As insecurity continues to become a major global concern, staying safe all the time is vital not just to you as an individual, but to everyone around you. The security industry has continued to play a key role in ensuring we continue to stay safe by offering different solutions. However, there is a demand for more security installation companies to address the ever-ballooning call to install new security alarm systems on the market.

In this piece, we tell you everything you need to know to start a successful security alarm installation company. Keep reading to learn more!

Industry overview

The security alarm installation business is part of the Security Alarm Services Industry. This industry is made of players that sell security systems such as fire alarms and locking devices. These players also offer installation, repair, and monitoring of electronic security alarm systems.

In recent years, this industry has grown tremendously. The growth is as a result of bolstered demand for new security alarm systems.

With this demand, there is room for small businesses to contribute, thrive, and maximize profits in this industry, and small businesses able to win the trust of the diverse consumers have a guaranteed bright future. So, there is a need for any start-up to work on proving itself trustworthy in the first place. Otherwise, it will be challenging for such businesses to excel.

Psychographics and demographics

The psychographic and demographics of those patronizing the security alarm installation companies cut across all corporate organizations and households; thus, the demographic structure for a security alarm installation agency is all-encompassing. 

It is, therefore, crucial to make sure that your target market is not just focused on household within your area, but all corporate organizations and businesses in the area your business is stationed.

It is even right to say that there is no niche area in the security alarm installation line of business because the security alarm installation business is a subcategory in the security alarm services industry. This is true because all security alarm installation companies are mostly involved in the installation of security alarm for commercial, industrial buildings, institutional, and residential. Besides, some companies offer additional services, including:

• Alarm system sales, installation, and repair
• Security alarm sales, installation, and repair
• Alarm system monitoring
• Burglar alarm monitoring
• Fire alarm monitoring
• Security systems monitoring
• Providing locksmith services
• Burglar alarm sales, installation, and repair
• Fire alarm sales, installation, and repair

Economic analysis

If focused on successfully starting your business, it is crucial that you first get the economic and cost analysis right. Additionally, you must also try your best to adopt best practices in the industry you pick to build a business in. As you carry out this analysis, keep in mind that you are not the only player in the industry. There are many operating companies and others will still come after you. So, it is vital you get the economic and cost analysis right before getting started. This calls for thorough research on your part!

Starting from scratch vs. buying a franchise

When starting a security alarm installation business, you can either start from scratch and witness as your business grows or you can buy the franchise of an existing company. Both options are viable, but we recommend starting from scratch because this is a business open to all, especially if you got what is required to run it. Not to mention that starting a security alarm installation is less stressful compared to other related businesses in the security alarm services. So don’t be afraid to start from scratch.

Possible challenges and threats you will face when getting started

We can guarantee you that it won’t be smooth even though there are opportunity ups for grabs in the security alarm service industry. So be prepared for some rough moments. Here are some of the challenges and threats you are likely to face:

• Established security alarm installation companies: the presence of these companies is itself a threat to your young business. But you shouldn’t be afraid to flex muscles with them if ready to create your own market.
• Economic downturn: a plunge in the economy tends to hurt businesses such as security alarm installation companies significantly. These businesses often struggle to maintain and attract new customers.

The best legal entity for security alarm installation business

You can either pick a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, or even a limited liability company for this type of business. A sole proprietorship is an ideal option if starting with a moderate start-up capital in a small area and offering certain security alarm installation services.

But if planning to grow your business and have offices and corporate customers in different parts of the United States and other parts of the world, a limited liability company or general partnership will start you off on the right foot and propel you forward at the right pace.  

An appropriate name for your business

Choose a name you are confident will talk more about your business. So, don’t pick a name for the sake of choosing one. Naturally, most people tend to follow the trend in the industry they intend to operate from when naming their business. We encourage you to do the same.

Insurance policies

You can’t operate a business in the United States without having some basic insurance policy. The same applies to most countries in the world. So, make sure to allocate a budget for an insurance cover and perhaps consult widely before purchasing a cover.

Intellectual property protection

If focused on starting your own business from scratch, normally, you may not need to file for intellectual property or trademark. Why? This is so because the nature of your business makes it possible for you to run it without having any reason to contest anybody in court for unlawfully using your company’s intellectual properties.

However, if you want to protect some details about your company that are unique to you, such as logo, documents, software, etc., there is a need to file for intellectual property protection.

Legal documents you need to run a security alarm installation business

You can’t run a business in the United States without having the necessary documents. If you do, it won’t be long before the long hand of the law catches up with you. Below is a list of some the basic documents you need to run your security alarm installation company legally:

• Insurance Policy
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business Plan
• Business License / Security Alarm Installer License
• Tax Payer’s ID / Tax Identification Number
• Contract Document
• Franchise or Trademark License (optional)
• Employee Handbook
• Employment Agreement (offer letters)
• Operating Agreement for LLCs
• Non – disclosure Agreement
• Online Terms of Use
• Company Bylaws
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• Building License
• Online Privacy Policy Document (basically for online payment portal)

Financing your security alarm Installation business 

How much you will need to start and run your business will depend on whether you are starting on a small scale or a large scale. If starting on a small scale, you just need a small capital to secure a standard office, purchase the right working tools, etc. 

If you decide to start on a large scale, you may need to source extra funds to finance it. So, make sure to pick a path that is ideal for you.

You can also leverage a dealer program, which is a common financing method in the security industry. This method though it varies in results and styles, is tailored to cater specifically to installation companies and their needs. Dealer programs are often offered by financing companies, distributors, manufacturers, and even some central monitoring stations.

Pick a suitable location for your company

The location of any business is key to its success. So before getting started, make sure to consider a location where your business is more likely to thrive. An ideal location has high business activities and households with the required lifestyle and buying power.

Get a distribution partner

Do you have a distribution company to purchase from? Once you have the needed capital or secured some financing and ready to buy some inventory, it is time to find a supplier of the products you need. It is better if you have some distributors in mind, but you can always search for new ones.

You are even likely to come across manufacturers who use licensed suppliers to resell their products. Or even distributors who offer better terms, rebate programs, and great discounts producers wouldn’t offer on their own.

Here are some of the common security systems for small businesses we enjoin you to give a shot:

• STANLEY Security
• Kogniz
• SimpliSafe
• ADT
• Tattletale
• Abode
• Vector Security
• Scout
• Protection 1

Promote your business 

There are various ways today to market your alarm & security business locally. Getting your business name into local business listings and using tools like Google My Business are some of the common ways that will help your business appear in the buyer’s journey. In a nutshell, focus on the various ways that will not only help balloon your business exposure but also position you as a trustworthy brand. Below are some local marketing tools that you can use:

• Social Media
• Google My Business
• Google Reviews
• Keywords
• Awards
• Local Business Listings

And since most people start their search online, we recommend you build a good website and leverage social media. That way, you will be found by those looking online for a security alarm installation service in your area.  Your website and various social media accounts will also come in handy when promoting your business globally. 

Conclusion

Now you know what it takes to run a successful alarm security company. As an alarm security payment software company, we hope you think of us when you decide to generate your customer’s invoices.