Note: As of July 2010, Broadview is in the final stages of merging with ADT. This article originally touched on the similarities of Broadview and ADT, specifically their authorized dealer programs. Because ADT and many other national chains (e.g. Monitronics, Guardian Protection, Vector, Central Security Group and others) still use authorized dealer programs, we feel the (slightly modified) information in this article will still be useful to our visitors.
FYI, an "authorized dealer" is usually a local company that is contracted out, or given permission to install an alarm in your home on behalf of the parent company. Your account is then sold to the corporate entity, who in turn do the actual monitoring and service on your alarm. (You can also learn more about the types of alarm companies available).
FYI, an "authorized dealer" is usually a local company that is contracted out, or given permission to install an alarm in your home on behalf of the parent company. Your account is then sold to the corporate entity, who in turn do the actual monitoring and service on your alarm. (You can also learn more about the types of alarm companies available).
ADT vs. Brink's Broadview Everybody Else! (All About Authorized Dealer Programs)
What Similarities Are There Between ADT And Other Alarm Companies Using SubDealers?
To prevent you from switching providers, authorized dealers for the major chains (especially those who offer "free" alarm systems) are more likely to install "locked out" and/or "proprietary" alarm systems. "Proprietary" means that many of the systems they install can only be monitored by them, and are completely incompatible with any other alarm company's monitoring service. "Locked out" means the alarm's programming features cannot be accessed by any other company. A special "installer code" is required to unlock your system for reprogramming. Therefore, if you are not happy with the service, you cannot switch monitoring companies without (a): purchasing equipment from your new service provider, (b): paying for a service call to have your system unlocked, and/or (c): pay off the remaining value of your contract. For example, if you are 12 months into a 36 month contract @ $35 per month, you will need to pay $840 to break it. (In fairness, it should be noted that many alarm companies add this penalty clause to their monitoring contracts, whether they use authorized dealers or not).
To prevent you from switching providers, authorized dealers for the major chains (especially those who offer "free" alarm systems) are more likely to install "locked out" and/or "proprietary" alarm systems. "Proprietary" means that many of the systems they install can only be monitored by them, and are completely incompatible with any other alarm company's monitoring service. "Locked out" means the alarm's programming features cannot be accessed by any other company. A special "installer code" is required to unlock your system for reprogramming. Therefore, if you are not happy with the service, you cannot switch monitoring companies without (a): purchasing equipment from your new service provider, (b): paying for a service call to have your system unlocked, and/or (c): pay off the remaining value of your contract. For example, if you are 12 months into a 36 month contract @ $35 per month, you will need to pay $840 to break it. (In fairness, it should be noted that many alarm companies add this penalty clause to their monitoring contracts, whether they use authorized dealers or not).
Are There Any Other Pitfalls To Authorized Dealer Programs?
Unfortunately, yes. As your account is immediately sold from the sub dealer to corporate (who monitor and service it), the company that installed your alarm is no longer responsible for the installation. This can be a problem later if there is a malfunction with your system. Who's responsibility is it to service your alarm? The sub dealer, or the company who now services and monitors it? This can be quite frustrating for consumers.
Unfortunately, yes. As your account is immediately sold from the sub dealer to corporate (who monitor and service it), the company that installed your alarm is no longer responsible for the installation. This can be a problem later if there is a malfunction with your system. Who's responsibility is it to service your alarm? The sub dealer, or the company who now services and monitors it? This can be quite frustrating for consumers.
So What Does This Site Recommend?
Alarm companies that offer authorized dealer programs each have different standards that must be met by the dealer before they can represent the company. Therefore, we can't generally say that all subdealers are bad, or that all subdealers are good. So, if you have your heart set on going with one of the bigger alarm chains, try to sign up with the corporate entity of the company as opposed to an authorized dealer. If this is not possible in your area, you need to do extensive research on not only the parent company, but the authorized dealer in your area. Ideally, you want a company that does it all: sales, installation, service, and in-house UL/ULC monitoring.
Alarm companies that offer authorized dealer programs each have different standards that must be met by the dealer before they can represent the company. Therefore, we can't generally say that all subdealers are bad, or that all subdealers are good. So, if you have your heart set on going with one of the bigger alarm chains, try to sign up with the corporate entity of the company as opposed to an authorized dealer. If this is not possible in your area, you need to do extensive research on not only the parent company, but the authorized dealer in your area. Ideally, you want a company that does it all: sales, installation, service, and in-house UL/ULC monitoring.
Is Having An Alarm Installed By A Sub or Authorized Dealer A Good Or Bad Thing?
It depends, obviously, on the local company who did the installation. Some of these companies have top notch installers, who will do a terrific job on installing your system and take great pride in their work. Others though, have extremely limited skills, and are only trained to install the simpliest of "all in one" wireless alarms. (Learn more about the problems with "all in one" wireless security systems). Many salespeople will recommend these units not for your convenience, but only because they are installed quickly and cheaply. Some of these "fly by nighters" work out of their home garage, and rarely stay in business for more than a year. Try randomly dialing any of the smaller alarm companies in your yellow pages. You will find that about half of them are out of business!
It depends, obviously, on the local company who did the installation. Some of these companies have top notch installers, who will do a terrific job on installing your system and take great pride in their work. Others though, have extremely limited skills, and are only trained to install the simpliest of "all in one" wireless alarms. (Learn more about the problems with "all in one" wireless security systems). Many salespeople will recommend these units not for your convenience, but only because they are installed quickly and cheaply. Some of these "fly by nighters" work out of their home garage, and rarely stay in business for more than a year. Try randomly dialing any of the smaller alarm companies in your yellow pages. You will find that about half of them are out of business!
Vs.
Everyone Else!
Everyone Else!
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