This week I came across a competitor's brochure. It quoted prices on video system installations -- really low prices. That peaked my curiosity enough to do a little web surfing only to find quoting prices on system installations is a growing trend among security providers.
How can they do that? How can a security provider quote a blanket price (especially one so low) when every installation is different with its own set of needs and requirements?
Easy! It's called a marketing ploy. Quoting a extraordinarily low price often gets them in the door of a potential client. Once inside, the actual cost of a video surveillance system is revealed.
Frankly, I find this practice appalling, and a tad deceiving. We don't see carpet companies quoting a blanket price for carpet without knowing the square footage of a room. A roofer doesn't quote an exact price for putting on your roof without getting thorough specs. Why would anyone quote, or expect to be quoted, a price on any security solution without a complete analysis of the facility and an in-depth interview with the client on the issues and needs of that facility.
My advice? Stick with Security 101: visit the site first, then quote a fair price. And if you're the client reading this? That's what you should expect!
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