5 Tips When Transitioning to a New Security Provider
Finding the right security provider for your family’s needs can be trickier than you may think. There are a variety of factors that impact how a security system integrates into your life and how your security provider fills the necessary gaps. If you are considering transitioning from one security provider to another, there are some things that you should think about. Our team of security professionals at Coggin have put together our top five tips for transitioning security providers to help you determine what is the best, and safest, course of action for you. Whether you are securing your home or business, the right security provider should be there to protect what you care about the most.
Build a Checklist for your New Security Provider
Building a checklist of the things that you need from your security provider is a good place to start. Understanding what you need and want on the front end makes narrowing down providers much easier and can help ensure that you are getting exactly what you need on the back end. Creating a checklist makes it easy to vocalize your priorities to potential providers and can guide the conversation to make sure you get what you want out of meetings with possible providers. Going in with a plan is a way to ensure that you don’t leave any discussions with more questions than answers.
Check the Termination Clauses
Check the contract that you signed with your current security provider. More often than not, there will be something in there about a notice period. This often gets lost in the paperwork and when the time comes to switch you can get caught having to pay for a month or more of a service that you are no longer using because of notice period clauses. If you can’t find the contract for your current provider, they should be able to provide it for you or answer any questions you may have about termination policies with a quick phone call. It’s better to check on the front end than to end up having to pay more than you should or suffering spotty service.
Stick With Your Budget
In addition to considerations about timing and available services, it’s vital to know the rates a potential provider is giving you before you get too far down the path. Oftentimes when the details are hammered out and you are finally feeling confident and excited about your new security plan, the proposal comes through and sticker shock sets in. Make sure to ask lots of questions about pricing and the service terms and conditions to avoid getting stuck with extra charges you didn’t even know you would be responsible for. Asking for an itemized list of services and costs is also a good way to break down and understand the pricing of what you are getting for your money.
Don’t Rush to Pick a Security Provider
There can be a lot of pressure to find a new security provider if your old one is not meeting your home security services needs. However, rushing into a contract with a new provider can put you right back in the same, or worse, position you already were in with your old one. Take your time and find a fit that feels right for you and your family. This can seem counterintuitive if your current provider is slacking, but it’s better to be sure than to have to do the transition process all over again. Finding a long-term security partner is part of ensuring the security of your loved ones and assets.
Prioritize Overall System Health
The security of your home or business should always be priority number one. Unfortunately, security can get lost in negotiations, terminations, and periods of transition. Your new provider should be prepared to uphold the mantle of your security and not leave you unprotected. Contract discussions and budget assessments aside, your providers should have a plan to keep you secure while you transition from one provider to the next. Choosing the right long-term partner and consistently re-evaluating priorities makes a huge difference in the overall health of your security.
Change is hard and the transition from one security provider to another is no exception. It can feel overwhelming to have to find a new provider and feel good about the switch while also trying to negotiate the phasing out of your old provider, contracts, budgets, and timelines. Just try and remember that the one thing everyone has in common is your security and safety. Don’t compromise your overall security in the chaos of transition. The right provider will prioritize keeping you and those you care about safe and secure. To explore the security solutions we offer at Coggin Security, please take a look at our services.