Amazon Launches Camera Installation Service
Author: Brian Rhodes, Published on May 18, 2015
Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.
Related Reports
Arecont Favorability Results 2019
on Apr 22, 2019
Arecont's net negativity remained the same in IPVM's 2019 integrator study, though integrator's feeling became relatively more neutral compared to...
H.265 Usage Statistics
on Apr 19, 2019
H.265 has been available in IP cameras for more than 5 years and, in the past few years, the number of manufacturers supporting this codec has...
Riser vs Plenum Cabling Explained
on Apr 18, 2019
You could be spending twice as much for cable as you need. The difference between 'plenum' rated cable and 'riser' rated cable is subtle, but the...
Securadyne CEO: IPVM 'Entertaining For An Ignorant Few'
on Apr 16, 2019
Securadyne's CEO Carey Boethel is unhappy with IPVM's report - Failed Integrator Rollup, Securadyne Sells to Guard Giant Allied.
Indeed, he...
Alarm.com Favorability Results 2019
on Apr 15, 2019
The once dot com startup has evolved to become a core provider for home security and is now expanding into commercial.
In their first entry in...
Pole Mount Camera Installation Guide
on Apr 11, 2019
Poles are a popular but challenging choice for deploying surveillance cameras outdoors. Poles are indispensable for putting cameras at the right...
UK Installer CCTV Aware - Flat Pricing, No Salespeople
on Apr 10, 2019
This is a different kind of company.
They do flat pricing, they do not have any salespeople and 50% of their sales are sold and booked...
Failed Integrator Rollup, Securadyne Sells to Guard Giant Allied
on Apr 09, 2019
One of the most ambitious integrator rollups of the decade has reached its conclusion—selling to a mega guard company. Allied Universal has...
Spring 2019 IP Networking Course- Register Now
on Apr 04, 2019
Register now for the Spring 2019 IP Networking course here. Just $299 for the course.
This is the only networking course designed specifically...
Dahua Favorability Results 2019
on Apr 01, 2019
Dahua favorability declined, in IPVM's 2019 integrator favorability series, driven by their backdoors, resulting in mass hacking and US government...
Most Recent Industry Reports
Hikvision Admits USA Sales Falling
on Apr 22, 2019
Hikvision, in a new Chinese financial filing, has admitted that its USA sales are now falling.
Less than a year after the US government passed a...
Speco Ultra Intensifier Tested
on Apr 22, 2019
While ISC West 2019 named Speco's Ultra Intensifier the best new "Video Surveillance Cameras IP", IPVM testing shows the camera suffers from...
Arecont Favorability Results 2019
on Apr 22, 2019
Arecont's net negativity remained the same in IPVM's 2019 integrator study, though integrator's feeling became relatively more neutral compared to...
H.265 Usage Statistics
on Apr 19, 2019
H.265 has been available in IP cameras for more than 5 years and, in the past few years, the number of manufacturers supporting this codec has...
ACRE Acquires RS2, Explains Acquisition Strategy
on Apr 19, 2019
ACRE continues to buy, now acquiring RS2, just 5 months after buying Open Options.
One is a small access control manufacturer from Texas, the...
Access Control Course Spring 2019 - Last Chance
on Apr 19, 2019
Register for the Spring Access Control Course.
IPVM offers the most comprehensive access control course in the industry. Unlike manufacturer...
Riser vs Plenum Cabling Explained
on Apr 18, 2019
You could be spending twice as much for cable as you need. The difference between 'plenum' rated cable and 'riser' rated cable is subtle, but the...
Verint Victimized By Ransomware
on Apr 18, 2019
Verint, which is best known in the physical security industry for video surveillance but has built a sizeable cybersecurity business as well, was...
Milestone Drops IFSEC
on Apr 18, 2019
Milestone has dropped out of Europe's largest annual security trade show (IFSEC 2019), telling IPVM that they "have found that IFSEC in EMEA no...
The world's leading video surveillance information source, IPVM provides the best reporting, testing and training for 10,000+ members globally. Dedicated to independent and objective information, we uniquely refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship and consulting from manufacturers.
Comments (28)
Ari Erenthal
The hardest part of any trunkslammer's job is getting work. Seems like this could really help. Even losing money on a few jobs would be worth it if you get access to lots of work. There are quite a few timesaving tricks that'll leave a customer happy and knock the time required down to less than three hours per system, allowing our trunkslammer to do two or three jobs in a single day.
