Aggressive Summer Salesmen often lie to make high commission sales.
It’s that time of the year. “Suns out Guns out” as the saying goes in Provo, Utah – Home of more than 6,000 men (and some women) who go door to door selling home alarm systems for companies like Vivint or ADT and even Protection One who has recently gotten in the game. While most (we hope) are trustworthy door to door salesmen scams offering a good price or deal, many tell lies or use aggressive salesmanship skills to close the deal. Why? Because the incentive is so high. Most sales in this industry will give the salesman $400-800 cash in their pocket per sale. If they are the manager, they will get an override on all of their sales reps sales as well. Also; they don’t get paid unless you get the system installed into your home. With a pay structure like this, it leads them desperate for the sale.
Since our main objective here at Alarm-Reviews.Net is educating the buyer of each company, we wanted to make sure that anyone researching for good home security reviews this year would be able to find this article and save themselves some time.
#1 – Verify the Salesmen and Company
. This is fairly easy to do. You will most likely be talking to the following: Vivint (has the most door to door sales reps). They will have a badge and a number you can verify the rep at. Security Networks – this is not as easy and honestly, we would suggest sending the sales rep away and checking out our top 3 companies. These people offer very long contracts of 5 years at rates of $80+ a month. Protection One has the most professional reps and they want to maintain their A+ BBB rating and have even fired sales reps for lying on the doors. To verify you will want to call your city to make sure they have a solicitation permit, then call the company to verify and check out their website.
# 2 – Review their contract and terms.
Is the deal too good to be true? Then it probably is. The average deal you will hear goes as follows: “Are you the Homeowner? Great., If you can hold a company sign out for me in the yard to help out with advertising, we will cover the costs of the alarm system for you. I am only doing this for X number of neighbors so it is in our best interest to help me before I run out.” Yes, it’s a pitch and they could do as many as they want at this deal. Even when they promise you no start-up costs by the end of the pitch they will usually have you paying $99-199 for installation, or an ‘activation/setup fee’.
No matter what they call it, they have broken their initial ‘Free Security System’ pitch. After breaking down their pitch, it is time to break down their contract. Several companies are now doing electronic contracts which makes it easier for the sales rep to not show you what you are getting. They will let you know you have been emailed the agreement. Make sure you read through it on their device first. Many of the companies are now 42-60 month contracts with auto-renewal. Ask any questions and call family or friends first. Don’t get taken advantage of just because it seems like a great deal at the moment.
#3 – Don’t feel rushed.
Sales reps are delegated ‘area’ for up to two weeks. You may have even seen this security salesman in your neighborhood a day or two before you got knocked on. When he or she tells you it is a once in a lifetime offer or that day only; know that you can always come to our website and find even better deals. Security companies always want new customers and therefore are always doing Free Installation perks or Free Security Camera etc. If you don’t feel comfortable or do not have a spouse at home to make the decision with you; don’t worry you will get knocked on again by the same or different company and the deal will possibly even be sweeter.
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Summary
With these tips in mind this summer; it will help you not fall victim to the next door to door security scam. Some companies are offering; several are shady companies and sales tactics to make a quick $500 from you and your family and your protection is their least amount of true concern.
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Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Last update on 2023-05-14 at 03:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Harrison says
This is crazy! We just moved into our new house and VIVINT SECURITY SYSTEM EMPLOYEES OR CONTRACTORS comes to our door every other day trying to sell us this BS. Remind you I tell them NO ALL THE TIME WE EVEN HAVE OUR ADT SIGN IN OUR YEARS AND THEY STILL COME!! I just reported them to HOA. So they can stop them from coming into our neighborhood. They are a big Scam. They don’t even have name badge with there names and company logs.
Mark says
Im with Luke on this,
We are out there everyday grinding out there. Many people do not understand the mental preparation of everyday dealing with rejection which most people shun from, we simply do the jobs that others will not do. do you talk down to a car salesman saying were never buying a care from the dealership because hes commission based. everyone is pointing their finger at the sales guy making a more honest living than others. we provide security, protection for homes and families. would you shun your wife for making a commission at her yard sale? or you sold your car to a higher bidder and made a commission off of it, are you going to lower the price you got it for? don’t talk about being unethical cause sales is sales no matter what your selling. we are all hungry we have to feed our families as the next person . now how many people have security systems. they have them for a reason and obviously its a proven fact that that work or some of the biggest companies wouldn’t be around as long as they have. think about that. yes there are shady characters everywhere in sales, no matter what one is selling.
Luke says
How about not being so critical of people who are just trying to put food on the table for themselves and their families? You think we walk around all day for fun? We go to work to care for our loved ones and pay our bills just like you. We are also the ones on the front lines driving the American economy forward. No ones putting a gun to your head. We (definitely myself personally) sell a product that,after people have it, LOVE it. Cameras and security have saved lives and property. But we’re bad guys because we earn commission? You use the word commission like it’s some dirty word. Would you enjoy showing up to your job every day and not getting paid? Neither do we. People buy from me because I demonstrate value in a product (that just so happens to have saved a life or two) and they pay a monthly fee that they can AFFORD. Try being a little more open minded and kind. You’re so insecure about people trying to take advantage of you in life and seeing the bad in fellow humans that you often slam the door in the face of a fellow hard working American who may actually have a product you would love. Half of my business is from referrals- what that tells you: those open minded and trusting enough to work with me NEVER regret it and often maintain a relationship with me afterwards because they’re happy I knocked their door. People on here being critical and nasty of salespeople are not good people who care for their fellow man
JR says
I used to work as an executive at a few of the alarm sales brands in Utah… I felt it dishonest to charge $80 or even $30 per month when I knew our cost to monitor was often less than $2/month per house. The save lives and valuables pitch is overused – its rare to have a fire or burglary in most of the locations that can afford these systems. In the places where it’s common, Americans are getting fear tactics tugging at their heartstrings and they mostly can’t afford the monthly fees.
