Why you should check out security alarm companies

Has a security alarm salesman approached you with an offer of a free installation and free security equipment if you'll just buy into this special, very rare, offer? Don't believe it.

Miss Attitude has found out a few things about security companies.

First of all, security companies value the equipment they install at about $800 or more. Sure, the equipment may not actually be worth the price tag, but the security companies can get someone to pay them that amount. So they won't actually give you the equipment. What they'll do is make you sign a two- or three-year contract, wherein you are obligated to purchase their monitoring service at $30-$40 per month, or more. What does this mean? You don't own the equipment. They can come and demand it back if they decide to cancel your service agreement. Can you cancel your service agreement? Not unless you cancel within three days of installation.

When purchasing a security system, determine whether you want a hard-wired or a wireless system. Find out if the alarm goes off only in the house or if it goes off outside as well. An alarm that goes off only in the house can more easily be ignored by neighbors. It can also be more easily silenced by a burglar. Don't allow a salesman to convince you his alarm system is adequate. Remember, the salesman is just interested in a commission.

Also, don't agree to installation until you've investigated the company and done some comparison shopping. Before you sign up, find out if the company has a local office. If it doesn't have a local office, chances are you'll be assigned to a dealer account. What does this mean? It means when you call the security company, not only are you a small fish in a big sea, you don't really matter at all. In fact, the security company may not even talk to you. It will transfer you to the dealer -- a separate company. Bottom line: go with a local company if you can.

If a security company tells you it has a one-of-a-kind offer ... it isn't. Most security alarm companies will waive installation fees and not charge you up front for the equipment. Or they may ask for a down payment. Most also offer the option of purchasing the equipment up front -- for a whopping $800-$1200 or more. But you know the old adage that nothing in life is free? Well, believe that before you believe a salesman.

Why would a salesman lie to you? Once you sign the contract, it is the security alarm company, not you, who can determine how the contract is honored and when. If you miss a payment, be prepared. Often the contract will have a clause saying the company can reclaim its equipment if payments are not received on time.