Security Systems

This is a VERY common practice! If it works right, it is a great way to go. First:

**Do some research on the company - who manufactures the system, who monitors, are they licensed, etc.
*Read the contract carefully. Especially how long is it for. We signed a 3 year contract and moved a year later. Now we have to pay for the equipment, move it to our new home, or pay for a system we don't use (they won't even talk about transfering it, thought some might). Make sure that you can also afford payments for the full time of the contract!
*What back-up do they have if electricity/phone lines go down (very important), how do they detect break-ins, and what steps do they take to make sure its you telling them all is ok (there should be a password, even if they dial you, and a panic code if someone is threatening with a weapon).

We've had two security systems with two different companies (neither were the company you were referencing). It's a good way to get a system without having to fork over a ton of money. Anyway, like someone else mentioned, make sure it has a back-up in case of a power or phone outage (because if a burgler just cut the lines outside or unplugs or rips it out of the wall, it's useless). Also, make sure the company will call the house BEFORE calling the police so you don't get false alarm charges by the police. Make sure they get you a permit with the city to have an alarm (most cities require it or they won't respond to an alarm call). Also, most of the companies will require you to sign a 3-year monitoring agreement to get the system for free, so make sure it's something you really want and will use. We use ours every day. And call the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any issues or complaints or even call the police "alarm squad" to see what they think.

Wow. These guys get around. Two young salesman with Platinum have been on my street the last couple of days.

It sounded like a pretty good deal, but I wasn't interested - mainly because I just don't want a security system. Apparently, 2 of my neighbors thought it was a good idea though, and they are getting the system. One has a weird neighbor that they don't trust, and they are going on vacation.

I thought it was free for a month though, but I admit I wasn't really listening that well.

Good luck. I agree with the PP, to check and make sure it's the kind of system you need/want.

I used to work for a security company and we told everyone that same thing. It's not really a special deal, but if you want the security system, you might as well get it during that promotion. Just be mindful of the contract you sign and how long you are obligated to keep using their monitoring service and whether or not you'll be charged a competitive rate and receive comparable service to other home security companies.

We totally had the same thing happen to us...I wanted to make sure that it was on the Up too. I asked around and found out it is Legit. I told the sales man that if ANYTHING is more then what they said then I will not tell them to come and get it because I will not be paying for anything else other then the monthly fee. It's been working.