From vacuums that are promised to be able to clean even the largest of dirt spills to cleaning solutions that will miraculously melt pesky stains away, the summer season often brings a slew of salespeople to your doorstep. While some of these salesmen are offering quality products, many are simply hawking their wares to whoever will fall for their sales spiel.

When it comes to home security systems, the summer sees an increase in those who visit people’s homes in hopes of selling them on the latest and greatest in alarms. However, door-to-door sales are often the tactics of large corporations who simply send forth salesmen who work for commission and lack any true knowledge about home security.

Be prepared this summer season for door-to-door security sales and understand everything you need to know about quality security systems before you buy. When you’ve done your research, you can always count on the home security specialists at Fifteen Alarms for installations and monitoring — we provide service for homeowners throughout Memphis, Bartlett, Cordova, Lakeland, Southwind, Germantown, Whitehaven, and Arlington.

Ask About Contracts

One of the biggest tactics door-to-door salesmen will employ is luring homeowners in with grand promises of free home security systems. As with most things in life, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. When a salesperson starts promising you the moon and the stars at zero cost to you, it is time to start asking questions.

One of the biggest things that door-to-door security salespeople will “forget” to mention is the long-term contract they are locking you into. Some of these contracts last upwards of two years with no way for you to back out. In fact, if you try to break one of these contracts, you will be penalized through massive fees and you can potentially face being sent to collections. This means that even if the customer service you are provided with down the road doesn’t make you happy, you have no way of leaving the contract to find a better company.

This “free” security system isn’t so free after all. Be sure you always ask for details about contracts. Find out more about the length of the contract, any monthly fees you might be incurring, and what happens if you ever wanted out of the deal.

The best choice is to opt for a company that offers home security systems without long-term contracts. Click the banner below to learn more about plans that do not require lengthy commitments.

Be Wary of a Lack of True Knowledge

If it seems like the person trying to sell you a home security system is lacking knowledge about the system they are selling, it is probably a good indication that the company is hiring anyone who is willing to sell without training them properly. Make sure that when are you considering the purchase of a home security system you are able to have all your questions answered.

Large security system companies often pay their salespeople only off of commission. This means those door-to-door salesmen will likely be extremely pushy without a true understanding of home security to back their sales. This can cause homeowners to purchase the wrong system for their needs and to sign up for services that aren’t relevant.

A good home security company should provide you with a hassle-free, no-pressure consultation. During this time you should be speaking with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the services they offer. By taking the time to understand your specific needs, a good home security company will pair you with the exact services you need without locking you into a long-term contract.

Always Practice Caution

While most door-to-door salesmen are genuine people trying to make a living, you should always practice caution when a stranger comes to your door. During the peak selling season, it is easy for a ne’er-do-well to take advantage of trusting homeowners. Never allow someone you don’t know inside your home simply because they claim to be selling a security system.

It is a far better choice to contact a local home security company and request a pre-scheduled appointment when you are interested in a security system. This way you will know for sure that the person who is standing on your front doorstep is actually a company representative.

Make sure you also coach your family members on this important tip. Let your kids know that even people who claim to work for security companies should never be allowed in the home without your prior approval.

Do Your Research and Choose Local

When it comes to picking out a new home security system, the best way you can protect yourself from scams and poorly operated companies is to take the time to do your research. While door-to-door salespeople will try to pressure you into a quick sale, it is wise to take the time to consider all your options. With a decision as big as your home security, there is no amount of research that is too much.

Not only should you spend time looking into all your options, comparing prices, and finding the right equipment for your needs, you should also choose a local company you can count on. With many large, national home security chains, you will never receive the personalized service that a local company will provide. Opt for a Memphis-based home security company that will be there to help you long past installation.

If you are interested in learning more about the home security systems we offer at Fifteen Alarms, we welcome you to reach out to our friendly team. We will be happy to provide you with a no-pressure consultation. We are passionate about helping local residents in and around Memphis access affordable home security systems. Learn more today.