AlarmReview said:
OK., get it.
Naw, I don't think it's a good example, since the thread is still basically
ontrack about lock-out codes. Interesting philosophies are coming out. Also,
nobody equated lockout codes to airplanes, Canadian Beer, WMD, RFI, or
mentioned the "Testimony" yet, so it doesn't qualify for the "light-bulb"
analogy. Damn, I just did!!! It's now officially the ASA light bulb
Since you are following this, what's your opinion on lockout codes? Am I far
off base?
Rob-
I don't see a lot of "locked" boards since we don't do a whole lot of
take-overs (not our market). That having been said, when people find out
about our low rates and excellent service it doesn't take much to convince
them to switch. Our account base has been growing fairly steadily for a
number of years and our attrition rate is practically zero. I don't believe
in long term contracts and have views similar to RHC when it comes to
cancellations and "letting the customer go".
My opinion of locking boards hasn't changed, however. It does have it's
place when the customer elects to lease or "rent" the system. If the
customer cancels monitoring for whatever reason (on equipment he's
purchased), the installer code's defaulted and the system's wiped of any
phone numbers and proprietory monitoring account information.
You're not "far off base", Rob. Your opinions are your own (and I respect
them). Robbert's are his own. Who's to say who's right or wrong? My
insurer's "E&O's" policy dictates what we have to do (in a manner of
speaking) concerning this issue. I'm not saying they actually tell us to
use lock out codes (in those exact words), but I do know we have to take
whatever steps necessary to "cover our ass". They'd have "kittens" if we
gave our customers the installer access code on a monitored system as would
our CS or if left them at the factory defaults on a local system (in the
latter case, the customer tells us what code to use). Since Robbert doesn't
have insurance, he's free to do as he pleases. Individuals who wish to
"deal" with him are also free to do so. I anticipate anyone contemplating
the purchase of security products (including monitoring) online would have
the intelligence to investigate all the options and not settle on the
company with the lowest price or the jerk with the loudest voice.