This summer, thousands of door-to-door security salesmen will prey on neighborhoods across America. Their goal is to earn their commission by getting you to sign a long-term contract using door-to-door sales tactics. They try to get you to switch to another home security provider, often through sales scams that may leave you stuck with unexpected expenses or a long-term contract. 

Notice to Simpson Security Customers: Before you make any decisions or sign a contract, give us a call. We can go over their proposal with you and let you know if we can offer the same services.

What are some of their tactics?

1. Saying there is a “Neighborhood Special”

The “neighborhood special” is a popular sales pitch with these companies. They’ll tell you that they are currently running a special in your neighborhood. You’ll be sure to hear about your neighbors down the street and around the corner who just purchased a system.

2. Using Scare Tactics

Sometimes door-to-door alarm salesmen will resort to scare tactics like telling the homeowner there have been break-ins in their neighborhood. All the door-to-door salesperson is doing is getting the homeowner worked up and thinking about their vulnerabilities.

3. Claiming they’re with your security company

You may get approached by someone claiming they are with your security company or that your security company has gone out of business. Their intent to replace or upgrade your system and have you sign a long-term contract that you can’t get out of. The next thing you know, you are sitting down with a complete stranger giving him or her all your personal information.

Simpson Security will never show up unannounced. If someone comes to your door claiming to be from Simpson Security, they are lying. That’s right. Simpson Security will NEVER come to your door trying to sell you something.

Who Are These Door-Knockers?

In case this is a new topic for you, door knockers are the outfits whose representatives show up uninvited with a home security offer that is just too good to pass up. It is a sad fact that the absurdly high sales commissions paid to college students selling alarms door-to-door result in some door knockers engaging in overly aggressive selling – or even obliterating the truth to make a sale.

What can I do to protect myself?

1. Be aware of high-pressure tactics

These salesmen can be very good and will use all of their tricks to earn their commision. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t answer the door.

2. Never let a salesman into your home

Letting a stranger into your house is incredibly dangerous. If you hear a knock on your door and a stranger is there, use caution! Check it out first! It’s always best to use the peephole or a window to see who is at the door prior opening it. Particularly, if you are home alone – ask them to identify themselves before opening the door. If you are concerned, it’s absolutely okay to turn them away without opening your door. It’s not rude to protect yourself. Your safety is a priority.

3. Get verbal promises in writing

If they promise you something and it isn’t on the contract, have them write it down, or it may not be honored.

4. Read the fine print

Check the length of the contract and all costs, including equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring fees.

5. Understand your right to cancel

You have a right to cancel a contract within three (3) business days. If you decide that you do not want the system, it is your responsibility to notify the company of the cancellation in writing within that time period.

6. Take your time

Don’t sign any long-term contracts until you carefully reviewed them.

7. When in doubt, shut the door

If at any time you no longer want to talk to a salesman, just shut your door. According to this article by the AARP, this poor couple got scammed out of over $8,000 by a door-to-door salesman.

The fact of the matter is that it pays to shop around, so take your time: you’ll find more generous offers from other alarm companies with far better reputations and service records – like Simpson Security Systems. When you’re ready to learn why we are the #1 home security company in Central Louisiana, just check us out online.