lock and electronic access. reseller account, you can buy from a distrubutor such as ADI which is owned by Honeywell. Unless your a high volume or large alarm/electrical company...you have to buy anything honeywell makes thru ADI or a similar distrubutor. monitoring account, you can signup for a UL listed monitoring station account and buy wholesale monitoring, then charge your customers what the market bears. every state is different, in california...to sell burglar alarms you need to have a alarm company operators license and to install the burglar alarm you need to have either a C-7 low volt communications or C-10 electrical license. to get started you'll need the license, an reseller account with a equipment/hardware distrubutor, account with UL listed monitoring station, tools, and customers. need some help or got questions..just ask. slowforthecones.

gury · 01-26-2009, 11:49 PM

I'm already on with ADI, and i've got info on the license for my state. I'll look into the monitoring services (if you can provide a link, that would help).

I haven't done any market study for this... aren't customers more likely to go with a branded service (ADT, Brinks)? What is a good selling point for an independent company that offers security systems? And finally, what are some good resources to learn about trends in alarm technology?

slowforthecones · 01-27-2009, 12:00 AM

gury.. Can I ask if you are new in the business with no experience or you are coming into the business from the communications or high volt electrical side? I am partners with my cousin who is an electrical, fire protection and locksmith contractor. I'm the tradesman and he's the businessman license holder.

slowforthecones · 01-27-2009, 12:15 AM

independent company can offer more responsive, reliable and higher quality installations and service. Once your company gets big, unless you have a huge quality control program in place..the quality can be anywhere from passing the inspection to substandard hack job installs of any low volt systems. that's why I have a program in place to manage my 5 install techs. I spot check their installs and performance reviews are based on an install..with any hack jobs as a large demerits.

gury · 01-27-2009, 10:04 AM

I do A/V and communication now, just looking to add to my services.

gallerytungsten · 01-27-2009, 10:36 AM

Try and find a local monitoring center; make a deal with them so you can offer a turnkey package. I think the Brinks/ADT might help a bit, but might also put you in the "2nd tier" (generic/corporate) as opposed to the "1st tier" that someone who is a real expert occupies.

gury · 01-28-2009, 03:58 PM

after 10 min of navigating the menu with the TDCI, i finally got someone on the alarm contractors board and found out that there are educational and work experience requirements to do this.

From the website:

General Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age
Be of good moral character
Be employed by a certified alarm contractor
Satisfy experience, education and examination requirements.

Experience & Educational Requirements

Hold a 4 year baccalaureate degree in electrical engineering from an accredited university or college acceptable to the Board and have two years of experience in the alarm industry OR
Hold an associates degree in engineering technology from an accredited two-year technical college acceptable to the Board with at least four years of actual experience in the alarm industry OR
Hold a current certification by a national training program approved by the Board in the field of work to be installed, serviced or monitored and have at least five years working experience in the alarm industry covering the actual installation or monitoring of alarms.

Now I don't qualify for this, and the guy on the phone said that I could just hire someone that does qualify and I'd be okay. How in the world could I find someone like that? I can't afford to hire anyone right now, let alone a seasoned pro. Does this just shoot down my chances of being able to do alarm systems?

slowforthecones · 01-29-2009, 01:06 AM

You might want to go look into the NICET training. That might be accepted for Alarm Fire Life Safety in leiu of the educational requirements. You can also partner up with someone who has the experience and/or the license. Consider a joint venture with another guy.

slowforthecones · 01-29-2009, 01:08 AM

Also if you take the license exam in a nearby state which your state offers a reciporcal agreement, this would allow you to get the license in your own state.

BuildingHomes · 01-29-2009, 03:57 PM

Don't you need failure to perform insurance? Might want to check that first as it may be more than you want to pay for in relation to how much business you may think you are going to get.

slowforthecones · 01-30-2009, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuildingHomes

Don't you need failure to perform insurance? Might want to check that first as it may be more than you want to pay for in relation to how much business you may think you are going to get.

Yeah depending on state, here in california we're only required to obtain a bond. general liability or biz insurance is differ and in CA, if you are the sole owner and no employees..you are not required to obtain workers compensation.

slowforthecones · 01-30-2009, 01:02 AM

and I forget to add.. Goodluck to you and I hope your able to break in the field.

deadjed · 02-10-2009, 04:13 AM

Lots of great info guys !

-Blake