The Electronic Security Association (ESA) advises homeowners to be careful consumers. The ESA says that, of the 14,000 security companies in the United States, only a handful sell door-to-door.
For your home and family’s protection, the next time a door-to-door salesman knocks at your door, remember… some represent legitimate, local security system providers. However, most could be called “con artists” who rely on high-pressure sales tactics and a string of halftruths or outright lies to make a sale.
BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING…
- Have them present a photo ID card and a business card.
- Ask to see equipment brochures and request a written sales proposal.
- Give yourself a day or so to read the contract instead of allowing the salesperson to tell you what it says.
- Do careful research of reputable, local suppliers.
- Ask friends and family for their recommendations.
- Call the attorney general’s office or Better Business Bureau to learn if there are any complaints against the company.
Beware of High-Pressure Sales Tactics
- Warning you that police won’t respond to older security systems.
- Police, fire, and ambulance services all respond in the same way, regardless of the age of your system.
- Offering free upgrades to your current system.
- While upgrading, they will most likely “discover” some major problem, requiring you to purchase a new system.
- Pressuring you to make an immediate decision.
- Reputable companies encourage you to take the time to carefully research your decision.
