It is estimated by 2020 that 30% of all homeowners will have a security service. Yet, people know so little about the industry and their own systems. Every summer thousands of door-to-door salesmen fly across the country to try to acquire, even more, customers. You probably had a couple stop by just a few months ago. Matching uniforms, name badge, and a smile is what most are greeted with. Unfortunately, a lot of people get charmed, tricked, and scammed into signing.
From college until recently, I worked for one of the largest security companies. My job was mainly combating competitor activity. Here are the top eight lies I saw salesmen use to get into your house and get you to sign on the line.
1. They are working for GE or Honeywell
This is mainly used by smaller companies you have never heard of. They do this because they are household names. Some will make their own patches and sew them to jackets to look official. They are not. Neither had a door-to-door presence for security and they only make the equipment.
2. They do the servicing for your current company.
If you have one of larger companies this will be used on you. You will be told they are here to check something out and that they are working with your current company. This is a total bait and switch sales tactic and some don't even realize they signed up for a new company until it is too late. They will also try to tell you something is wrong with your equipment. If something was wrong your company would let you know.
3. You are an advertising house.
"You get all your equipment for free if you just put a lawn sign out front to help us grow our business." Oldest and most popular lie in the security sales industry. Almost all systems are free regardless if you are customer one or one million.
4. They are licensed to be there.
Always, always, always check to make sure the solicitor has a state and city license. Most don't and this is always a great way to get out of a contract if they don't.
5. They are the manager.
They love giving whatever title to anyone. Again this is a tactic used by smaller companies who have little structure and want each rep to seem more than they are.
6. They can cancel for you.
Do not believe this. You have three days after signing to cancel for any reason and they are telling you this so your current company won't contact you. Also, good luck getting a hold of your rep after that three day period.
7. They are local or have a local office.
Always check this out with the corporate office. Usually, their "office" is the hotel they are staying at.
8. Your company doesn't service there anymore.
Often used in smaller towns where they convince people that they should be seeing their current provider more often. Honestly, though, if you don't need anything why would a company send someone to your house?
The saddest part is, most of them lie to themselves too. Sales reps get so much false information from the managers that they actually start to believe the lies they are telling people. That can only help close more deals though right? Hopefully the consumer gets more educated in this growing field and these basic but extremely effective lies will die out.
