What Makes Ameri-Alarm Different?
The security alarm industry has changed drastically over the past 40 years.
Ameri-Alarm was one of the first companies in Michigan to be licensed as an alarm systems contractor. Compliance was ensured by what was then a division of the Michigan State Police. There were strict laws put in place to protect consumers of this fledgling industry. All employees had to undergo background checks. Unannounced on-site audits were commonplace.
We were tasked with the protection of our customers' lives and property – a responsibility that we take very seriously. Our installation techniques were based on quality workmanship and attention to detail – they still are today. We built a state-of-the-art monitoring center in Southfield, Michigan to give our customers 24/7 access to the personal service they deserve – it protects thousands of homes and businesses each day.
For years, most of our competitors operated in a similar manner. But fast forward to 2017 and the playing field has changed dramatically. Local alarm companies have been largely replaced by national corporations, often phone and cable companies.
What caused this sea change in the industry? Here in Michigan, multimillion-dollar companies convinced the state to modify licensing requirements, stripping away important protections for consumers. For example, the state no longer requires background checks on employees. (As part of our commitment to your safety, we do a full background check on anyone we hire.)
Along with the erosion of consumer protections, the disappearance of dedicated, local alarm companies is causing many headaches for many:
1) Craftmanship has declined: The new business model seems to be just installing systems as quickly as possible. Their installers are not security specialists, but generalists. On most days, they are judged by the number of systems they install, not the quality. In the case of cable companies, their employees may be at your home to install internet, phone, and security systems all together. This tends to result in a lack of attention to the unique security needs of your home or business. These companies see alarm systems as just another revenue stream. At Ameri-Alarm, keeping you safe is all we do.
2) You don't own your security system: Prices can be misleading. Look a little closer at the agreement you're being offered: Would you actually own the system you pay for? You will probably find that the answer is no. And should you decide to switch to another carrier, they will demand that you return the equipment. At Ameri-Alarm, the security systems we install are owned by you, the customer.
Additionally, their systems are monitored by distant, usually out-of-state third party central stations. They often struggle to give customers straight answers regarding their alarms. Our central station is local – based right here in Michigan. Over the past four decades we have cultivated strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies.
3) Frustrating customer service: As most anyone who has been stuck on hold with a cable company can attest, it can be a maddening experience. At Ameri-Alarm, you can contact an operator in our central station 24/7, without ever pressing a number for this or that department. And should you ever need on-site help, our technicians are always just a call away.
So why did we dedicate a web page to this issue? We receive calls each week from our customers who have been approached by these companies. Although they are happy with our service, they are concerned that we might not be able to provide the features they are being offered.
Let me reassure you that not only are we fully capable of supplying all services that other companies do, we still install one job at a time, give you the best value for your dollar, and treat each of our customers with the respect that we would like to be shown. We have a strong commitment to our communities, even providing a number of systems at no charge to assist some very worthy charitable organizations.
To our current customers: We appreciate your business! Thank you for your support over the years. If you have any questions or needs, please get in touch with us either by phone or through this website. We will be happy to assist you.
And to prospective customers: Let us know how we can help! We'd love to provide you with a professionally installed system that will keep you safe and secure for years to come.
Thanks!
Stuart Rich
President, Ameri-Alarm
The security alarm industry has changed drastically over the past 40 years.
Ameri-Alarm was one of the first companies in Michigan to be licensed as an alarm systems contractor. Compliance was ensured by what was then a division of the Michigan State Police. There were strict laws put in place to protect consumers of this fledgling industry. All employees had to undergo background checks. Unannounced on-site audits were commonplace.
We were tasked with the protection of our customers' lives and property – a responsibility that we take very seriously. Our installation techniques were based on quality workmanship and attention to detail – they still are today. We built a state-of-the-art monitoring center in Southfield, Michigan to give our customers 24/7 access to the personal service they deserve – it protects thousands of homes and businesses each day.
For years, most of our competitors operated in a similar manner. But fast forward to 2017 and the playing field has changed dramatically. Local alarm companies have been largely replaced by national corporations, often phone and cable companies.
What caused this sea change in the industry? Here in Michigan, multimillion-dollar companies convinced the state to modify licensing requirements, stripping away important protections for consumers. For example, the state no longer requires background checks on employees. (As part of our commitment to your safety, we do a full background check on anyone we hire.)
Along with the erosion of consumer protections, the disappearance of dedicated, local alarm companies is causing many headaches for many:
1) Craftmanship has declined: The new business model seems to be just installing systems as quickly as possible. Their installers are not security specialists, but generalists. On most days, they are judged by the number of systems they install, not the quality. In the case of cable companies, their employees may be at your home to install internet, phone, and security systems all together. This tends to result in a lack of attention to the unique security needs of your home or business. These companies see alarm systems as just another revenue stream. At Ameri-Alarm, keeping you safe is all we do.
2) You don't own your security system: Prices can be misleading. Look a little closer at the agreement you're being offered: Would you actually own the system you pay for? You will probably find that the answer is no. And should you decide to switch to another carrier, they will demand that you return the equipment. At Ameri-Alarm, the security systems we install are owned by you, the customer.
Additionally, their systems are monitored by distant, usually out-of-state third party central stations. They often struggle to give customers straight answers regarding their alarms. Our central station is local – based right here in Michigan. Over the past four decades we have cultivated strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies.
3) Frustrating customer service: As most anyone who has been stuck on hold with a cable company can attest, it can be a maddening experience. At Ameri-Alarm, you can contact an operator in our central station 24/7, without ever pressing a number for this or that department. And should you ever need on-site help, our technicians are always just a call away.
So why did we dedicate a web page to this issue? We receive calls each week from our customers who have been approached by these companies. Although they are happy with our service, they are concerned that we might not be able to provide the features they are being offered.
Let me reassure you that not only are we fully capable of supplying all services that other companies do, we still install one job at a time, give you the best value for your dollar, and treat each of our customers with the respect that we would like to be shown. We have a strong commitment to our communities, even providing a number of systems at no charge to assist some very worthy charitable organizations.
To our current customers: We appreciate your business! Thank you for your support over the years. If you have any questions or needs, please get in touch with us either by phone or through this website. We will be happy to assist you.
And to prospective customers: Let us know how we can help! We'd love to provide you with a professionally installed system that will keep you safe and secure for years to come.
Thanks!
Stuart Rich
President, Ameri-Alarm