Security systems...

[joe-jen12]

Hi All,

After years as working as a special constable, it shocked me that everytime we turned out to for example, a burglary, it would always be a house with poor security features.

On several occasions, the house that had been targeted would be sat in between two other houses, the difference being the other two would have an alarm fitted etc.

So I decided to set up a business selling security products such as CCTV, Alarms, lighting etc.

If anyone could answer the quick poll attached I would be very grateful.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

You are getting into a very saturated market place.
What is your USP?
Are you qualified to recommend one particular make over another?
Are you familiar with all makes of euipment so as to give your potential clients a wide choice of products?
Will you be installing and maintaining the equipment?
You also need to consider product insurances.
Good luck.

 

[joe-jen12]

You are getting into a very saturated market place.
What is your USP?
Are you qualified to recommend one particular make over another?
Are you familiar with all makes of euipment so as to give your potential clients a wide choice of products?
Will you be installing and maintaining the equipment?
You also need to consider product insurances.
Good luck.

Thanks for your reply.

I realise the marketplace is saturated, so my USP, so to speak, is going to have to be low price high quality.

No "qualifications" needed to recommend products, but I have the knowledge to do so effectively.

Also, I wont be installing/maintaining the products.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

"low price high quality."
And there's your problem.The two things cannot co-exist.

 

[marklew]

Hi All,

After years as working as a special constable, it shocked me that everytime we turned out to for example, a burglary, it would always be a house with poor security features.

On several occasions, the house that had been targeted would be sat in between two other houses, the difference being the other two would have an alarm fitted etc.

To me this should be your USP. Ex special constable with x years experience on what to do to protect your home, in the package review of your property and supply of items to make it up to standard so it is not targeted (if you are not going to fit and maintain I would also get a partnership with someone who does so that you can offer the complete package that other companies will do).

Personally I think you have people who care and will do it, those who wont (until it happens to them and then they will). Not sure if they are readily available or if you have 'contacts' who can advise, but I would target areas with recent burglaries with a leaflet drop... "in the last 4 weeks 3 houses on x street, 2 on x street and 1 on ex street have been burgled. Is your home secure? *insert above about your experience (also brings trust being in a respected position)*

 

[kamb]

I'd be interested to know what experience the op has with the many different makes/models of security products on the market at the moment.

What sector are you looking at? Commercial? Residential? Industrial? etc?

Each have their own specific requirements and resons for purchasing a product.

Also, say I was to buy a cctv or intruder system, how would you propose I have it fitted? Is it kit suitable for diy installation or do I have to source my own installer, in which case I might as well go direct to someone that can do the whole job?

 

[joe-jen12]

"low price high quality."
And there's your problem.The two things cannot co-exist.

I guess it depends on your definition of the two, but I assure you they can and do co-exist if you look hard enough! Lol

 

[joe-jen12]

I'd be interested to know what experience the op has with the many different makes/models of security products on the market at the moment.

What sector are you looking at? Commercial? Residential? Industrial? etc?

Each have their own specific requirements and resons for purchasing a product.

Also, say I was to buy a cctv or intruder system, how would you propose I have it fitted? Is it kit suitable for diy installation or do I have to source my own installer, in which case I might as well go direct to someone that can do the whole job?

'Experience' of the "many different systems"? Other than lots and lots of research and experience, none. But I feel over 18 months of research and testing had put me in fairly good stead.

To begin with, I would be targeting the residential market.

And finally, I have designed all of my kits and sourced all of my products to be very 'user-friendly', with a 'plug and play' type installation all that is required.

 

[MOIC]

With reference the opening post, burglars are not stupid, for sure they will target the property with least security protection.

Not sure why you should be shocked by this fact.

Low cost, high quality?

If it's available to you, it's available to everybody else.

For this to be workable, you must use your experience and advise each potential customer what protection is required and be able to install it as a package.

Best of luck with your project.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Hi Jen,

As a Locksmith and security specialist based in Bury, Manchester - if you need any help with anything whatsoever just give me a bell 0161 762 9936 option 2 or email me via the email address on the website (substitute info with sales)

I honestly wish you all the luck in the world, as stated previously by someone, your USP is the fact that you were a special constable, You've seen the aftermath of a robbery, you've seen the reasons as to why and how.

Rather than providing the "cheapest" products for people go for the mid-range, there are 100's of reasonably priced products out there that are more than affordable and gives the plug and play function for the residential market. Don't be fooled by the prices though... some products out there claim to be the best for the price, when in actual fact it's pants.

If all you're doing is providing the product and selling the product may I suggest you get in touch with Steffan George from the MLA (Master Locksmith's Association) and discuss the promotion of the MLA through your company... You'll have Locksmith's, Alarm & CCTV suppliers/installers readily at your customers availability. Perhaps discuss with him about being an affiliated company? I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sure on how it would work but it's worth a chat.

With regards to the plug and play functioned products though, please remember that these are not "exactly" the best when it comes to insurance for people's properties... We always give the two options when it comes to CCTV and Alarms.

 

[ricky_siobhan]

If you have any Security Questions Try contacting, lockforce hull. for free advice one security Also I found Security lights are a good deterrent. As much so as CCTV as if there not bothered about being seen neither will stop them unfortunately. Just make it Harder for them to gain entry therefore giving time for them to give up or the police to arrive. Simple TS007 locks will so this or B/S mortice locks. With Sash jammers or Dead locks.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

The main problem that I have with TS007 and other so called BS locks (BS3621) (EN1303) is that they all have their flaws - even the ABS cylinder is easy to gain access and manipulate, even when fitted correctly. you've just got to know what you're doing... problem is though, it doesn't take much to figure out how to do it.

Lock bumping and lock picking unfortunately is fast becoming a crazy past time hobby for some chaps and chapettes! - these chuffed individuals stick a video on the likes of youtube to brag to each other, then lo and behold everyone and anyone knows how to do it.

What needs to happen is someone to come up with a euro cylinder that has all the usual anti-pick, anti-drill, anti-snap, anti bump, anti tamper etc etc. and then modify it so that even a locksmith like myself can't get through the bugger... if we can't do it then no one can... problem with doing that though is then a locksmith would then become more redundant than we're already becoming due to glaziers or joiners who claim to be able to "install" the correct locks.

The amount of joiners that we've dealt with who have installed non BS locks to external doors is getting downright stupid right now, then we've got the glaziers or window & door specialists who "manufacturer" the product then claim that their locksmith can install the correct security product to the doors and windows - only to bugger it all up by putting in the cheapest, nastiest lock they can find, simply because they thought better to save money and make money rather than provide a professional service to their customer.

Even to the degree of Rock door specialists, an absolute farce! why would you spend £1000 - £2000 on the most expensive door, only to have an imported non BS cylinder installed? We found a 4 pin cylinder in a rock door just two weeks ago, amusing for us, not so amusing for the customer who had paid over £3000 for all his doors to be provided by a dodgy scroat of a guy who re-pinned the cylinders from a 6 pin to a 4 pin purely to provide a "KEYED ALIKE" service.