Should I Become An ADT Dealer?

While the brand recognition may be strong, be ready to 'stick to the script' when it comes to system designs. There's very little flexibility in tweaking stock offerings to meet specific needs.

If being an independent integrator is akin to being a chef, being an ADT dealer is akin to being a fry cook at McDonalds.

John, I'm continually attacked by my customers too. Others are always faster and better than me. I just heard complaints again Protectron over the weekend by a relative of my current customer, calling them useless at best. So, it sounds like any security company has its share of dissatified customers. It's part of the game! One has to overlook that if he/she wants to stay in this business. Makes me think of our telco here, everyone complaints against them, but most continue to do business with them nonetheless, including myself.

Every company has disatisfied customers whether it's warranted or not. How you react to those instances is what seperates you from the rest. If you have too many complaints something is wrong and needs to be corrected before you lose your business. Just because you will always have complaints does not mean that they should be ignored. Each one should be a learning experience and eventually you will be able to correct the issues and be stronger from it.

If it makes you feel any better change directions I had too. I just sold my business 143 accounts because of as the last three or so months I have lost every sale to ADT. I had the high end customers say 75% which are referred to me by a high end real estate company. I do a better job at monitoring the clients the one that have switched from ADT have told me so. For the reason that my central station calls within 20-30 seconds of an alarm. The big deal it's all about the money...insurance premium are the same and potential clients don't care about who is better they use too.

I have lost the business due to the economy why buy mine when you can get free? Conceivably and as a Honeywell Dealer we basically sell the exact same products. My son works for another big national company and goes to the "actual break- in" I just think the alarm industry may scare off the common crook, cameras tell the real story. This is why I joined this forum to pursue installation of IP cameras where ADT and others compete but they don't get it. I went out with my new light meter and sold the first job (he was impressed thanks John) to a network engineer and going to his moms house this week!

I have sold two more camera jobs in addition to customers who have ADT, Sonitrol and Protection 1. I believe because our Houston Police department along with Sherriff respond to so many false alarms 95% im told... so the priority slips. I make more money have little to no competition. Just go in and demo a 2MP camera after client has seen a analog it's a no brainer. Oh if and when the camera goes out probably no screaming yelling and or cursing like the monitored accounts did I'll bet?

" I slept at a Holiday Inn need some cameras " I like the restaurant jokes that is very amusing!!

Are there other, small integrators you may consider merging with to leverage resources and pool talents?

You mention collecting from your clients as a major motivating factor correct? There are measures you can take to ensure you get paid, just like ADT. Some of those could include:

1. Solid contracts / proposals - see

2. Be agressive with your downpayments, only accept 50/50 if they won't budge. I start at 60 down on contract, 30 on equipment delivery and 10 on completion. If they don't like that I goto 60/40.

3. Hire a part time person to call on your past due accounts. I pay a local book keeper to do collections once a month and can't believe the results I get. Once customers realize it isn't you theyhave to answer to they pay right up.

There are plenty of other methods you can use. I hate to say it but I think they are getting over on you because you believe they can and they pick up on that. Be confident in your services and serious about what you expect from them and they may respect you more and pay faster.

Best of luck!