One of the major problems in the monitored alarm industry is alarm system “trunk slammers”. These people work out of their homes or cars, and the name is consistent with what they do – sell an alarm system directly out of their cars, and then slam the trunks shut and drive away.

An alarm system trunk slammer tries to sign up customers by going door-to-door to various homes and businesses. Often times, these unlicensed trunk slammers don’t have an office, registered employees, or even insurance. They won’t even examine your company’s offices or find out what kind of alarm system you would like. Their lure is to provide free or very cheap alarm systems to anyone who signs a long-term monitoring contract.

Two typical problems with this seemingly harmless method of doing business:

1. The alarm system isn’t necessarily free. The equipment may be leased with fees that are built into the monthly pricing that the trunk slammer doesn’t explain when going over the contract with you. Once the contract is up, the alarm company can take the equipment back if you don’t renew.

2. The contracts don’t stay with the trunk slammer. Trunk slammers will buy several alarm systems from a larger company at a deep discount. They then sign up any potential customer they can find and sell the signed contracts to the alarm company. The customers aren’t told who they can turn to for service – and then don’t know who to contact if they have questions or problems.

Before you do business with any dealer you’re considering, make sure you research them with outside organizations like the Better Business Bureau, the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), or your Attorney General’s office. They can provide information on service quality and if they have all necessary state and local licenses. Legitimate dealers should have no problem providing you with their license or a list of references.

Despite the temptation, don’t go with any company simply because of the promise of the cheapest alarm system equipment and setup.