Harrison says
It’s not a point of the sales people being nasty. The point is they come to my house just about every other day. I’m to the point where I will look at them and let him talk and then tell them that I have ADT which they can see it on the from door and signs in the yard. Again I say I live in a new neighborhood that’s only been built for 30 days and they still working on it and you asking me about a new system. If they look at my doorbell they will see that I already have the system put in my house. I just don’t get it. They really need to remove people that don’t want the service.
Jason Gordon says
I get a lot of sales rep that come to my house and try to sell me knives. This really helps me out deter the sales people behind a an actual legitimate company and those looking to scam and make a quick buck. The salesperson should be able to produce the information requested!
Alarm Reviews says
Yeah — great tips for any door to door product, not just home security. Common door to door products include:
– Knives (as you mentioned)
– Tupperwares
– Pest control
– Home security / automation
– Lawn care
– Children’s reading books programs
– Kirby vacuums (beware!)
On all of these, do your due diligence with the company and make sure it is a great product and service that stands behind it.
Sam Costello says
Be aware kokomo indiana. Reps claiming to be amp smart home are going door to door all over around the Frederick farms area. Very pushy sales tactics are being used and the same giraffe looking kid is around day to day. They are selling out of the trunk of a car marked from arizona. Scammers!!!!!
CJ says
Apart from being so annoying, these pesky salespeople prey on the elderlies. They use scare tactics to get bigger paychecks. And they do rush you because it’s how they play their game and they get so good at it that it only takes a few minutes to seal the deal. It’s not a con, but their tactics sure feel like one. Stay away from them. Do your research about security systems and go direct to the company to get the information you need.
James says
This confirms my thoughts. I’ve been getting calls every week offering a “free security system.” I just hang up because I have a feeling that it’s a scam or that the company will “give” me the system and throw on heavy charges. I see this isn’t a new article, but even so, this pitch is still happening. Sad to think that it must be working on some for it to still be in play.
Brandy says
I’ve actually just stumbled upon this information and didn’t realize how common an occurrence this all is! I’ve been getting calls because I “won” a “free security” system. Very glad you’ve reiterated my thoughts. Just a way to get their foot in the door and push something I don’t want onto me!
Laura says
Don’t let them rush you, they are only after getting their commission. They don’t care about your safety at all find someone who cares
Andrew says
Yeah door to doors salesman are going for that commission in hopes that you will do an impulse buy and not want to check out the competition.
Margaret Hoeft says
Quite Informative, All most salesmen care about is making as many sales as possible with the fastest albeit cunny way possible. I prefer dealing with the company direct than with salesmen.
George says
Great tips!! I hate those fishy salesman. They are rushing you so they can rush that commission to their pockets. I try to only deal with companies that don’t pay their employees by commission. They seem to be the more honest salesman. But it’s not something I can also do.
Jonathan says
Some nice insight on how not to get entrapped in the webs of some of those scamster salesmen. That’s why I keep coming back to your site to make myself more aware of this home security system industry. You’re the absolute authority in this. Though, I myself have an ADT system installed at my house, but some of my friends were looking for some good home security companies for their houses, and I’m surely gonna pass on this article and your site to them. It will help them a lot. Thanks a lot!!!
Paul S. says
Very informative piece. Since, I’m new to this place where I have just now shifted and needed a home security system badly, I will definitely be keeping all those points in mind if and when some, shady or legit, salesperson(s) visit my house with their offers. I’m much aware after reading this. Thanks so much!
Alexander says
I’m Canadian and live in a good neighborhood. Unfortunately, it seems like some thieves target these neighborhoods during the day. I want to get a security system that won’t cost me a ton of money but can’t be bypassed easily. (as easily as some systems).
I had a door to door salesman from a security reseller try to sell me a system. I didn’t want to commit, but he made some good points about vulnerabilities and ease of breaking in (lock bumping) which would leave me in a position where I am liable and my home insurance won’t cover the theft.
So, what security companies do you know of, or which measures can I take to make breaking in less likely.
Robert Johnson says
Well said, that’s obvious. A lot of door-to-door canvassing management is about “mood management.” They tell their canvassers whatever so they’ll feel pumped and excited — things like “you control how much money you make today!” “you’re selling an amazing product that everyone will want if you get your foot in the door!” And you’d be surprised how many other people with “no soliciting” signs have very little self-control.
Maria Garcia says
Thanks for your Post.
Just don’t buy stuff from door to door salespeople. This like 19-year old came to my old apartment once to sell magazines, and when I said “no thanks” politely, she asked to use my bathroom. Next thing I know, she’s playing my guitar and flipping through my bookshelf while her Mom apparently waited out in the car.
James Smith says
Some of the tactics that reps are taught by their managers to outsmart individuals include:
1. Disregard no soliciting signs – these are just people who have no self control and are not able to say no to salesmen. These are the best homes to knock
2. Ask for a drink of water or ask to use the bathroom to get in the door
3. Never say the word contract
4. When reviewing the contract length say, “We will lock in your price for x months” (never say years) “This is a great benefit to you because we are contractually obligated not to raise your monthly price over that time” (never mention that cancellation is not an option)
5. Sidestep questions about cancellation because the policy is that if they want to cancel they have to pay the full remaining balance of the monitoring agreement, or if they pay 50 a month and they have 30 months left, to cancel they would have to pay 50*30 or $1500
arian says
Security systems don’t stop professional thieves and door to door security salesmen are scammers selling bad products.
Buy a huge dog, feed it…..sometimes. Let it scavenge the rest of its food from criminals innards.
Also buy a large non-moveable safe for your valuables