RALEIGH, NC, June 19, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Although no alarm system will make your home completely burglar-proof, a home security system can reduce your chances of being burglarized and provide peace of mind. Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina (BBB) advises consumers to research the purchase of a home security system with the same care they would with any major purchase.
In 2009 alone, BBB received a total of 2,883 complaints against alarm companies nationwide. This type of business has also ranked in BBB's top 25 companies with the most inquires (consumers requesting information, as opposed to complaints) in Eastern N.C. each month from February through May of 2010. BBB Reliability Reports are available for 63 home security system dealers located in Eastern North Carolina.
Out of the local alarm system companies that provide services locally, in 2010 BBB has received the most inquiries about the following companies:
• ADT Security Systems - This Company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. and had received 1,261 inquiries in the last 12 months. ADT Security Systems has a BBB rating of "A."
• APX Alarm Security Solutions, Inc. - This Company is headquartered in Provo, Utah and has received 631 inquiries in the last 12 months. The current BBB rating for APX Alarm Security Solutions, Inc. is "C-."
• CPI Security Systems, Inc.- CPI Security Systems, Inc. has a location in Morrisville, N.C. and has received 1,637 inquiries in the last 12 months. This company is currently a BBB Accredited Business with a BBB rating of "A."
"Before making a purchasing decision that will tie you into a long-term contract, it is important to examine your options, and BBB is a great place to start," said Beverly Baskin, President and CEO of BBB serving Eastern North Carolina. "We provided BBB Reliability Reports on home security system providers to over 7,000 consumers in the last year, which included the company's BBB rating and any complaint history, to help consumers make educated decisions."
Before selecting a home security system provider, BBB recommends consumers:
•Contact at least three companies before selecting an installer.
•Find out if they are properly licensed in N.C. with the Alarm Systems Licensing Board, and if they screen employees before hiring.
•Ask for references and check the company out with BBB.
•Compare apples-to-apples bids on similar systems. Do not forget to factor in an initial installation charge, as well as monthly monitoring charges.
•Ask for a complete inspection of your property and an itemized written estimate. Review the sales contract closely to ensure you understand exactly what equipment and protection you will be provided.
•Talk to your insurance agent; some systems may qualify you for a discount on homeowner's premiums.
•Find out the length of the contract. Consider the following questions before you obligate yourself to a long-term contract: What is your recourse if you are not satisfied with the services provided? Can you cancel the contract? What are your rights if your monitoring company is purchased or acquired by another alarm company?
•Insist that the installer "walk" you through your system until you fully understand how it works to prevent false alarms.
You can see a list of local BBB Accredited alarm system dealers at http://www.bbb.org/raleigh-durham/accredited-business-directory/burglar-alarm-systems-dealers.
About the BBB serving Eastern North Carolina
The Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by membership dues from more than 2,900 local businesses and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by the BBB include, reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com# # #
Read more Press Releases from Courtney Smith:
