When you sign up for service from a respected home security company, you shouldn't consider that the last step in what could become a beautiful friendship.
As with any relationship, if you work along with the security professional, chances are you'll get the best possible service.
It's not doing their job; it's making sure they do their job and you don't get left in the dark in the process.
Here are six easy steps to make this important connection keep going for a long time.
1) Do your homework beforehand.
Once you've signed up and gotten started with your service, it will be too late to change.
Make sure you know the service and how it compares with other companies.
Of course, take your time to read the contract several times before signing.
Find out about penalties for any changes to your service; but try and avoid all this beforehand.
2) Keep them informed.
Communication is the key to any relationship's success.
Have a system for them to contact you and make sure you have given their contact number to every responsible party in your household.
If you've lost a phone or changed numbers -- cell or work -- take a minute and let them know.
3) Make sure your home alarm system is functioning before it comes to a serious incident.
Run tests by yourself a few times a month.
4) If you had a home security system installed years ago, and your provider hasn't contacted you about an upgrade, try calling them.
Of course, they would do better business by offering an upgrade on their own, but companies have become a little gun-shy, as "telemarketer rage" is now in full swing.
Think about it: is there anything you would like improved? Make the call and make it happen.
5) Keep your land line going.
Obviously, in the age of cell phones, when everyone has one and it seems like the only people calling your home are trying to sell something, land lines appear to be a thing of the past.
However, for most home security companies to monitor your safety, they need to contact you via land line.
No matter how intriguing an all-cell home might seem, or how unnecessary a land line appears, you have to keep it running.
6) Play fair when you contact them.
Don't make agents wait while you shuffle around or brush your teeth in the middle of a call.
Treat them like a real business partner.
After all, someone like you could be waiting on hold while the customer service rep is busy with an insensitive customer.
Again, don't bend over backwards.
You're the paying customer and deserve top-notch treatment.
Have your account info handy in case you have a question about your bill, or make a list of problems you would like to address when it comes to your contract.
In the end, if you consider your home security professional to be a friend, there to help you, the benefits will be yours for the taking.
As with any relationship, if you work along with the security professional, chances are you'll get the best possible service.
It's not doing their job; it's making sure they do their job and you don't get left in the dark in the process.
Here are six easy steps to make this important connection keep going for a long time.
1) Do your homework beforehand.
Once you've signed up and gotten started with your service, it will be too late to change.
Make sure you know the service and how it compares with other companies.
Of course, take your time to read the contract several times before signing.
Find out about penalties for any changes to your service; but try and avoid all this beforehand.
2) Keep them informed.
Communication is the key to any relationship's success.
Have a system for them to contact you and make sure you have given their contact number to every responsible party in your household.
If you've lost a phone or changed numbers -- cell or work -- take a minute and let them know.
3) Make sure your home alarm system is functioning before it comes to a serious incident.
Run tests by yourself a few times a month.
4) If you had a home security system installed years ago, and your provider hasn't contacted you about an upgrade, try calling them.
Of course, they would do better business by offering an upgrade on their own, but companies have become a little gun-shy, as "telemarketer rage" is now in full swing.
Think about it: is there anything you would like improved? Make the call and make it happen.
5) Keep your land line going.
Obviously, in the age of cell phones, when everyone has one and it seems like the only people calling your home are trying to sell something, land lines appear to be a thing of the past.
However, for most home security companies to monitor your safety, they need to contact you via land line.
No matter how intriguing an all-cell home might seem, or how unnecessary a land line appears, you have to keep it running.
6) Play fair when you contact them.
Don't make agents wait while you shuffle around or brush your teeth in the middle of a call.
Treat them like a real business partner.
After all, someone like you could be waiting on hold while the customer service rep is busy with an insensitive customer.
Again, don't bend over backwards.
You're the paying customer and deserve top-notch treatment.
Have your account info handy in case you have a question about your bill, or make a list of problems you would like to address when it comes to your contract.
In the end, if you consider your home security professional to be a friend, there to help you, the benefits will be yours for the taking.
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