What’s Up With Those $99 Burglar Alarm Installations

The Truth About The $99 Burglar Alarms

Okay you’ve seen the advertisements.  There are burglar alarm companies out there that will install a complete system for only $99.  Personally, I cringe and get a little angry every time I see one of those commercials.  That’s because I know that when you have one of these systems you may get a sense of security but honestly I wouldn’t call it security at all.

 

What Does It Secure

Of course the system is complete and it will work.  But did you notice that these systems usually only cover 2-3 openings.  Now I don’t know about you, but my house has more that two doors and one window.  So what I want to know is.  Is someone going to be standing outside my house to tell the burglar that he can only come in through the front door so that the alarm will go off?  Or maybe you can put up a sign.  I don’t know about you but if I were a burglar and I knew that certain companies only covered part of a house, I might want to try coming in through a window or something.  What do you think?

 

Now don’t get me wrong, I think that even a small system protecting your most vulnerable openings is better than not having anything but I would still feel more security if all of my openings were protected.  Of course if you live in an apartment in a upper floor or something where you only have a few doors or windows that someone could get into without a ladder or something, then by all means go for the cheap burglar alarm system.

 

The Good Ole Bait and Switch

You call the $99 installation company and they come out and asses your situation.  Now all of a sudden you need to add a bunch of items to your security system bringing up the price tag.  I guess I should call it the “Bait and Add” routine.  The point is that these burglar alarm companies are out to make money just like everyone else and they do want you to have a good security system that provides you with real protection.  I guess I shouldn’t be mad at their advertising strategy.  I mean it does work or they wouldn’t keep doing it.

 

What To Do 

 

If you are in the market for a burglar alarm system, do some research before you commit to using a particular burglar alarm company.  Check online for reviews of the company.  Check with the BBB to see if there are any complaints.  I would even go so far at to check out the reviews of the actual burglar alarm brands.  I feel that some are more reliable and easier to install and use than others but you should check out what other people are saying about the systems that are available.  Real people not other people in the burglar alarm industry like me.  Let’s face it – we look at burglar alarm systems differently.  I may like the features of a system but it could be more difficult for the average person to use.  If a security system is difficult to use, it’s less likely to be turned on.  In that case, you might as well save your money.

 

Okay that’s it for today, until next time stay safe and secure