Create New Topic
Patrick Heenan
Thank god I am not in the resi business! I would be concerned if I was Home Depot or Lowes where they have contractors that will work for these prices. This market is one that a legimate integrator can not provide value added services. So these guys can fight over the crums.
Create New Topic
Undisclosed Integrator #1
From FRESH (one of Amazon's approved installer vendors) website- "We conduct a FREE laser particle reading, using the ParticleScan IAQ tool, which detects particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter every six seconds, for the detection of airborne particle concentrations in normal and polluted indoor environments.
We also perform accurate testing for radon, termites, mold, allergens, VOC's (volatile organic compounds), and lead as part of a complete home or commercial property inspection. Our goal is to assist our clients to lead healthier lives by helping them optimize the indoor air quality in their homes."
Not sure how that would make me trust them to install low voltage.
Create New Topic
Brian Rhodes
The profits may be thin, but it also could be a job that an installer would have had zero chance at before.
With Amazon's approach, the end user buys their own gear but is able to entertain the idea of hiring the install out at the same time. They may just go for it.
Before, they'd buy an 'Amazon deal of the day' CCTV kit on a whim, get it in, maybe plug in the DVR and a few cameras, but then lose interest and stick it in a closet to gather dust.
Matching up potential installers with 'DIY-grade' equipment purchases in an easy way may seem small, but I think consumers will take advantage of it.
Create New Topic
Keefe Lovgren
not only will many houses now have satellite wires stapled all over the exterior they will also have surveillance wires all over the place...
Create New Topic
Undisclosed #2
Is the quote based/tied to a specific all-in-one hardware purchase, e.g. the q-see 16 ch Dvr with 8 bullets and 4 domes and 12 pre-terminated 100 ft coax runs?
Look for this type of slamming to increase...
Create New Topic
Undisclosed #2
Example offer:
Typo? The way it reads configuration software is 'included with this service'.
Create New Topic
Undisclosed Integrator #1
I personally believe that whoever is choosing these "installers" is clueless. Judging by who has been selected in NY and by what is adverstised as stated in previous post.
John, maybe you should extend an "trial period" invite to Amazon so that they can at least get an idea of who they should be "inviting" and adverstising.
Create New Topic
Matt Transue
Not to be a 'glass half empty' kind of guy, but I wonder if we'll have to worry about star-erosion here also. Meaning are they (the installer) offering some type of incentive to the end user for a high/5 star rating? Basically rendering the reviews less than meaningful, while looking legit on the surface.
Create New Topic
Undisclosed Integrator #3
This seems more and more common. Computer repair, business networking, basic structured cabling, and other entry level computer tasks have gone the way of services like Onforce, Work Market, etc. I see this as the commoditization of labor. To me, this seems like a dangerous path.
Create New Topic
John Honovich
I emailed one of the Amazon installers asking about what was included. Here is his response:
"Although most outdoor applications are simple and with no extra cost involved, some require more extensive work.
Create New Topic
Ari Erenthal
Our price also includes DVR setup and remote access.
To be fair, DVR setup and remote access is fairly idiot resistant. Many if not most DVRs take about 20 minutes to set up if you've done it before for that particular brand. And most Hikvision white-labels are fairly consistent, so learning a new brand usually isn't that bad.
Create New Topic
John Honovich
The read / interest level have been very high for this post.
It would seem to show concern for Amazon's move.
Create New Topic
Alan Dodds
The fact is most people on a budget are looking for the price range Amazon Services offer. When they see positive reviews, and all the "qualification" work pre-done, it's probably good enough for them. There will always be the Honda Civic and the BMW offerings. Keep in mind the service providers are "licensed, insured and bonded", so certainly not on the typical "trunkslammer" level, I'd say.
There's so much salesmanship out there that I believe many consumers distrust the added-value charges from many companies. If this is their first time buying a surveillance system, they don't really know the differences and quality ranges that are present. Sometimes as a consumer you don't know what you want until you get what you don't want.
I looked in my area and out of the 3 offerings I was familiar with one integrator. I'd day for the price, and the type of products to be installed, I'd have no problems recommending them. How can you expect a customer buying a low-end system to want to pay 2,3 or 4 times its cost for installation and set up?
Create New Topic
Ari Erenthal
Update: Amazon has $40 off services when you spend $75 or more as a Prime Day special.
Create New Topic