Maybe I Should've Used Brinks!
Written: Jun 10 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Brinks Has to Be Better than SecurityLink/Ameritech
Cons: More Expensive-Removal of some Equipment
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| JBduckling's Full Review: Brinks Home Security System |
In building our home, we added-on a very important service, a home security system. It wasn't so much as the need, but more for the peace of mind. The security system does lower the homeowner's insurance, too. In shopping for the system, we did contact Brink's and did not go with them for a variety of reasons.
At the time, Brink's was more costly on their monthly service, plus the removal of some of our installed equipment, to be replaced by Brinks proprietary equipment. We went with a local, regional company. It included police and fire monitoring, door and window contacts, yard signs and window decals, telephone connection, sirens, and awesome service. It was not one of the "Big 3" of Brinks, ADT, or Honeywell. We were pleased with the service, price, and security involved. However, we're now shopping for a new provider.
Our wonderful security company was recently purchased/merged with SecurityLink from Ameritech. In this case, bigger is definitely not better. We recently had our phone area code changed by (Is This Your Final Answer?) Ameritech. You would think the change over would be flawless, especially with Ameritech dealing with another Ameritech division. Right? Nearly a month later, after countless phone calls, and finally, intervention from another Ameritech employee, were we secure again. Wait! Ameritech switched the area code and didn't notify their sister companies? It could have been anticipated and taken care of before the cut-over day.
Of course, our bill was credited for interruption of service. Wrong answer, more countless calls to get one months credit of service. Ameritech wouldn't raise our rates? Of course, they did! And my favorite, I tripped the alarm one morning, stumbling around before my coffee, and I called my "special" number for prompt service. I got an automated answering service, "For a billing question, press 1, to report a false alarm, press 2, for other...". I pressed 2 and was put on hold, a representative answered and put me on hold again. Finally, I was able to cancel the alarm.
"Hello, Brink's? This is homeowner..., and presently shopping for rates." I can tell you Brinks is about $10 more expensive per quarter, still has to remove equipment and install their keypads. Brinks will include the signs, decals and monitor all detectors our house. I am also shopping with a local company, plus Honeywell and ADT. The companies all seem to be within $10 or so in their quarterly rates. Our decision will come down to service, or the lack thereof! So far, the contact I've had with the Brinks representatives have been friendly and informative. When the decision is made to change, it will be noted in this opinion!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
JBduckling
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 in Sports & Outdoors |
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Location: The Great State of Wisconsin
Reviews written: 426
Trusted by: 186 members
About Me:
The boys have Mommy's good looks. There's a resemblance between me and cat. Poor Kitty!
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