I am sure that if you’ve decided to purchase a home security system, by now you must be utterly confused. The prices seem to vary a lot even for the very same device. This guide complements our guide called “How to Choose the Right Home Security System” and will help you make the right decision based on your needs.
If you are an average homeowner, then I strongly recommend purchasing a security kit. These offer the standard protection against common intruders and have proved their effectiveness time and time again. In the security systems industry, it is not the systems themselves that cost a lot but rather the customization. Just like buying a ready-made bicycle, it is far cheaper to buy it as-is than to select the individual components you want the bicycle to have and have everything put together. Security kits excel in providing a reliable standard for a do-it-yourselfer. Because these systems involve the bundling of multiple systems, you can expect a hefty discount. Who said that security must be expensive? The security kits demolish this myth and allow do-it-yourselfers to install and have a quality home security system.
There is another way of cutting back costs. I am introducing this method in this guide precisely because at some time you will no doubt feel attracted by it. I am talking here about the price leverage you will get from choosing a lesser known brand (or no-name brand) instead of a more well-known brand. This is not something I recommend. Those companies with strong brands have invested heavily in building up their reputation through well-made products.. What you have here is a distinctive difference in quality. So if you plan on buying a cheaper system from a no-name brand which manufactures its products in South East Asia… I strongly advise against it. In the long-term you will realize that the money saved wasn’t worth it. Why save a couple of dollars only to have a false sense of security? It is far better to invest a little extra now than to risk your home, the safety of your family as well as your own when intruders break-in later.
But perhaps the single, most effective method of deciding what security measures are appropriate and cost effective for your home or business is to hire a security consultant. Believe me when I tell you that the money spent on their services will actually help you cut down costs, either by suggesting the right and appropriate security installations or by detailing the weaknesses in the system. It is more than a low price that you should aim for; your goal should be to obtain an effective security system.
I hope that this guide to saving money on a home security system has put you on the right track. Remember that you must strive to achieve a balance of maximum benefits and protection while keeping the costs at a minimum.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
How To Save Money When Buying A New Home Security System
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Home Security System Buying Guide
In this world of uncertainty, deciding what the best home security products are among the myriad of security products can be confusing. This guide will address these uncertainties and clarify the buying process.
A simple check with search engines will reveal hundreds of companies willing to sell you their security related products and all of them promising the “burglar-proof” system.
My first advice is to go to a company that specializes in the very device you are interested in. For example if you need a surveillance camera, Panasonic can show up as a possible choice. However, they are more well-known for producing TV sets than security cameras. A manufacturer such as Clearvu, on the other hand, specializes in surveillance cameras. They will quickly show you a large variety of professional equipment which will suit your needs much better. While Panasonic appears to be a credible security system player in the marketplace, their expertise lags behind these highly specialized manufacturers. Big brands, therefore, do not necessarily mean good brands.
Check for the country of manufacture. Products manufactured in a country with a strong tradition of quality will probably feel proud enough to advertise it. If the manufacturing country does not show up in the ad, the company is probably cutting costs by producing them in a country where wages are low and labor lower-skilled. Unfortunately, this also means that they have compromised on the product’s quality at your expense.
Another factor when it comes to choosing the right home security equipment is to check the product specifications. Be extra careful when doing this. For example, a photoelectric motion sensitive system that is triggered by falling leaves won’t be very effective. These are the sort of details you must always ask and check. There truly are no dumb questions; if you feel uncertain about any specifications, just ask. If the answer from the sales person appears evasive, you might want to consider another brand or shop somewhere else.
Perhaps the single most important and most difficult part of the home security system buying process is to clearly distinguish between the various products offered by competitors that offer pretty much the same features at comparable quality, but at slightly different prices. In these instances, I recommend ignoring brands altogether and strip the products of their sales hype. Try seeing facts, parameters and guarantees. If details are sketchy, don’t be afraid to ask the seller about details. Price should be the secondary factor here. Aim for quality and a sense of reassurance that when a burglar strikes your home, your home security system will be ready to handle and thwart the burglar’s break-in attempt.
